Deltona workshop focuses comprehensive‑plan update on jobs, mixed‑use centers and implementation reporting

Consultants and Deltona staff presented the economic development element at a joint City Commission and Planning & Zoning workshop on Aug. 31, saying the city should prioritize high‑wage job growth, preserve industrial and commercial land, and concentrate new activity in designated mixed‑use centers.

"Tonight, we are here for workshop 6 of the comprehensive plan update," Jordan Smith, Deltona’s planning director, said as he opened the meeting and outlined the agenda. Consultants told the group that focusing density in core mixed‑use areas would both support walkable activity and reduce pressure on surrounding single‑family neighborhoods.

The presentation proposed three mixed‑use categories (neighborhood, community and uptown) with differing density and height expectations; consultants said the uptown or town‑center area was intended to be the highest‑intensity zone. They also recommended tools such as targeted industry lists, expedited review paths for high‑wage projects and local special‑area master plans to guide implementation.

Commissioners pressed staff on practical questions about infrastructure financing and timing. "How do we where do we write that in as far as, who's paying for that, what mechanisms and trade offs are available?" Commissioner Novick asked, raising the issue of cost‑sharing when utility mains must be upsized for future development. Consultants replied that the land‑development code, master‑planning and capital improvements processes would be the appropriate places to set cost‑sharing rules and that the comprehensive plan should remain strategic rather than project‑specific.

The consultants also proposed an annual economic development performance report to track whether goals are being implemented; staff said an annual report would provide transparency on capital projects, grants and other tools used to achieve the plan’s objectives. Staff and consultants agreed to refine language and bring revisions to the next workshop.