Pasco planning commission reviews 'Pasco Works' economic chapter; debates EDO delegation, infrastructure and incentives

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — The Pasco County Local Planning Agency on Sept. 4 reviewed Pasco 2050’s economic development chapter, titled “Pasco Works,” and asked staff to clarify several policies after extended discussion about delegating duties to an economic development organization, preserving employment lands, and coordinating utilities and workforce programs.

The presentation by Victoria Espritos, Planning Development & Economic Growth Department staff, summarized the draft: "Today's local planning agency comprehensive plan update session will focus on the PASCO 20 50 chapter of PASCO Works, which is the economic development element of the comprehensive plan." She noted the chapter was reorganized to one goal, eight objectives (one new) and 30 policies (three new), and that the draft aligns with the county’s 2024 economic growth program strategy study.

Why it matters: The chapter frames long-range county policy on business recruitment, workforce development, infrastructure and public–private partnerships. Commissioners said wording and attachments could create unintended legal or operational obligations for outside entities and for the county’s ability to manage infrastructure and incentives.

What happened at the workshop

Staff overview — Hai Mazile, senior planner and project manager, walked commissioners through the chapter’s major additions: stronger language adopting the 2024 economic growth program study as a blueprint (Policy works 1.1.05), new entrepreneurship and small-business support policies (Policy 1.3.5), and a focus on a Pasco Ready Sites program to identify industrial parcels with necessary zoning, permitting and infrastructure (Policy works 1.4.1504).

Sunshine law and delegation concerns — Several commissioners questioned policies that name or delegate duties to an economic development organization (EDO). A planning commissioner said the concern was…