- August 5, 2026
Tensions are high, as property tax reform is debated among elected officials and residents. Population growth has many residents looking for answers. With that in mind, here's how the mayor sees it.
As part of the Observer's ongoing series of interviews with elected officials from the City of Ormond Beach, Mayor Jason Leslie this week submitted answers, in writing, to the following five questions.
What is the city doing well for its residents, and what are some things you think can be improved?
Ormond Beach continues to provide an outstanding quality of life. We’ve maintained a balanced budget while keeping the second lowest millage rate in Volusia County, invested in public safety, improved parks and stormwater infrastructure, and launched a recently upgraded city website that makes it easier for residents to access information and city services.
We’ve also done a great job revitalizing our downtown district, making it an even better destination for residents and visitors, and we continue to provide outstanding recreational facilities and programs for our youth and families. In 2025, Ormond Beach was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best places to live in Florida, something our entire community can be proud of and a reflection of the hard work of our city employees, volunteers and residents.
There is always room to improve. I want to continue strengthening communication with residents, investing in infrastructure, improving traffic flow where possible, and ensuring growth is managed responsibly while protecting Ormond Beach from incompatible development. My focus will remain on preserving the quality of life that makes Ormond Beach such a special place to call home while continuing to make city government more responsive, transparent, and efficient.
With Ormond Crossings on the horizon, how can the city best prepare to ensure needed infrastructure is in place?
Ormond Crossings was approved before my time in office, but it is now our responsibility to ensure it has as little impact as possible on the residents who live here today.
The developer must meet all required obligations for infrastructure improvements, and the city must ensure those commitments are fulfilled.
We also need to work closely with Volusia County, the Florida Department of Transportation, utility providers, and other agencies to make sure roads, stormwater systems, water and sewer capacity, parks, and public safety services are ready as the project moves forward.
Ormond Beach has been a Tree City for a long time. What are some standards that help maintain that designation, and should the city strengthen protections for greenbelt buffers? If so, what could that look like?
Being recognized as a Tree City reflects Ormond Beach’s long-standing commitment to preserving our urban forest. Maintaining that designation requires a strong tree ordinance, ongoing tree management, public education, and continued investment in our tree canopy.
I support reviewing ways to strengthen protections for greenbelt buffers where appropriate. Greenbelts help preserve the character of our community, provide environmental benefits, and create a natural buffer between neighborhoods and development. Trees help absorb rainfall, reducing runoff and serving as part of our natural defense against flooding. They also produce oxygen, improve air quality, and enhance the beauty of our community.
With tax reform on the ballot, what are some priorities you’d like for the city to keep in mind as it plans the budget for next fiscal year?
My priority is protecting essential city services while being responsible with taxpayer dollars. Because tax reform may pass, I believe we should begin making thoughtful, recurring budget reductions this year rather than waiting until next year to react. By planning ahead, we can reduce unnecessary spending and improve efficiency while protecting core services such as public safety, infrastructure, parks, and stormwater management.
I also don’t want to see residents hit with new or higher service fees just to make up a budget shortfall. The city should live within its means, plan responsibly, and maintain the high level of services our residents expect.
What is one thing you have learned about the city since you became mayor? What is one thing you have learned about yourself?
Although I didn’t grow up in Ormond Beach, serving as mayor has given me a much deeper appreciation for this community’s history. Longtime residents have shared the stories behind many of the issues we still face today, and those conversations have helped me better understand where we’ve been and make more informed decisions about where we’re going.
I’ve learned that listening to people with different perspectives and experiences is one of the most valuable parts of public service.
I’ve also learned that I’m at my best when I listen more than I speak. Being mayor has reinforced the importance of patience, keeping an open mind, and making decisions based on what’s best for the entire community—not just one group or the loudest voices. Every day is an opportunity to learn, and I believe that mindset makes me a better leader.
Editor's Note: Since this is election season, and Leslie is on the Aug. 18 ballot, a brief explanation is needed.
All elected officials from the City of Ormond Beach have either participated in, or have been invited, our Q+A series. This is part of our goal of holding government accountable and building bridges of understanding.
Lori Tolland was recently featured in the series, because of her role as a city commissioner. Coincidentally, she is also running for mayor. The other candidates were not offered a Q+A opportunity, since this is for elected officials only.
However, all candidates for City Commission and the role of mayor participated equally in our Election Guide, and, at the suggestion of a letter writer, we also have invited all local candidates to write a letter on any local topic.
