DEO - Office of Community Partnerships

About Us

The Office of Community Partnerships (OCP) was established to assist communities with creating unique economic development strategies to utilize various programs available within the Department of Economic Opportunity's (DEO) Division of Community Development (DCD) to energize economic growth and create jobs for families in Florida.

The OCP provides education and information to local leaders, local, regional and state organizations, business leaders and others, to encourage communication and collaboration among our partners, state and federal agencies and the private sector, to enhance their economic development.

We continuously look for ways to add value to our connections through ongoing communication and outreach to various partners and organizations. We seek to build stronger working relationships between DCD and public-private partnerships through face-to-face meetings, bridging gaps in communication and working through the coordinated efforts of each entity.

DEO Mission and Vision

In collaboration with our partners, DEO assists the Governor in advancing Florida's economy by championing the state's economic development vision and by administering state and federal programs and initiatives to help visitors, citizens, businesses and communities.

OCP Mission

To be the primary community resource for developing and enhancing DCD partnerships with local communities across the state by promoting DEO programs to advance the state's economic development. The OCP administers the following programs and initiative:

  • The Competitive Florida partnership works with communities to identify their unique assets and opportunities and receive guidance on setting achievable goals for advancing economic development visions.
  • The Rural Economic Development Initiative serves Florida’s rural communities by providing a more focused and coordinated effort among state and regional agencies that provide programs and services for rural areas.
  • The Regional Rural Development Grant encourages rural communities to leverage limited resources by utilizing regional economic development organizations to develop and implement long-term strategies that will help attract new businesses, grow existing businesses, and build the innovative and adaptive capacity of rural leaders who are active in decision-making roles in their communities.

Other Available Opportunities within the Division of Community Development

Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant

Community Planning Technical Assistance Grant provides communities the opportunity to develop innovative planning and development strategies to promote a diverse economy, vibrant rural and suburban areas and meet the requirements of the Community Planning Act, while protecting environmentally sensitive areas. The grants can also be used for disaster recovery or resiliency planning and economic development by communities impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Michael.

Community Development Block Grant

Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) develops viable communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities to primarily benefit low- and moderate-income families. CDBG can also aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight, and under unique circumstances, the State may also use its funds to meet urgent community development needs.

Community Services Block Grant

Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG) Provides federal funds to designated local governments and non-profit agencies called Community Action Agencies to assist eligible low-income households in attaining the skills, knowledge and motivation necessary to achieve self-sufficiency.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income families with home heating and cooling costs. This is a formula-based grant and is not competitive.(

Rural Infrastructure Fund

The Rural Infrastructure Fund facilitates the planning, preparing, and financing of traditional economic development or nature-based tourism infrastructure projects that encourages job creation and capital investment in rural communities

Weatherization Assistance Program

Weatherization Assistance Program annually provides grant funds to community action agencies, local governments, Indian tribes and non-profit agencies to provide specific program services to reduce the monthly energy burden on low-income households by improving the energy efficiency of the home.

An equal opportunity employer/program.  Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
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