The Landings & Bay Colony

6

Mayor’s Message

John P, “Jack” Seiler

Mayor, City of Fort Lauderdale

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ort Lauderdale continues to garner national accolades for our economic resurgence and
the steps we are taking to create an active, vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable City. 

We recently captured two more Top 10 rankings! National consumer financial experts
from WalletHub ranked Fort Lauderdale as the nation’s 7th best city for return on
educational investment. Their study compared standardized test scores in reading and
math for grades 4 and 8 with total education spending per capita in 90 of the most
populated U.S. cities. Fort Lauderdale outpaced major cities including New York,
Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Portland, Baltimore, San Jose and Seattle.

We were also named one of the Top 10 cities in Florida for Millennial job seekers.
Nerdwallet, a national specializing in personal finance, education and
empowerment, ranked Fort Lauderdale #9 among nearly 100 Florida cities offering
the best job opportunities for Millennials. Their assessment looked at a number of
criteria including unemployment, average salaries, housing affordability, percentage
of population growth among Millennials, and other lifestyle factors. Fort Lauderdale
earned high marks for our low unemployment rate, competitive salaries, high profile
corporations, and outstanding arts, culture, dining and entertainment amenities. 

And there’s even more good news! Fox News Travel recently ranked Fort Lauderdale’s
North Beach Village as one of the top three getaways in South Florida!  Located just
south of Sunrise Boulevard between A1A and the Intracoastal, this up-and-coming
area is experiencing a renaissance. Through private funding, more than 35 structures
are being upgraded and renovated, many of which are being transformed into
boutique resorts catering to tourists from all over the world. Fox News lauded North
Beach Village for its prime location, relaxed atmosphere, quaint hotels, chic
architecture, bikeability, and cosmopolitan flair.  This national attention couldn’t have
come at a better time as millions of residents in the Northeast and Midwest look for a
warm weather destination to escape from one of the worst winters in history.  

Speaking of travel and tourism, another sign of our economic resurgence came last
month with the announcement that a new Four Seasons luxury hotel and residence is
planned for Fort Lauderdale Beach. Experts praised the news as a coup for our City
noting that Four Seasons resorts typically locate only in cities that are considered “top
travel destinations.” The project also reflects the robust health of our tourism industry
which has seen more than 60 consecutive months of growth and, last year, attracted
a record-breaking 14 million visitors that brought an economic impact of more than
$11 billion to our area.

This outstanding national recognition affirms that our economic development
strategies, infrastructure enhancements, and community investments are paying off,
and sends a clear signal of strength and confidence about Fort Lauderdale’s future.

Guided by our Citywide Vision and Strategic Plan, we will continue to enhance
quality of life while implementing game changing projects and initiatives that will
redefine us for generations to come including the Wave Streetcar; All Aboard Florida
high speed passenger rail service; a revitalized Sistrunk Boulevard; enhancements to

More Top 10 Rankings Bolster Economic Optimism!
Fort Lauderdale’s Economic Engines Roaring!