Flagler County Focuses on Jobs and Talent

While “location, location, location” may be the mantra for real estate professionals, when it comes to economic development, Flagler County officials say a skilled workforce is the key ingredient.

“Skilled workforce is the number one commodity in economic development, not only in Flagler County, but across the country,” said Dolores Key, economic development manager. “It is a topic of discussion at economic conferences, business conventions and chambers of commerce at every level imaginable.”

Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito characterized a skilled workforce as a vital component to the county’s economy and overall quality of life.

“As businesses increasingly prioritize access to talent when choosing where to operate, having a well-trained and capable workforce strengthens the county’s competitive position for attracting and retaining employers,” she said.  “A skilled workforce fosters economic growth by enabling local businesses to thrive, innovate and expand. This leads to higher-paying job opportunities, reduces unemployment, and enhances the county’s tax base, allowing for investments in public infrastructure, schools and community services.”

Petito said a skilled workforce doesn’t just benefit businesses and employers, but a community’s residents as well.

“A talented workforce directly contributes to the county’s quality of life,” she said. “With more residents employed in fulfilling and sustainable careers, there is a positive ripple effect on the local economy, supporting small businesses, housing markets and recreational opportunities. It also helps create a community where people want to live, work and raise families, enhancing Flagler County’s overall attractiveness.”

Petito said developing and maintaining jobs and talent in the county presents several challenges and opportunities.

The challenges include ensuring educational programs align with the skills and qualifications needed by local employers, especially in a rapidly changing economy.

She added that while there are higher education institutions available to county residents – including Daytona State College and Flagler Technical College – “Flagler County itself may lack sufficient access to universities or technical colleges, requiring residents to commute or relocate for advanced education and training.”

Other challenges include youth retention, where Flagler County graduates seek opportunities in larger metropolitan areas and a lack of economic diversification which can limit job opportunities.

To meet those challenges, Petito said the county is working to strengthen collaborations with nearby colleges, universities and trade schools to bring tailored training programs to Flagler that meet the needs of local industries. She also cited workforce development programs, remote work opportunities, economic development initiatives and community engagements as ways to meet the challenges of fostering and sustaining a skilled workforce.

Key said there are also regional opportunities to support Flagler County’s efforts to maintain jobs and talent at home.

“One of the strategic priorities of the JAXUSA Partnership over the past year has focused on talent development,” she said. “The results of the collaboration will be presented in a panel discussion ‘The Workforce of Tomorrow: Building Northeast Florida’s Talent Pipeline’ at the JAXUSA Partnership Regional Meeting in February.”

Petito said collaborative efforts are a necessary component of developing a talent pipeline in the county.

“Through these programs and partnerships, Flagler County is creating a robust ecosystem to develop talent, attract businesses and drive sustainable economic growth for the community,” she said.