{"id":938,"date":"2026-10-23T13:52:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T13:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pamlombardrealtor.com\/?p=938"},"modified":"2026-10-13T14:02:26","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T14:02:26","slug":"one-pinellas-building-a-stronger-economy-and-a-better-future-for-pinellas-county","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pamlombardrealtor.com\/?p=938","title":{"rendered":"One Pinellas: Building a Stronger Economy and a Better Future for Pinellas County"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Pam Lombard, REALTOR\u00ae | Century 21 Integra Real Estate<\/p>\n

When people think about Pinellas County, they often picture our beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, charming downtown districts, waterfront communities, and year-round sunshine.<\/p>\n

But there is another important part of what makes Pinellas County such a desirable place to live: our local economy.<\/p>\n

From small businesses in downtown Dunedin to major employers in Clearwater and St. Petersburg, economic growth plays an important role in the health of our communities and the future of our real estate market.<\/p>\n

One initiative helping bring business leaders together is the One Pinellas Business Alliance, working with Pinellas County Economic Development.<\/p>\n

What is One Pinellas?<\/h3>\n

The One Pinellas Business Alliance brings together business executives to discuss economic opportunities, workforce needs, housing challenges, and ways to strengthen the county’s business environment.<\/p>\n

According to Pinellas County’s economic development reporting, the alliance was established to encourage collaboration among business leaders and help develop actionable recommendations for economic development, talent recruitment, and workforce housing.<\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>\n
\n
The idea is that a successful community needs more than new businesses. It also needs a skilled workforce, available housing, infrastructure, and opportunities for residents to build successful careers.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Why economic development matters to homeowners<\/h3>\n

A strong local economy can contribute to a healthier real estate market.<\/p>\n

When businesses expand and create jobs, they attract employees who need places to live. Existing residents may also benefit from better employment opportunities and stronger local services.<\/p>\n

Economic development can influence housing demand, neighborhood revitalization, commercial investment, and long-term property values.<\/p>\n

However, economic growth does not automatically mean higher home prices or improved affordability. The type of jobs created, wage levels, housing supply, and infrastructure capacity all matter.<\/p>\n

Four priorities shaping the future of Pinellas County<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Small<\/p>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

1. Supporting local businesses<\/p>\n

Pinellas County Economic Development helps existing companies expand while working to attract new employers. Business consulting, site-selection assistance, and workforce resources can help businesses remain competitive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\"CNC<\/p>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

2. Creating career opportunities<\/p>\n

Partnerships with educational institutions and workforce organizations help connect employers with qualified workers and support training for higher-paying careers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\"Lynn<\/p>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

3. Addressing workforce housing<\/p>\n

Employers need workers who can afford to live within a reasonable distance of their jobs. Housing availability and affordability have been major concerns raised by One Pinellas business leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\"Northern<\/p>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

4. Improving transportation and infrastructure<\/p>\n

Transportation options, available business sites, and infrastructure investment help connect residents to employment opportunities and support future growth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

These issues were specifically identified in One Pinellas Business Alliance discussions, along with the importance of coordinating business, education, and government resources.<\/p>\n

Workforce housing: A major challenge for Pinellas County<\/h3>\n

One of the most important issues facing our community is housing affordability.<\/p>\n

Pinellas County is home to teachers, firefighters, healthcare workers, hospitality employees, small-business owners, and many other professionals who help make our communities function.<\/p>\n

Yet finding housing that fits their income can be challenging.<\/p>\n

The One Pinellas Business Alliance identified affordable workforce housing as a leading concern among participating business executives.<\/p>\n

For employers, housing affordability is not simply a real estate issue. It can affect their ability to recruit employees, retain talent, and expand their businesses.<\/p>\n

What is Pinellas County doing to encourage growth?<\/h3>\n

Pinellas County Economic Development supports business expansion, redevelopment, and job creation through several programs.<\/p>\n

One example is the Employment Sites Program, which helps facilitate the development and redevelopment of office and industrial properties.<\/p>\n

According to the county’s FY2026 budget documentation, the program had 26 approved projects representing approximately $251.4 million in total project costs and 1.6 million square feet of office and industrial development or redevelopment.<\/p>\n

The county also reported business recruitment and expansion efforts that brought new investment into Pinellas County.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Pinellas County<\/div>\n
+1<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

These investments can create opportunities beyond the individual businesses involved, including jobs for construction workers, suppliers, service providers, and other local companies.<\/p>\n

What does One Pinellas mean for Dunedin, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, and Safety Harbor?<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Multi-Family<\/p>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\"City<\/p>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\"Palm<\/p>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
8<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Each community in northern Pinellas County has its own identity.<\/p>\n

Dunedin offers a vibrant downtown, walkable neighborhoods, independent businesses, and access to the Pinellas Trail.<\/p>\n

Clearwater has major employment centers, established residential neighborhoods, and a strong tourism economy.<\/p>\n

Palm Harbor offers a combination of residential communities, shopping, professional services, and recreational opportunities.<\/p>\n

Safety Harbor is known for its small-town atmosphere, waterfront setting, and locally owned businesses.<\/p>\n

Although their characteristics differ, these communities share important economic concerns: housing affordability, transportation, workforce availability, and responsible growth.<\/p>\n

Countywide collaboration can help address issues that extend beyond individual city boundaries.<\/p>\n

The connection between economic development and real estate<\/h3>\n

As a REALTOR\u00ae serving Pinellas County, I believe it is important to look beyond today’s listing prices.<\/p>\n

When evaluating a community, buyers and investors should consider employment opportunities, infrastructure, local business activity, housing availability, and long-term planning.<\/p>\n

For homeowners, staying informed about economic development can help provide context for neighborhood changes and potential future housing demand.<\/p>\n

For prospective buyers, understanding a community’s employment base and future growth plans may help them make a more informed purchasing decision.<\/p>\n

And for business owners, a healthy housing market helps attract and retain the people they need to operate successfully.<\/p>\n

Supporting our local business community<\/h3>\n

Economic development does not happen only through major corporations or government programs.<\/p>\n

It also happens when residents support local shops, refer business to local professionals, and participate in community organizations.<\/p>\n

Through the Northern Pinellas County Business Network, I have seen the value of connecting local entrepreneurs and business professionals.<\/p>\n

Strong relationships between businesses create opportunities for referrals, education, collaboration, and community involvement.<\/p>\n

Supporting local businesses is one way we can all contribute to the economic health of Pinellas County.<\/p>\n

Looking ahead<\/h3>\n

The future of Pinellas County depends on finding the right balance between economic growth, housing affordability, environmental protection, and quality of life.<\/p>\n

One Pinellas offers a forum for business leaders to help identify challenges and recommend solutions.<\/p>\n

The real measure of success will be whether these efforts translate into stronger businesses, good-paying jobs, accessible housing, and thriving communities.<\/p>\n

As someone who lives and works in the Dunedin area, I care about the long-term health of the communities I serve.<\/p>\n

Whether you are relocating, purchasing your first Florida home, downsizing, or investing in Pinellas County, understanding the local economy is an important part of making informed real estate decisions.<\/p>\n

Pam Lombard, REALTOR\u00ae Century 21 Integra Real Estate 269-806-8035 plombard@c21integra.com PamLombardRealtor.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Pam Lombard, REALTOR\u00ae | Century 21 Integra Real Estate When people think about Pinellas County, they often picture our beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, charming downtown districts, waterfront communities, and year-round sunshine. But there is another important part of what makes Pinellas County such a desirable place to live: our local economy. From small businesses […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"One Pinellas Economic Development | Pinellas County Growth & Real Estate","_seopress_titles_desc":"Discover how One Pinellas and Pinellas County Economic Development are addressing jobs, workforce housing, business growth and the future of local real estate.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[48,47,43,49,44,45,50,46],"class_list":["post-938","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-community","tag-clearwater-economic-development","tag-dunedin-florida-business-growth","tag-one-pinellas-business-alliance","tag-palm-harbor-real-estate","tag-pinellas-county-economic-development","tag-pinellas-county-real-estate","tag-safety-harbor-florida","tag-workforce-housing-pinellas-county"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pamlombardrealtor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/938","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pamlombardrealtor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pamlombardrealtor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pamlombardrealtor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pamlombardrealtor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=938"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/pamlombardrealtor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/938\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":939,"href":"https:\/\/pamlombardrealtor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/938\/revisions\/939"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pamlombardrealtor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=938"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pamlombardrealtor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=938"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pamlombardrealtor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=938"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}