Mayor Buddy Dyer

says Orlando faces the challenges of rapid growth during his State of the City address.

Mayor Buddy Dyer said Orlando is “united and unbreakable” during his annual State of the City speech Friday, but warned the region’s rapid growth will present challenges for public safety, transportation and housing.

“It’s worth pointing out that having these challenges is actually a good thing,” he said at City Hall. “Plenty of cities wish they had these challenges. They’re a result of the success we’ve built together and a sign we’re headed in the right direction.”

Dyer’s speech focused mostly on accomplishments from the past year. He also talked about the massacre at Pulse nightclub, saying Orlando “showed the world what it truly means to love, to respect and to accept your neighbor and why partnership matters so much.”

“We’ve spent years talking about the power of partnerships and the importance of diversity and inclusion,” the mayor said. “Our response to Pulse showed the world this isn’t just lip service.”

Noting the demands of growth, Dyer said the city will add 15 police officers and 12 firefighters over the coming year to serve southeast Orlando and Lake Nona, one of the city’s fastest-growing areas.

“Though our city is changing, the one thing that will never change is our most important job: keeping you safe,” he said.

Dyer also stressed the need to improve Orlando’s transportation system. He said the city is working with SunRail, Lynx and airport officials to establish a non-stop shuttle to take SunRail riders from the Sand Lake Road station to Orlando International Airport.

“Train to the Plane” would mean travelers could one day get from downtown to the airport in less than 30 minutes, he said.

Dyer also touted several affordable housing projects, including a 160-unit mixed-income development planned by the nonprofit LIFT Orlando near Camping World Stadium, the 211-unit Parramore Oaks project and plans for 256 mixed-income units at Creative Village.

“We must ensure that anyone who wants to live in Orlando can live in Orlando, regardless of their income,” he said. “That’s why we’re making significant investments in developing and rehabbing quality, affordable housing units.”

Dyer’s speech was delivered to a standing-room-only audience of city officials, business leaders, politicians and others. The speech paused for a standing ovation to recognize slain Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton, led by several students she mentored. Clayton was fatally shot when she confronted a murder suspect in January.

He also touted the city’s Main Streets program, which expanded last fall to include a 10th neighborhood, the Milk District east of downtown. Dyer credited the program with helping launch 1,000 new businesses and expanding 65 more, creating 5,500 full- and parttime jobs.

He said the city is launching a program called “Permitting Express,” which will fast-track qualified small business projects.

“The goal is to get that great restaurant or great start-up out of the idea phase and up and running as quickly as possible,” he said.

“For most of Orlando’s history we’ve been the place everyone wants to visit,” Dyer said. “Today, Orlando is also the place where everyone wants to live and do business.”