Central Broward News

A County government accountable to the people, that ensures economic opportunity for all and promotes a resilient, healthy, and connected community. On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners met to reaffirm those goals and share their top priorities for the County's Five-Year Strategic Plan, which reflect the most pressing needs of Broward's 1.9 million residents. Top among them: Affordable housing, public safety, job creation, accountable government, resiliency and transportation.

At the Board's Annual Retreat, County Administrator Monica Cepero shared the County's new Mission statement, which resulted from collaborations with the County's executive leadership team and Board:

Provide excellent services and leadership to the benefit of all who live, learn, work and play in Broward County.

The mission springs from the Commission's established vision for Broward County, which seeks:

From sawgrass to seagrass, an inclusive and resilient community with a thriving quality of life.

Housing Affordability

Mayor Lamar Fisher opened the meeting and invited each Commissioner to share their priorities.

Vice Mayor Nan Rich, who has made housing affordability a top priority since elected to the County Commission in 2016, introduced the topic of affordable housing, and said that while much remains to be done, much has already been done by this Commission.

"Affordable Housing is not just an economic issue, it is a moral issue at the end of the day; and it is the responsibility of policymakers, employers, government, and nonprofit organizations to find solutions for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families. Together we can all make a difference," said Commissioner Rich.

"The demand for affordable housing exceeds supply," said Commissioner Steve Geller, who along with Commissioner Tim Ryan voiced strong support for transit-oriented development along arterial roadways and activity centers.   

Mayor Fisher also supported his colleagues' comments on housing affordability. "I applaud the County's efforts in the recent years with the creation of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and making land use changes to increase our housing affordability supply."

Later this month, the County expects the completion of a 10-Year Affordable Housing Master Plan, to further solidify actions required to mitigate this serious community issue.

Public Safety

Commissioner Mark Bogen reiterated his commitment to ensuring that 911 operations meet service level requirements. "We have a contract with requirements that are not being met." He also asked for continued support of pilot health care programs, including free mammograms for income-eligible residents, and a life-saving cardiology screening using technologically advanced heart scanning equipment. "These programs save lives," said Bogen.

"People expect public safety from their government," said Commissioner Michael Udine. He noted that in addition to 911, the public safety umbrella includes emergency operations during a hurricane or natural disaster, and security at Broward County's Port Everglades and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Job Creation

"We can make housing more affordable by increasing wages," said Commissioner Geller, citing the newly created Film Commission, Broward Apprenticeship and Marine Research Hub as examples of initiatives that create job opportunities with good starting salaries, that remain local jobs.

Commission Ryan, who is Chair of the CareerSource Broward Workforce Development Council of Elected Officials, reiterated the need for high paying jobs, citing vocational schools and Broward County's Apprenticeship Program as great training grounds for technical jobs in areas such as aviation.

Expansion of cultural programs also received support. Commissioner Geller noted that a community that supports arts and culture is a healthier community that enjoys economic benefits from tourism and increased appeal to corporations seeking to relocate. Commissioner Robert McKinzie agreed and advocated taking Broward County's robust offering of cultural programs "on the road."

Accountable Government

Commissioner McKinzie and Geller both noted that good government requires accountability.  McKinzie says his priority is good customer service.  "When we get calls from my constituents, they need government services," says McKinzie. 

Resiliency

Commissioner Beam Furr addressed environmental concerns relating to the management of solid waste and garbage, noting that landfills are the second biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution in a community.  "We have one Waste to Energy Plant that is nearly 30 years old. We need modernization and redundancy, and we need it quick," said Furr.           

Commissioner Hazelle Rogers also focused her priorities on resiliency, "with checks and balances to chart our progress."  She encouraged continued support for the Racial Equity Task Force and the Criminal Justice Review Board. "I want to make sure we treat all residents in our county fairly," said Rogers.                                                                                                                              

Transportation:

Mayor Fisher expressed his priority of timing when it comes to transportation. "There are many funding opportunities available now that can assist the County in moving forward on some of these projects like the Coastal Link and light rail, but time is of the essence, and we have to be prepared to apply for these grant opportunities."

"Broward County voters passed the largest transportation surtax plan in the United States," said Commissioner Furr. "We need to share our successes!"

The annual Board Retreat, led by the current Mayor, provides the County's executive leadership team with guidance and direction for a multitude of County services and programs supported by the FY2023 budget, which is $6.9 billion. "We have an amazing Commission that works well together," said Mayor Fisher, in closing.

County Administrator Cepero added: "We have a dynamic group of agencies and people who do the great work that we do in this organization. We'll go back and digest the great conversations and ideas discussed here today and ensure our plans address them." 

Original source can be found here.