Community Planning Articles

Key Economic Trends in Southwest Florida

Key Economic Trends in Southwest FloridaThe following summary from Engage Estero is based on the May 2025 Regional Economic Indicators report from Florida Gulf Coast University's Regional Economic Research Institute. The report highlights several economic trends in...
The Williams Road Golf Driving Range is Slated to Close

The Williams Road Golf Driving Range is Slated to Close

The Williams Road Golf Driving Rangeis Slated to Close!The Village management and Council have decided that the Driving Range will close. Given the facility's remarkably elevated level of use and the lack of access to practice facilities within a reasonable distance,...

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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