Sunrise Movement and residents press Orange County to include STAR rapid transit plan in surtax

Several residents and Sunrise Movement Orlando representatives used the public-comment period to press the Orange County Board of County Commissioners to adopt and fund the STAR rapid transit plan, a community-developed proposal to study and advance high‑capacity transit on six corridors across the county.

Speakers from the Sunrise coalition said the STAR plan provides a clear vision for transit and urged the commission to include the plan in any infrastructure surtax ballot language and to consider passage of a local tax-increment financing (TIF) ordinance that could raise funds without a countywide property tax increase. Giancarlo Rodriguez of Sunrise Movement said the plan’s initial town halls drew attendance and petition signatures and described the requested TIF as “not a CRA” that “wouldn't raise taxes on anyone” but could generate significant funds for transit.

Other public commenters described personal hardships and the local economic case for transit. Max Smith said better transit would bring more customers to small businesses and cited parking and congestion pressures in commercial districts. Chloe Scott, a student, told the commissioners that expensive parking and long walks to internships priced students out of downtown job opportunities. Ashley Elliott related a traumatic experience of missing buses and a long wait that left her stranded and paying for an Uber in an emergency.

What they asked for: Sunrise speakers asked the board to (1) pass a local ordinance (TIF) to support STAR corridors, (2) include the STAR plan in the surtax project list so surtax revenue could be allocated to corridors, and (3) meet with Sunrise organizers to continue collaboration. They also urged that surtax project lists anticipate future corridor extensions and ensure funds are used for community‑driven transit priorities.

County staff response and next steps: Commissioners thanked public speakers and moved into the staff presentation about the surtax; no immediate action on STAR was taken during the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to prepare clearer district-level project lists and to pursue more community engagement before deciding the surtax scope and ballot timing.

Representative quote: Giancarlo Rodriguez (Sunrise Movement): "Include the STAR plan in the sales tax. And by passing the ordinance, you help create transparency and trust for the county."