Dwayne Williams has journeyed across the United States, assisting cities in developing the agricultural property into flourishing neighborhoods. Williams, who is himself an entrepreneur, recognizes the value of encouraging small businesses that assist families send their children to good schools while also contributing to the economy.
Williams is delivering his education, expertise and enthusiasm for city planning to locals and future local companies as he proceeds through his first months as Fruitland Park’s director of community development.
Williams was motivated to assist his community at a young age by his uncle, Rep. Vernon G. Smith. While he had little interest in politics, he discovered a passion for leveraging the surroundings and architecture to alter a community’s fabric. He graduated from Ball State University with a master’s degree in urban and regional planning and began his work as a planner in 1995. Williams’ career progressed as he went across the country, assisting in the transformation of rural areas into bustling urban areas.
“It’s a good feeling when people move into a town I’ve worked with because they’re choosing to invest and raise their children to be part of the community,” Williams said. “It’s a good feeling as well to see entrepreneurship or commercial development as services and commodities come to the community because people don’t have to travel as far when those commercial needs are in town.”
Williams’ job as director of community development includes assisting Fruitland Park’s expansion through facilitating residential, commercial and industrial development. All types of growth, according to Williams, begin in his office, where he examines expansion plans and transmits them to the city manager.
His objectives in this new job are to work hard to provide correct zoning, support personnel and ensure that a corridor, which is the planning word for key highways, attain their full potential.
“I want to assist the city manager to make sure future growth reaches its full potential,” Williams said. “If we can create more commercial development, it takes the tax burden off of households.”
Williams recognizes the value of small enterprises and the advantages they provide, which range from boosting the local economy to providing a sense of accomplishment. For three years, Williams ran a microbrewery, which was forced to close due to the pandemic. Williams, on the other hand, said he tries to see the bright side of everything, which leads him to his present position in Florida.
Williams said, “We have a great city commission board and city staff. I want readers to know the city employees in Fruitland Park are a great group of people.”
