Announcements
Communications Director Mark Sexton unveiled a “Cents & Sensibility: Alachua County’s Budget in Eight Chapters” campaign to help residents follow the budget process and get involved. New chapters will be released every Tuesday and Friday.
He announced that County Manager Michele Lieberman was credentialed by the International County Managers Association (ICMA), an achievement held by only 1,300 individuals worldwide.
A video was shown from the Florida Association of Counties’ recent visit to Alachua County for its Innovation Day Conference.
Sexton also reminded residents of the upcoming Forward Focus Year 1 Summit, which will be held at Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center on Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents are also encouraged to take an online survey.
Register today and take the survey.
Sexton also announced that Cuscowilla won the Gainesville Sun’s Best After-School/Summer Camp Program.
Watch the announcements.
Redistricting
The County Commission approved new district maps for the 2026 election. Though commissioners are elected countywide, they must live in the district from which they are elected before taking office.
Watch the discussion.
Performance evaluations
The commission approved performance evaluations for the county manager and attorney.
County Manager Michele Lieberman received an overall score of 4.8 out of 5, which exceeds expectations. County Attorney Sylvia Torres received an overall score of 4.7 out of 5, also exceeding expectations.
Watch the discussion.
Jail program updates
The commission heard a presentation from the sheriff’s office on programs held at the Alachua County Jail. The commission voted for staff to receive quarterly reports from the sheriff’s office.
Watch the discussion.
Fresh Food Pathways report
The commission heard a presentation about the Fresh Food Pathways program’s feasibility study, spanning from January to August 2025.
Watch the discussion.
State and federal legislative agenda
The commission heard a presentation on its proposed legislative agenda for 2026. Priorities include funding for Newnans Lake Restoration, Archer Road expansion, Fire Rescue and the Sports and Event Center. Other advocacy issues include restored funding for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) program, FEMA support, affordable housing, food systems, conservation land, and childcare support.
Watch the discussion.
Affordable Housing Committee annual work plan
The commission heard a presentation from the county’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee on its annual work plan and accomplishments.
Watch the discussion.
Recognitions
Commissioner Mary Alford proclaimed October as Community Planning Month in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler proclaimed October as National Pharmacists Month in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Commissioner Ken Cornell proclaimed Oct. 23, 2025 as Lights On Afterschool Day in Alachua County.
Read the proclamation.
Alachua County staff were recognized for their length of service.
Watch the presentation.
See the full Oct. 14 agenda and video.
