2012 : Year at a Glance
Policy Actions & Accomplishments in 2012
As we emerge from the economic downturn of recent years , we are seeing investments in Jupiter by developers , and an upturn in our local real estate market . Our investment in bioscience is paying off , and we continue to work hard to structure an efficient local government organization that creates a stable , strong local economy for residents and businesses . We must also ensure that our residents have access to the services they need , whether provided by the Town or other agencies . Providing high-quality services and enabling access to needed services at a reasonable price of government continues to be our focus .
At the same time , we must continue to preserve quality of life while carefully managing growth and development . As we complete “ build-out ” of our community , it is increasingly important to manage redevelopment in a way that improves existing areas and enhances the community . Through careful development and redevelopment , we are enabling more public access to our waterfronts , creating more public amenities for residents to enjoy , and improving transportation and mobility .
Financial & Organizational Sustainability
• Maintained flat property tax , water utility and stormwater utility rates , and approved a budget that maintains levels of service despite lower revenue levels .
• Implemented a new financial management system in order to enhance access to data and make the process of day-to-day financial management more efficient .
• Continued to combine and consolidate similar functions within the Town ’ s organization to realize greater efficiency . Examples included completing the integration of Parks and Public works field staffs , and colocating and integrating certain functions of Planning & Zoning and Building .
• Expanded staff training programs for team-based scientific problem-solving techniques in order to empower employees to tackle efficiency and work-flow issues in daily operations .
Economic Development & Business Support
• Streamlined the approval process for assistance and support for local companies through the use of the Town ’ s Economic Development Fund , which is being used to assist in the growth of the bioscience cluster and high-tech industries in Jupiter .
• Completed approvals for several development projects to support Jupiter ’ s economic growth and create jobs , including Harbourside , Water Pointe , Courtyard by Marriott , and expansions at Power Systems Manufacturing and Walmart .
• Approved the undergrounding of utilities along A1A in Inlet Village , offering businesses and residents greater protection from natural disasters .
Quality of Life
• Completed the north section of the Riverwalk , allowing over 1.5 miles of continuous waterfront access for residents and visitors .
• Restored an important piece of Jupiter ’ s history by moving the Historic Train Depot from Tequesta to Sawfish Bay Park , where it will be restored to represent its original likeness by the Loxahatchee Guild .
• Established a community health clinic with a group of private and public partners to provide services to uninsured and underinsured north county residents .
• Became a HUD-qualified community , opening up access to additional funding for housing and neighborhood improvements .
A Look Ahead To 2013
2013 will be an important year for Jupiter ’ s economy , as redevelopment and development efforts help to support growth , and the local real-estate market continues to recover . Some highlights to look for during 2013 include :
• Continuing to streamline the Town ’ s organization for efficiency , striving to maintain flat property tax and utilities rates while offering current services at a high level of quality .
• Revising of business tax and business registration procedures and rates to reduce some of the burden on local businesses .
• An analysis of Jupiter ’ s police and fire rescue service delivery , with an eye toward reducing the overall public safety cost of service to residents .
• Continuing support for Jupiter ’ s local and small businesses , and innovative support programs to help them thrive .
• Growing of Jupiter ’ s bioscience and research and development business community , with support from local , county and state agencies .
• Managing traffic and roadway projects like the southern extension of Island Way that seek to balance the effects of economic growth and quality of life by relieving some congestion and offering safe access and travel .