impressive gains provide us with the opportunity to consider
allocating funding to support additional priorities identified
by our neighbors, including deferred maintenance,
drainage, and infrastructure repairs that were purposely put
on hold during more challenging economic times.

After careful consideration, the Commission unanimously
passed a resolution proposing no increaseto the City’s
current operating millage rate of 4.1193 per $1,000 of
taxable value. This represents the tenth consecutive fiscal year
that we have held the line on property taxes, and by doing
so, continues to fulfill our commitment to keep our millage rate
unchanged while continuing to deliver quality, cost effective
services to our neighbors. Today, our millage rate ranks as
the lowest among the 25 largest cities in Florida. 

The FY 2017 Proposed Budget is structurally balanced and
does not rely on the use of any reserve funds to close gaps or
eliminate deficits. It provides resources to enhance public
safety, bolster emergency operations, improve traffic flow,
upgrade streets and sidewalks, expand green space, advance
urban planning, and strengthen infrastructure to combat
flooding, sea level rise, and the impacts of climate change.

As a result of our conservative fiscal management, lean
process improvements, and operational efficiencies, we are
projecting a reserve fund balance of $67.5 million, which
is well above our adopted policy and exceeds the national
standard for municipal governments. 

Fort Lauderdale’s strong reserve funds, coupled with our
low debt load, continue to enhance our bond ratings.
Earlier this year, two of the world’s leading credit rating
agencies, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, assigned
ratings of Aa1 and AA+, respectively, to the sale of our
Water and Sewer Revenue Refunding Bonds. According to
the experts, the ratings reflect “the strength of a well-
managed system supported by a strong liquidity position,
competitive rate structure, and a sound capital
improvement program.” Our favorable bond ratings save
our neighbors and businesses millions of dollars in interest
costs and strengthen the City’s long-term financial stability. 

The FY 2017 Proposed Budget addresses numerous neighbor
priorities including putting more police officers and
firefighter/paramedics on our streets to serve, protect, and
respond to emergencies; upgrading critical emergency

apparatus and equipment; replacing outdated water and
sewer mains; implementing stormwater and drainage
improvements; renovating seawalls; creating safer, more
walkable and bikeable streets; advancing sustainability
initiatives; enhancing recreational programs and special
events; renourishing our beaches; and investing in technology
to streamline our plan review and permitting processes. 

Tremendous progress is also being made on several long-
term initiatives supported by City resources that will
redefine our future including ongoing development of the
downtown Wave Streetcar, the All Aboard Florida
Brightline high speed passenger rail service, the Las Olas
Boulevard Corridor Improvement Project on Fort Lauderdale
Beach, enhancements to our Riverwalk and downtown
areas, and continued revitalization efforts in the Beach,
Northwest, and Center City Community Redevelopment
Areas (CRAs). 

Fort Lauderdale continues to earn top national rankings for
outstanding initiatives in economic and business
development, sustainability, transportation and mobility,
technology, recreation, travel and leisure, and quality-of-life.
We have been named to dozens of Top Ten lists, including:
Best Cities for Small Businesses in America; Best Downtowns
in the Nation; Best Retail Markets in the Nation; Best Cities
for Millennial Job Seekers; Greenest Mid-Sized Cities; Most
Popular U.S. Beaches; and many more.

Our game plan is solid; our approach is sound; and our
commitment to building community has never been stronger.
We are an exciting City that has truly come of age!

As we look ahead, my fellow Commissioners and I will
continue to work in partnership with you to build a bright
future for everyone, while making Fort Lauderdale the best
place to live, work, play, visit, and raise a family. 

I encourage you to review the Proposed Budget and the
Proposed Community Investment Plan on the City’s website
at www.fortlauderdale.gov/budget and make plans to
attend public hearings on Wednesday, September 7th and
Monday, September 12th at 6 pm at City Hall.

Enjoy the rest of the summer!  

I

John P. “Jack” Seiler
Mayor

The Landings & Bay Colony

10

Mayor’s Message continued