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The City Playbook

The City Playbook

By: Orlando Economic Partnership
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 Hosted by Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, The City Playbook takes you behind the ideas, innovation, and initiatives shaping Orlando’s future — and the people making it happen. Join us as we build the city together.Orlando Economic Partnership Economics Personal Finance Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • 15. Designing Downtown Orlando for People with Guest Jason Lima

    15. Designing Downtown Orlando for People with Guest Jason Lima
    Apr 29 2026
    How do you transform a downtown into a place people actually want to spend time in?

    In this episode of The City Playbook, Tim Giuliani sits down with James Lima, founder of JLPD, a national urban design and planning firm, to explore how Downtown Orlando is being reimagined through people-first design and strategic placemaking.

    As Orlando undergoes a major shift—converting one-way streets into two-way, slowing traffic, and reconnecting key districts—this conversation breaks down the real impact of urban design on economic growth, small businesses, and quality of life.

    This episode covers:
    • Why walkability and “placemaking” are essential to thriving cities
    • The economic impact of two-way streets vs. one-way traffic systems
    • How urban design influences small business success and real estate value
    • What makes cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Boston so desirable
    • The shift from “central business districts” to “social districts”
    • How Orlando can attract and retain talent through better urban experiences
    • The role of connectivity between cultural districts, restaurants, and entertainment
    From trails and mixed-use development to street-level experiences and community activation, this episode reveals how intentional design creates cities people choose—not just pass through.

    If you’re interested in urban planning, economic development, real estate, or the future of Orlando, this episode is a must-watch.

    Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders building the future of Central Florida.

    Connect with Jason at:
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jlpd

    If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.
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    What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.

    Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.

    Connect with our host Tim at:
    Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/
    Website: https://timgiuliani.com/

    Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • 14. How Business Leaders Can Transform Communities with Guest Bret Perkins

    14. How Business Leaders Can Transform Communities with Guest Bret Perkins
    Apr 22 2026
    What is civic leadership—and why does it matter more than ever in today’s cities?

    In this episode of The City Playbook, Tim Giuliani sits down with Bret Perkins, Senior Vice President, Community Growth & Economic Development at Comcast, to explore how civic leadership shapes the future of cities like Orlando and communities across the United States.

    Drawing from decades of experience working across more than 6,000 cities and towns, Bret shares powerful insights on civic responsibility, community engagement, and the importance of building strong civic infrastructure.

    This episode covers:
    • What civic leadership actually means in today’s world
    • Why thriving cities require collaboration between business, government, and community leaders
    • The role of “civic infrastructure” and how systems within a city work together
    • Why local engagement matters more than ever in a global economy
    • The impact of digital connectivity, the digital divide, and workforce development
    • How individuals—not just institutions—drive meaningful change
    From the legacy of America’s founding principles to modern challenges like digital access and economic mobility, this conversation offers a blueprint for anyone looking to make a difference in their community.

    If you’re a business leader, policymaker, entrepreneur, or someone who cares about the future of your city, this episode will challenge you to rethink your role—and step into it.

    Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders building the future of Central Florida.

    Connect with Brett at:
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bret-perkins-3647582/

    If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.
    ------------------------------------------------------
    What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.

    Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.

    Connect with our host Tim at:
    Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/
    Website: https://timgiuliani.com/

    Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • 13. From Vision to Impact: How the Dr. Phillips Center Transformed Downtown Orlando

    13. From Vision to Impact: How the Dr. Phillips Center Transformed Downtown Orlando
    Apr 15 2026
    Welcome to The City Playbook, a podcast brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership, where we go behind the ideas, initiatives, and leadership shaping the future of Central Florida.

    In this episode, host Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, sits down with Kathy Ramsberger, President & CEO of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

    Kathy shares the remarkable story of how the Dr. Phillips Center came to life, from early vision and alignment challenges to philanthropy, government partnership, and building a world-class cultural institution in the heart of Orlando. This conversation explores what it takes to build a lasting civic asset, how arts and culture drive economic development, and why alignment between leadership, philanthropy, and business is essential to building a thriving city.

    You’ll hear behind-the-scenes insights on:
    • The long road from idea to execution
    • The role of philanthropy and public-private partnership
    • Operating a major arts institution as a high-performing business
    • The Dr. Phillips Center’s economic and cultural impact
    • What’s next for downtown Orlando and the future of arts, wellness, and community

    Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, student, or resident curious about how cities are built with intention, this episode offers a powerful look at one of Orlando’s most transformational stories.

    Connect with Kathy and get information on the Dr. Phillips Center at:
    Instagram: @drphillipsctr
    Website: https://www.drphillipscenter.org/
    If you enjoy conversations with the decision makers and difference makers shaping Central Florida’s future, like, comment, and subscribe to The City Playbook.
    ------------------------------------------------------
    What do you want to see more of in downtown Orlando? Drop a comment with one placemaking idea you think would make the biggest difference.

    Like, subscribe, and share with a friend who cares about building great cities. New episodes explore the people and ideas shaping Central Florida’s future.

    Connect with our host Tim at:
    Social: https://www.instagram.com/timgiuliani/
    Website: https://timgiuliani.com/

    Brought to you by the Orlando Economic Partnership Learn more: https://orlando.org
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
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