Community Planning Articles

The Economic and Social Impact of Workforce Housing Shortages Part 3

The lack of affordable workforce housing in southern Lee County has significantly impacted our local economy and social fabric. Businesses feel the strain, community services are stretched thin, and residents face decreased quality of life. We must address this...
Are you in the Incorporated Village of Estero or Not?

Are you in the Incorporated Village of Estero or Not?

Do you live in the Incorporated Village of Estero or Not?People are unsure whether they live within the incorporated Village of Estero, the incorporated City of Bonita Springs, or in an unincorporated area, especially for those living along East Corkscrew Road.By Mark...

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Southwest Florida Regional Economic Indicators

Southwest Florida Regional Economic Indicators

The period following the landfall of hurricane Ian in late September has been difficult for both businesses and the public. Not only have many in Southwest Florida had to cope with the tragic aftermath, but there was also a period of high inflation and difficult...

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Development and Transportation: GECR Quarter 3, 2022

Development and Transportation: GECR Quarter 3, 2022

Development and Transportation The ECCL is pleased to provide the 3rd quarter’s Greater Estero Community Report (GECR) for 2022. Each article in the report focuses on economic progress in our area, including insights into current developments and what we expect to see...

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Unraveling the Mystery of Development Impact Fees

Unraveling the Mystery of Development Impact Fees

Unraveling the Mystery of Development Impact FeesFew people outside the local, county, and state government agencies understand "Development Impact" fees. Engage Estero monitors impact fees and their use in Estero and surrounding areas. The following information will...

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Charting the Future of the ECCL: GECR Quarter 4, 2022

Charting the Future of the ECCL: GECR Quarter 4, 2022

The ECCL is pleased to provide the 4th quarter’s Greater Estero Community Report (GECR) for 2022. This report focuses on the research and planning used to choose our future action priorities and how we are changing how we represent those priorities to the...

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Workforce Housing: Encouraging Developments

Workforce Housing: Encouraging Developments

Workforce Housing: Encouraging Developments!In March 2022, the ECCL, now Engage Estero, released an article titled "Why We Need Workforce Housing in the Greater Estero Area." The article explained the increasing difficulties facing middle-income workers in buying or...

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Bonita Estero Rail Trail

Bonita Estero Rail Trail

Rails to Trails  There are efforts to build a public biking and pedestrian trail in the Greater Estero area, linking with other Florida trails. The ECCL has been tracking these efforts and alerting residents of opportunities to get involved.Background The Lee County...

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Benefit from FGCU Interns and Volunteers

Benefit from FGCU Interns and Volunteers

Local Organizations Benefit from FGCU Interns and Volunteers  The Greater Estero Area reaps multiple benefits from having a major university campus in our community, from cultural opportunities, an influx of younger consumers and workers, and the economic...

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