The Landings & Bay Colony

12

Mayor’s Message continued

Marine commerce continues to be one of the leading
economic engines. Today, the marine industry accounts
for over 110,000 jobs and contributes an estimated
$8.8 billion in economic impact to our area. Regionally,
South Florida's marine industry employs 136,465
workers with an economic impact of $11.5 billion.

These compelling figures confirm how closely tied the
marine industry is to our economy and how important
its health is to our future. To that end, Fort Lauderdale
will continue to work in partnership with the marine
industry to support its long-term growth, development
and sustainability; strengthen maritime businesses;
advocate for marine assistance and incentive
programs; implement strategies and initiatives to
enhance the overall boating experience and promote
safe boating in our community; and remain committed
to preserving, supporting, and enhancing the Fort
Lauderdale International Boat Show, a true local
treasure that symbolizes the spirit and character of 
our great City.

Thank you for making Fort Lauderdale the best place
to live, work, play, raise a family, and visit, and we
will see you at the Boat Show!

I

John P. ‘Jack’ Seiler
Mayor

CITY COMMISSION
UNANIMOUSLY PASSES
FISCAL YEAR 
2017 BUDGET

For the third consecutive year, the Fort Lauderdale City
Commission has passed the budget by a unanimous 5-0 vote. 

The Commission also unanimously voted for no increaseto
the City’s current millage rate of 4.1193 per $1,000 of
taxable value. This marks the 10th consecutive fiscal year that
we have held the line on property taxes and, during this
decade, have continued to deliver quality, cost effective
services to our neighbors. Today, we are proud to report that
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 parks and green
space, advance urban planning, and strengthen infrastructure
to combat flooding, sea level rise, and the impacts of climate
change.

Numerous priorities identified by our neighbors are
addressed in the budget, 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.

Ultimately, our budget represents a collective investment in
our City’s future. While the Vision embodies our neighbors’
shared goals, ideas, and aspirations, the budget is the
vehicle that allocates the necessary resources to achieve our
objectives as we continue to make Fort Lauderdale the “City
You Never Want to Leave.”

I encourage you to review the budget and the five year
community investment plan on our website at
www.fortlauderdale.gov.

I