Dr. Richard Levey is an experienced real estate development executive specializing in large-scale master planned communities. He was central to the planning and execution of the Lake Nona community in Orlando and is currently involved in the delivery of Sunbridge, a +/- 26,000-acre master planned community in Orange and Osceola Counties. Dr. Levey has led the development of a collaboration of private sector, public sector and academic partners in establishing Sunbridge as a leader in sustainable development. Sunbridge has become a ‘living laboratory’ of applied environmental research leading the way to changing how land development occurs in Florida.

Dr. Levey has extensive experience in public and private sector economic development strategy and execution. He received his Ph.D. in Public Affairs and Policy Research from the University of Central Florida. He has a MA in Geography/Spatial Analysis of Land Use from Arizona State University and a BA in Geography/Urban Studies from Wittenberg University. He had an accomplished career with the City of Orlando, first serving as City Planning Bureau Chief. He ultimately served as the city’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) where he directed the day-to-day operations of Orlando’s full-service municipal government. As CAO, he orchestrated an aggressive economic development program resulting in the rapid expansion of private sector employment throughout the city, and transformed internal operations based on customer focused outcomes.

Dr. Levey has expertise in various governance models in Florida at the local level. In addition to his municipal experience, he is Chairman of multiple Dependent Special Districts – Community Development District Boards, as well as the Chairman of Board of one of Florida’s Independent Special Districts – the Sunbridge Stewardship District.

Session Code: 4D

Track: Florida

Session Name: Shifting the Florida Landscape Paradigm

Session Time: Thursday, February 8, 8:30 – 10:00 AM

Presentation Title: SunBridge Sustainable Landscapes

Presentation Description: Project, The Vision, Commitment to Sustainability, Ecological Preservation, Community Engagement, Why Shift to Sustainable Landscapes, Business Case.