Governmental Structure, Local Economic Condition and Outlook
The City of Sanford is located in
Central Florida in Seminole County, one of
the fastest growing counties in the Nation. Nicknamed "Celery City" for its agricultural interest in the early 1900's,
Sanford was incorporated in 1877 under the direction of General Henry Shelton Sanford.
When Seminole County split from neighboring Orange County in 1913 the City of Sanford was named as the County Seat. Sanford's southern
boundaries include Seminole Community College and the City of Lake Mary. Its western boundary is Interstate 4.
The Sanford Commercial District was proclaimed an historic district and placed on the National Register in
1976. The Sanford Residential Historic District, an area of approximately
76 blocks south of the commercial district, was placed on the National Register in 1989. The St. James African Methodist
Episcopal Church, erected in 1913, was designated an historic landmark in May 1990.
A charter city, the legislative branch is composed of four single-district elected Commissioners and
a city wide elected Mayor.
The City Commission
is responsible for the establishment and adoption of policy. The execution of such policy is the responsibility of the Commission-appointed
City Manager.
To effectively execute these policies, as well as to accommodate the unprecedented residential and commercial growth
currently experienced by the City and its contiguous areas, the Commission has adopted a
strategic plan, presented by the City Manager. The vision
encompasses the following four major goals:
- Every neighborhood in the City is a safe and friendly place to live and City residents
have pride in their homes and neighborhoods.
- The City's schools and businesses provide our residents with the opportunity to succeed in life.
- The City's unique assets are unparalleled and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
- City government, at all levels, has the vision and leadership to be successful.
Additionally, the Commission has adopted a Comprehensive Plan, along with
Land Development Regulations,
and various Master Plans. The City has established departmental work plans geared toward
realizing the vision set forth in the strategic plan. In addition, the City is working
in cooperation with Seminole County,
Seminole County School Board
and other area agencies in a cooperative effort to maximize the opportunities
and minimize negative impacts of regional growth.