January 2026 Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,

At the Fiscal Year 2027 Prioritization/Goal Setting Workshop held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the City Commission discussed key concerns, goals and priorities for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 beginning October 1, 2026. Staff is in the process of compiling the feedback and organizing the ideas into priority categories for consideration by the Commission. At the February 3rd Commission meeting, a presentation will be provided to outline the draft FY 2027 City Commission priorities. 

Once again, I want to thank the District 2 neighborhoods for their input prior to our goal-setting workshop. All feedback given to our office was either discussed at the goal setting or was given directly to the City Manager and her staff to address immediately.

As we work together not only as a district, but as a City, I have such high hopes for an amazing year ahead.

A Behind the Scenes Look at How Commission Priorities are formed

Watch the Workshop

View the Presentation

During my tenure as a City Commissioner, my passion for the arts has translated into very real, tangible progress in my district. In addition to our District’s well-established Arts and Entertainment District downtown, we have created a new arts corridor spanning Flagler Village, FAT Village, MASS District, Thrive Art District, and AOTA - Avenue Of The Arts Visual Arts Festival! Had an incredible time at the Avenue of the Arts Festival (AOTA FEST) today!



Joined a mural tour through Thrive Art District and surrounding local businesses to see artists creating live, meet community partners, and experience how public art brings people together.

So very proud to support creative placemaking, youth engagement, and the incredible artists and entrepreneurs helping shape Fort Lauderdale’s cultural landscape. Do yourself a favor and check it out!

Avenue of the Arts Festival (AOTA Fest)

Avenue of the Arts Festival (AOTA Fest) is an annual January celebration in Greater Fort Lauderdale that showcases cultural diversity, neighborhood beautification, and youth enrichment through immersive art experiences. The festival features free exhibits, mural tours, live mural painting, educational activities, and community events designed to engage artists, families, and the public.

AOTA Fest 2026 runs January 21-25 and includes:

• Free guided mural tours (reservations recommended)
• An art exhibit and fiber artist fashion show on Friday, January 23, from 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm. at Plunge Beach Resort.
• A full-day block party on Saturday, January 24, from 9:00 am- 9:00 pm at Uncommon Path Brewing
• A family-focused block party with hands-on art activities on Sunday, January 25, from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. at the Thrive Art District.

All events are free and open to the public.

Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival

January 22-25

The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival will take place January 22-25 at Las Olas Oceanside Park, located at 3000 E. Las Olas Boulevard.

The following traffic advisory will be in effect beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, January 23 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, January 25:

·   E. Las Olas Boulevard will be closed from A1A to Seabreeze Boulevard

Expect traffic congestion and plan travel times accordingly. For more information, please visit www.vlfoodwine.com.  

Tomorrow!

Articles

The greatness of our community starts with passionate citizens like you. 

Please do not hesitate to contact our Outreach Coordinator, Ashley Cacicedo, with any questions, comments or thoughtful suggestions acacicedo@fortlauderdale.gov or 954-828-5923.

Steven Glassman

Fort Lauderdale Commissioner, District 2