As a child, you inevitably heard the phrase “Ready or not, here I come.” In a simple game of
hide-and-seek, it signaled the start of action—whether you were prepared or not. Today, our
communities are hearing that same call. Technology is advancing at a pace faster than
regulation, infrastructure, and even public opinion can catch up to. Whether we are ready or
not, it is here—and it is reshaping how we learn, work, and grow our local economies.
Whether or not people support technological change, it is already touching every part of our
lives. Classrooms are experimenting with AI-driven tools that tailor learning to individual
students. Workplaces are adapting to automation and digital platforms, requiring new skills and
new ways of collaborating. Policy debates increasingly revolve around innovations—from
mobility to clean energy—that don’t fit neatly into the old playbook. And in economic
development, regions that embrace innovation are attracting jobs and investment, while those
that resist risk being left behind.
This is not a distant possibility—it is happening now. The only question is whether we will be
proactive in preparing, or reactive once change has already passed us by. Too often, technology
is framed as something to fear. But it presents a remarkable opportunity to build stronger, safer
communities—if we choose to lead with foresight.
Preparing for the future means more than keeping pace; it means designing systems that can
handle what’s next. That might mean making networks more resilient, developing smarter
transportation systems to connect people safely, or strengthening the digital backbone so
communities can thrive in the next era of growth. These investments are not abstract—they are
the foundation of safety, opportunity, and long-term stability.
Just as important as preparing our systems is preparing our people. Here in Florida, workforce
boards and community colleges are beginning to pilot AI literacy and reskilling programs—an
important step, but one that must scale if we want workers to thrive in industries that don’t yet
exist. At the same time, infrastructure investments—from energy resiliency to data
readiness—create the conditions for new businesses and high-quality jobs to grow locally.
Together, these efforts show how technology, when aligned with community priorities, can
help us not just adapt but thrive economically.
At every level, communities have an obligation to learn how to harness technology—not as a
replacement for human judgment, but as a partner in building better outcomes. When people
feel equipped to adapt, technology shifts from being a source of anxiety to a source of strength.
The phrase “Ready or not, here I come” doesn’t have to signal fear. It can be a rallying cry for
foresight. Communities that anticipate change—by strengthening coalitions, investing in
education, and aligning technology with civic goals—will be the ones that thrive. Those that
wait, hoping to catch up later, will be left behind.
This is not just about managing change. It is about claiming the opportunity to shape
it—ensuring that the benefits of innovation serve everyone, not just the few. Our future is
arriving faster than we think. Technology is not waiting for us to feel comfortable; it is entering
our schools, workplaces, governments, and economic engines—ready or not.
The question is: are you ready for it?