LAKELAND, Fla. — City leaders in Lakeland are spending the next two days at the RP Funding Center to go over some big picture ideas they have for the city.

What You Need To Know

  • Lakeland officials are going to a two-day retreat at the RP Funding Center

  • They plan on discussing a variety of big picture topics for the city moving forward

  • Some topics include public safety, infrastructure, transportation and economic development

This two-day retreat kicks off Monday at 8 a.m.

It’s not only big ideas they’re looking to discuss but also some problems the city may face as it continues to grow, and that they feel need to be addressed.

Polk County and Lakeland are growing fast and it is partly why they are looking to do some improvements around town.

Last year, Lakeland’s mayor said officials expect the population to double by 2035, so they know they must work now to meet the incoming demand of a booming population.

“We’ve had unprecedented growth and unprecedented growth puts strains on your infrastructure, your parks, your roads, your sewage system, all things city services,” said Kevin Cook, Lakeland’s director of communication. “So, it’s a way to envision the future and plan for that growth.”

According to its itinerary, officials plan on focusing on things like economic development, infrastructure, transportation and affordable housing Monday, while talking about public safety, finances and what the future might look like for this Polk County community Tuesday.