VOICES IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT:
Bakari Burns
Orlando City Commissioner, District 6
As Commissioner for Orlando’s District 6, Bakari Burns governs one of the city’s most historic—and rapidly changing—areas. His leadership is grounded in equity, preservation, and the belief that growth should strengthen communities rather than displace them.
Burns approaches public office with an organizer’s mindset. He prioritizes affordable housing, infrastructure investment, and neighborhood stability, while ensuring longtime residents are not pushed aside by redevelopment pressures.
“Progress means growth without displacement.”
Listening is central to his leadership style. Burns emphasizes collaboration with residents, faith leaders, and small businesses, ensuring policy decisions reflect lived experience rather than abstract planning.
He envisions an Orlando where prosperity is shared, neighborhoods retain their identity, and city government remains accountable to the people it serves. His legacy, he hopes, will be measured in stability and opportunity.
VOICES IN TRANSPORTATION & TOURISM:
Lance Lyttle
CEO, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
For Lance Lyttle, leading one of the nation’s busiest airport systems is about more than logistics. It’s about shaping the future of an entire region. As CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which oversees both Orlando International and Orlando Executive Airports, Lyttle now sits at the crossroads of tourism, business, and long-term economic growth for Central Florida.
“Airports are major economic engines that provide opportunities for millions of individuals and businesses,” Lyttle says. “Having the privilege of leading an organization that creates and supports nearly 310,000 jobs and more than $41 billion in economic impact is humbling, rewarding, and fulfilling.”
Lyttle believes Orlando is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in transportation innovation, but only if it continues to invest in infrastructure that matches its rapid growth. He points to international travel as one of the region’s biggest opportunities. To remain competitive, he says, airports must ensure reliable scheduling, efficient customs operations, and strong partnerships with federal agencies.