By Chris Platé, CEO, FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance
Over the past decade, a $5.75 million cumulative investment by the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners to PEDC has generated more than $31.3 million in new gross ad valorem tax revenue, which is a 444% Return on Investment (ROI). In addition, the investment has yielded a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 18.47%, reflecting steady, above-average performance over a 10-year period. These metrics position Escambia County’s economic development efforts as a leading example of successful public-private partnership and fiscal stewardship.
That $5.75 million investment is provided by the Pensacola-Escambia Development Commission (PEDC) through Escambia County and PEDC engages FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance to lead economic development efforts. This funding plays a vital role in advancing the County’s long-term economic objectives by producing measurable results. Economic development, when executed with discipline and focus, yields verified returns in the form of new tax revenue, private-sector growth, and high-quality job creation.
The direct impact on the workforce is also compelling. Economic development efforts have supported the creation of 7,726 new jobs and the retention of 1,188 existing jobs, contributing more than half a billion dollars in annual payroll to the local economy. These are high-wage, high-quality positions that support families, drive consumer spending, and reinforce the long-term strength of Escambia County’s labor force. This growth creates opportunities for both transitioning military personnel and the children of residents, allowing them to find meaningful, well-paying careers close to home, rather than seeking employment elsewhere.
As a result, the County has experienced growth in its tax base, stronger levels of private investment, and increased economic resilience. Job creation at this scale stimulates demand in housing, retail, and professional services, laying a stable foundation for broad-based economic health.
This is not a theoretical exercise. These are real results — real tax dollars, real jobs and measurable outcomes that benefit Escambia County residents. For every public dollar invested, the return has been substantial and sustained. The data is clear — this is performance over promises.
Economic development is a highly competitive field. Communities across the nation are actively competing for the same projects, industries, and employers. PEDC and its sister organization FloridaWest ensure Escambia County maintains its competitive edge needed to win future investments and continued expansions of local firms. Escambia County’s investment in economic development is a proven to deliver value to taxpayers by expanding opportunities, easing the tax burden on the residents and ensuring a more prosperous, resilient future.