Community & Economic Development
From its inception, Engage Estero (formerly the ECCL), has been focused on public input on development and growth in order to protect the unique experience that is living in the greater Estero area. From the Estero Development Report to the Greater Estero Community Report, informing the public on what is planned, what is being built, and how to make your input known.
What We Are
An all-volunteer, nonpolitical, nonprofit community engagement association.
Why We Exist
To inform citizens of significant community issues and encourage citizen engagement to favorably impact the quality of life in greater Estero.
Original Research on Development
Development Summary
An extensive report on all residential, commercial, recreational and utility projects in and affecting the greater Estero area, updated twice yearly.
Why is Development so Fast and Infrastructure so Slow?
An in-depth original report on why are there so Many Developments Taking Place in Greater Estero? Why Can’t They be Stopped? and Why is the Road & Traffic Infrastructure Lagging Behind the Developments?
The State of Development
How to Make an Impact
Development Summary Update
East Corkscrew Updates
Resources
Lee County Capital Improvement Projects
Interactive Map.
Community Planning Campaigns...
Appearance
Design Standards
Community Cohesiveness
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Signage
Visibility
Temporary Signage
Code Enforcement
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Impact
Traffic
Pedestrian Access
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Development Process
Approval Boards
Public Input
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Articles
Bonita Estero Rail Trail Bond Passes: What’s Next for the BERT Project in Estero and Bonita Springs?
Voters have approved a $35 million bond issue to fund the acquisition and initial development of the Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT). This landmark decision secures the crucial funding required to acquire the 11.4-mile unused rail corridor, paving the way for a major regional multi-use trail.
Coconut Point Proposal: How Estero Residents Can Actually Influence the Outcome
$variable({"type":"content","value":{"name":"post_title","settings":{"before":"","after":""}}})$ Introduction. As debate intensifies over the proposed five-story apartment development at Coconut Point, many residents are asking an important question: But can the...
Why Resident Influence on Development in Estero Is Sometimes Limited
$variable({"type":"content","value":{"name":"post_title","settings":{"before":"","after":""}}})$ Understanding the true factors behind development choices. Many residents have long been concerned about the pace of development taking place in Estero and along East...
Estero River Park at Village Council Workshop
$variable({"type":"content","value":{"name":"post_title","settings":{"before":"","after":""}}})$ The following comments were made in a presentation at to the Village of Estero Council on May 6, 2026. “The Village is advancing the strategic redevelopment of the...
Concerns Expressed by Residents Along East Corkscrew Road
$variable({"type":"content","value":{"name":"post_title","settings":{"before":"","after":""}}})$ Introduction Understanding East Corkscrew Residents: Key Insights from the 2026 Community Survey Residents of East Corkscrew Road in Estero are among the fastest-growing...
Where do Residents think the Village of Estero should Prioritize Its Efforts?
$variable({"type":"content","value":{"name":"post_title","settings":{"before":"","after":""}}})$ The Engage Estero Survey (March 2026) Executive Summary The Engage Estero survey, conducted in March 2026, gathered responses from 664 residents to identify key priorities...
Why is our infrastructure lagging behind residential and commercial development?
$variable({"type":"content","value":{"name":"post_title","settings":{"before":"","after":""}}})$ Introduction Many planners and researchers would say that Southwest Florida (SWFL) shows a larger-than-average disconnect between private development and public...
Important Update from the East Corkscrew Alliance and Engage Estero
$variable({"type":"content","value":{"name":"post_title","settings":{"before":"","after":""}}})$ Introduction. February was a busy month, with many meetings among the East Corkscrew Alliance (ECA), Engage Estero, and senior officials at the county and local government...
What the Latest Regional Economic Research Institute Report Reveals About Estero and Southwest Florida
What the Latest Regional Economic Research Institute Report Reveals About Estero and Southwest Florida Each month, the Regional Economic Research Institute (RERI) at Florida Gulf Coast University publishes a report on our local economy. The August 2025 edition...
Key Economic Trends in Southwest Florida
Key Economic Trends in Southwest Florida The 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...
Discover Estero’s Exciting Transformation: The Village Sports Park is Coming to Elevate Your Lifestyle!
$variable({"type":"content","value":{"name":"post_title","settings":{"before":"","after":""}}})$ by: Terry Flanagan Business Administrator Let’s face...
An Important Update on the Septic to Mains Sewer Conversion for Estero Residents
$variable({"type":"content","value":{"name":"post_title","settings":{"before":"","after":""}}})$ Introduction On August 28th, a public meeting updated the Estero Village Utilities Expansion Program (UEP). Steve Sarkozy, the Village Manager, and David Willems, the...
Get Involved
Find Your Representatives
Contact information for local, state and national legislators.
Volunteer
Engage Estero is made up entirely of volunteer residents, businesspeople, and you!
Invest
Your contributions protect the voice of Estero residents and enable action before it's too late!