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Mayor’s Message

ormally, we would have gathered in person by now so I could deliver a
State of the City message and tell you about all the great things that the city
Naccomplished over the past year. Unfortunately, world events intervened. The
COVID-19 pandemic struck and our lives have been indelibly changed. Addressing
this deadly and contagious virus has been our top priority. We put the health of our
residents first and led the way with responsible and reasonable measures to control
the spread while allowing businesses and services to reopen.

COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on our economy. Fort Lauderdale has been
leading on how to address this as well. We’ve distributed food to those in need,
redoubled our efforts to help the homeless, and started a relief program to assist with
mortgages, rent and utility bills.
Economic growth is more important than ever now. This past year, we promoted
increased international investment, started a high-tech incubator and helped
spearhead new business development and diversification.

Dean Trantalis This truly has been a can-do commission. Particular progress has been made
Mayor, regarding our city infrastructure. Under a very aggressive schedule set by this
City of Fort Lauderdale
dtrantalis@fortlauderdale.gov commission, there are more than 150 projects underway to bring our water and
sewer systems up to date. Plans are underway to build a bigger and better water
treatment plant. To ensure a sufficient water supply well into the future, we’ve
purchased options to tap a reservoir being built in Palm Beach County.

I’m also pleased to report that the state of the city finances is healthy. Despite the
challenges presented by COVID-19, we’ve maintained the same low property tax rate
for 14 consecutive years. Our credit rating is very strong. Wall Street recently boosted
it to the highest possible, AAA. And, we ended the long-standing practice of raiding
City Hall, 8th Floor utility reserves to balance the budget. That money now is being spent on improving
100 N Andrews Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 our infrastructure.
This city is taking its commitment to the environment seriously. We have fast-tracked
work to clean up George English Lake and the Tarpon River and address the sewage
spills caused by recent pipe breaks. We are talking to experts about other steps to
clean our waterways including an innovative approach of skimming pollutants from
water surfaces. We plan to start weekly testing of waterway cleanliness this fiscal year.
As a coastal community, Fort Lauderdale has felt the impact of climate change.
Office Contact Addressing the frequent flooding is a key priority. Construction is commencing to
Scott Wyman
Chief of Staff better protect low-lying neighborhoods. And, we are building new seawalls.
Office of the Mayor
swyman@fortlauderdale.gov Public safety is always the paramount responsibility of local government. Our crime
954-828-5314 rate per capita is the lowest it’s been since 1972. We’re taking steps to ensure this
trend continues. We’ve employed new technology so we can respond faster when a
gun is fired in our community and locate its source. We will soon start construction of
the new police station that voters approved. Planning is moving forward for an EMS
substation south of downtown and a new fire station on Sunrise Boulevard.
The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis shocked the world. We must address the
difficult issues surrounding race and law enforcement. This City Commission takes the
matter seriously. We are proud of the men and women who work hard each day to
CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE keep our community safe, but that doesn’t mean we cannot do better. The city

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