What is the Reedy Creek Improvement District?
The RCID was created in 1967 by the Florida State Legislature, specifically for the purpose of allowing the Walt Disney Company to build and develop the Walt Disney World Resort. At the time, Disney was looking for a large tract of land in Florida to build a new theme park, hotel complex, and other attractions. They ultimately settled on an area in Orange and Osceola counties, but faced significant challenges when it came to developing the land.
One of the main challenges was that the area was divided between two different counties, each with its own building codes, zoning laws, and land use regulations. This made it difficult for Disney to move forward with its plans, as it would have had to navigate two different sets of regulations, each with its own requirements and restrictions.
Understanding the Reedy Creek Improvement District
To overcome this challenge, Disney proposed the creation of a new special district that would encompass the land it wanted to develop. This district would have its own governance structure, including a board of supervisors appointed by the governor of Florida, and would have the power to make its own building codes, zoning laws, and land use regulations. The proposal was approved by the Florida State Legislature in 1967, and the RCID was officially created.
The RCID covers an area of approximately 25,000 acres, which includes not only the Walt Disney World Resort, but also surrounding areas such as wetlands, highways, and residential neighborhoods. The district is governed by a five-member board of supervisors, who are appointed by the governor of Florida. The board is responsible for making decisions regarding the management and development of the district, including the creation of new building codes and zoning regulations.
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One of the key features of the RCID is its unique governance structure. Because the district has its own building codes, zoning laws, and land use regulations, Disney has a great deal of control over the development of the resort. This allows Disney to create attractions, hotels, and other amenities that fit its specific needs and requirements, without having to adhere to the regulations of surrounding municipalities. It also means that the development of the resort can be managed more efficiently, as decisions can be made by the RCID board of supervisors without having to go through multiple layers of government.
In addition to its unique governance structure, the RCID also has its own police force, the Reedy Creek Improvement District Department of Public Safety. This department provides law enforcement services for the Walt Disney World Resort and the surrounding areas, including responding to emergencies and enforcing RCID regulations. The department is staffed by both sworn law enforcement officers and civilian employees, and has jurisdiction over all RCID-owned properties.
Overall, the creation of the RCID allowed for the development of the Walt Disney World Resort, which has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The district’s unique governance structure has allowed Disney to have a great deal of control over the development of the resort, while also providing important services such as law enforcement and zoning regulation. While some have criticized the district for its lack of transparency and accountability, others see it as an innovative approach to managing large-scale developments that could be replicated in other areas.
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