OEV
Newsletter 

July 26, 2024

Meet Our New Special Projects Coordinator, Sean Lewis!

We are pleased to announce that Sean Lewis will be joining our team as Special Projects Coordinator! He brings 32 years of state government experience as well and policy development expertise to the position. Throughout his career, he has focused on building community-based economic development in some of Florida’s smallest and most rural regions. Most recently, he served as Chief of State Broadband Initiatives in the Florida Office of Broadband at FloridaCommerce. He holds degrees in Economics and Public Management from Florida A&M University. 

In his new role, Sean will coordinate special projects to assist with OEV's business development and expansion efforts.

Welcome to the OEV family!

Median Single-Family Residential Sales Price Equal or Less than 2022, 2023 Prices for Half of the Reported Months So Far in 2024

In the first half of 2024, the median sales prices for single-family residential homes have either matched or fallen below the 2022 and 2023 prices for half of the reported months. This trend indicates a stabilization in the housing market, offering potential buyers a window of opportunity for more affordable purchases compared to the past two years. The fluctuating prices reflect ongoing market adjustments and economic conditions, providing valuable insights for both buyers and sellers in the Tallahassee-Leon County region. Supporting this trend, the 2023 Cost of Living Index from the Council for Community and Economic Research showed that housing costs in the Tallahassee MSA were 13.4% below the national average, further highlighting our area's affordability.

MWSBE Certifications

OEV's MWSBE Division continues to certify firms—ensuring they are equipped and prepared to engage in business with all three jurisdictions. The list below includes the total number of certified firms as of February 29, 2024. To view a complete list of certified vendors, please visit www.oevforbusiness.mwsbe.com.

242

OSD MWBE Vendors

183

OEV MWBE Vendors

1,422

Total Employed

OEV is committed to fostering an inclusive and thriving business ecosystem in Tallahassee-Leon County. In addition to certifying new firms, our dedicated team provides ongoing support and resources to MWSBEs, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in today's competitive market. Additionally, we establish and nurture professional relationships to foster collaboration and growth opportunities for MWSBEs, contributing to the overall economic vitality of our region.

Notable News

Sales Tax Holidays by State, 2024

Joseph Johns, Benjamin Patrick
Tax Foundation

Florida’s population passes 23 million for the first time due to residents moving from other states

Mike Schneider
Associated Press

Florida Tech, Three Additional Florida Universities Launch Joint Effort to Boost Space Manufacturing

Space Coast Daily

Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners

Find a Job Friday Events Set at
CareerSource Capital Region

CareerSource Capital Region is launching Find a Job Friday, an event for job seekers with a profile on Employ Florida and a current resume. At these events, attendees can connect with employers at CareerSource Capital Region Career Centers on specific Fridays, detailed in the list below. The participating employers—like Danfoss, Eden Springs Nursing and Rehab, and the Florida Department of Health—will have immediate job openings they want to fill. Interested employers can email cbes@careersourcecapitalregion.com to participate in the program.

The events below will take place at Leon Career Center, 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Bldg. C, Ste. 200, Tallahassee, FL 32301 (Find on Google Maps). 

2024

2025

Read Past Issues of the OEV Newsletter Online!

Delve into past issues of the OEV Newsletter to catch up on updates, insights, economic development initiatives, programs, and opportunities in Tallahassee-Leon County!