Quarterly Chamber Luncheon
Topic: Shaping the Future of Downtown Orlando: Growth, Vision, and Opportunity
Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Location: Orlando City Hall,
David Barilla will provide an inside look at the real estate and economic development strategies transforming Downtown Orlando. From major development projects to the long-term goals of the Project DTO vision plan, learn how the city is evolving—and how local businesses and community leaders can align with this momentum to drive inclusive growth and investment opportunities.
Keynote Speaker: David Barilla | Executive Director, City of Orlando Downtown Development Board & Community Redevelopment Agency
David Barilla has dedicated the past 15 years to serving the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board and Community Redevelopment Agency. He has been instrumental in revitalizing downtown Orlando, collaborating with local and national real estate developers on projects totaling billions of dollars in residential, mixed-use, retail, and hospitality sectors. During his time at the city, downtown Orlando has experienced significant growth, doubling its urban core population, expanding world-class venues, and developing the Creative Village innovation hub. David has spearheaded the city’s negotiating team for key public-private partnerships, including Truist Plaza, Ridley on Main, 55 West, and the forthcoming WestCourt sports and entertainment district. His expertise in public-private partnerships has led him to speak internationally on the subject. Additionally, David has been pivotal in leveraging state and local incentive programs to attract thousands of high-value jobs to downtown Orlando, working with companies like Assured Partners, Sonesta, and Travel + Leisure. His support of the emerging innovation district has facilitated the launch of EA and Iron Galaxy, resulting in significant capital investments and economic benefits for the local economy. David has also been instrumental in expanding affordable housing in the Parramore area. Additional efforts have contributed to Orlando being named the Number One Best Sports Event City by Sports Business Journal, hosting prestigious events such as the Pro Bowl, international soccer games, and the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trails - Marathon. As a principal lead of the downtown destination initiative, DTO Action Plan, he is helping to transform downtown Orlando into a vibrant destination for residents and tourists, redefining the downtown experience for decades to come. Prior to his tenure with the City of Orlando, David worked with several local and national real estate firms, managing transactions across the state and along the East Coast. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science/Pre-Law and Economics from the University of Central Florida and an MBA from the University of Florida Hough Graduate School of Business. David has been recognized as both a 2024 Game Changer and Central Florida Hero by the Orlando Business Journal, an Emerging Leader by the International Downtown Association, and One to Watch in Orlando Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful People in 2024. He has served on the Minority Entrepreneurs Business Assistance Advisory Board, is a founding member of the University of Central Florida’s Society of Leadership and Success, and is the former State of Florida P3 Retail Public Chair for the International Council of Shopping Centers.
David Barilla has dedicated the past 15 years to serving the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board and Community Redevelopment Agency. He has been instrumental in revitalizing downtown Orlando, collaborating with local and national real estate developers on projects totaling billions of dollars in residential, mixed-use, retail, and hospitality sectors. During his time at the city, downtown Orlando has experienced significant growth, doubling its urban core population, expanding world-class venues, and developing the Creative Village innovation hub. David has spearheaded the city’s negotiating team for key public-private partnerships, including Truist Plaza, Ridley on Main, 55 West, and the forthcoming WestCourt sports and entertainment district. His expertise in public-private partnerships has led him to speak internationally on the subject. Additionally, David has been pivotal in leveraging state and local incentive programs to attract thousands of high-value jobs to downtown Orlando, working with companies like Assured Partners, Sonesta, and Travel + Leisure. His support of the emerging innovation district has facilitated the launch of EA and Iron Galaxy, resulting in significant capital investments and economic benefits for the local economy. David has also been instrumental in expanding affordable housing in the Parramore area. Additional efforts have contributed to Orlando being named the Number One Best Sports Event City by Sports Business Journal, hosting prestigious events such as the Pro Bowl, international soccer games, and the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trails - Marathon. As a principal lead of the downtown destination initiative, DTO Action Plan, he is helping to transform downtown Orlando into a vibrant destination for residents and tourists, redefining the downtown experience for decades to come. Prior to his tenure with the City of Orlando, David worked with several local and national real estate firms, managing transactions across the state and along the East Coast. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science/Pre-Law and Economics from the University of Central Florida and an MBA from the University of Florida Hough Graduate School of Business. David has been recognized as both a 2024 Game Changer and Central Florida Hero by the Orlando Business Journal, an Emerging Leader by the International Downtown Association, and One to Watch in Orlando Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful People in 2024. He has served on the Minority Entrepreneurs Business Assistance Advisory Board, is a founding member of the University of Central Florida’s Society of Leadership and Success, and is the former State of Florida P3 Retail Public Chair for the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Event Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Series Thank you sponsor
Spotlight Table Sponsor
Date and Time
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
11:30 AM - 1:15 PM EDT
Quarterly Luncheon
3rd Wednesday quarterly (April, June, August & October)
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Fees/Admission
$45 EOCC Members
$55 Non-members
*No refunds | No walk in's
Contact Information
East Orlando Chamber
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