April 2022 Newsletter
Dear Neighbor,
 
Every ten years, the Census dictates that there be equal population required in each of our four Commission districts. This Wednesday, we will have our Second Reading for the redistricting map option selected at a Public Hearing at last Tuesday’s Commission Meeting. The map we approved on its first reading was Option 6B, pictured below.
The most heartening part of this process was all of the public input stating how much our residents wanted to keep the maps as close to the current district boundaries as possible and make as few changes as permitted by the regulations. This demonstrates that the residents are happy with the direction the city is going and pleased with their representation. In fact, one neighborhood president told us that it was our fault that there was handwringing among some of the neighborhoods. It was our fault because he doubted that you can find another City where the local Commissioners are as involved with the neighborhoods as much as we are and, for the most part, no one wanted to move into another district. It was great to see so many people take an active role in their city government, and we hope those that haven't been as vocal previously continue to contribute to these important discussions moving forward.
 
While the main feedback we received was to make as few changes as possible, our Charter does require us to ensure that we have an equal population distribution among districts. Because of the growth within our city over the past 10 years, we used the data collected from the 2020 Census to decide approximately how many residents should be in each District (45,690). That led to two neighborhoods moving into new districts: Riverland Village moved from District 4 to District 3, and our own Poinsettia Heights moved out of District 2 and into District 1. Please know that because Districts 2 and 4 needed to lose population and district neighborhoods must be contiguous, there really was no other way for District 1 to gain population as that district is only bordering our District. While we are very saddened to see them leave, we know that Poinsettia Heights is in excellent hands and my staff and I will work with the District 1 Commissioner and staff to ensure that everyone is on the same page. (Plus, the neighborhood knows that we will always be there for the residents and are just a phone call or email away!) Additionally, with this new map, we are finally able to make Progresso Village whole again, as our previous map had split the neighborhood association between two districts, and we are thrilled to welcome those residents into District 2.
 
The final vote for our new district map will be on Wednesday, April 27th at 4:00pm. Upon ratification, the new districts will take effect immediately. The meeting agenda and information are below. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns, and thank you all for your contributions to this vital City task.
The City Commission will hold a Special Meeting this Wednesday, April 27, at 4:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to vote on the Second Reading of the Commission Redistricting Maps. Click on the image below to view the agenda.
Click below to read the April 2022 City Commission Priorities Quarterly Progress Report
B Tactical NE 15th Avenue Installation
What’s next?
 
Sign up as a volunteer and help us paint the street! May 12-15, 2022 at different locations along NE 15th Avenue. Various shifts and activities are available! Painting and planting sessions!
 
May 12-15, 2022, Community Build Days – Installation week

May 4, 2022, 5:00 p.m. Volunteers informational webinar
Registration link: Zoom Webinar 

 
Please contact Stephanie Garcia at (954) 876-0065 or [email protected] to learn more about the Broward Tactical Urbanism program.
Did you know that the City requires all property owners who are renting their homes as vacation or short-term rentals to register with the Development Services Department? To operate a vacation or short-term rental, you must register with the City.

For more information & to apply, visit:  fortlauderdale.gov/vacationrental

If you suspect a property is operating an illegal vacation rental, please email the property address and any evidence to [email protected].
Nominations are Open for the
Citizens Recognition Awards
Do you know of a fellow citizen who made a significant impact in 2021 and whose efforts & achievements foster civic pride, encourage public service, and contribute to the development of this community?

𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑪𝑰𝑻𝑰𝒁𝑬𝑵𝑺 𝑹𝑬𝑪𝑶𝑮𝑵𝑰𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵 𝑨𝑾𝑨𝑹𝑫𝑺 𝑨𝑹𝑬 𝑩𝑨𝑪𝑲!

The Citizens Committee of Recognition is seeking the next:
  • Citizen of the Year
  • Distinguished Citizen
  • Honored Founder
  • Exemplary Former City Employee

Applications due:
Saturday, April 30
12:00 am-midnight
Join the City of Fort Lauderdale, on Saturday, April 30, 2022, with your neighbors, and friends for a day of volunteering in the city!

Pick a project, lend a hand, and make a difference! Students can earn community service hours. To sign up, contact Jorg Hruschka, Chief Service Officer, at (954) 828-5568 or email [email protected]
The Color Run - April 30th
The Color Run returns to Huizenga Plaza on April 30, 2022.


RIVERWALK NEEDS VOLUNTEERS! As the non-profit partner, the Color Run pays Riverwalk for every volunteer we recruit! tinyurl.com/ColorRunRiverwalk
April 15th Special Announcement
Nominations are Open for the
Community Appearance Awards
Admiring a stunning property in the City of Fort Lauderdale? Nominate them for the 2022 Community Appearance Awards!
 
Visit: ftlcity.info/2022CAA to get started!
Deadline: Tuesday, May 31 at 5:00 pm
Friends, family, and the City celebrated the 75th birthday of Ramola Motwani with a party fitting for a woman who has contributed with her family so much to Fort Lauderdale for nearly four decades. This was the first event held at the beach’s new Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale- the perfect setting! Thank you, Ramola, for your love of Fort Lauderdale and for always giving back.
There was something extraordinarily special about the groundbreaking on Las Olas Boulevard at SE 10th Terrace. Rising from that site will be the City of Fort Lauderdale’s first 5-Star Hotel. The Whitfield will set a standard of excellence commensurate with what is occurring in our City today. There is a reason that people and businesses are moving into Fort Lauderdale and that tourism is thriving once again. Congratulations to Steve Hudson, Charlie Ladd, and their entire team.
I actually got a bit emotional at the end of the Poinsettia Heights Civic Association meeting. You see, on Tuesday, April 19th the Commission approved a redistricting map (mandated by the census population every ten years) that moved this neighborhood from District 2 to District 1. It has been an honor and a privilege to represent these residents and my office will always be there to assist in any way we can. I thank each and every one of you for caring so much and working so hard to continually better Poinsettia Heights.
Articles
We have the following Board Vacancies below. Please email Nancy Fry [email protected] if you are interested in serving on a Fort Lauderdale City Board.  

Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Board of Adjustment
Central City Redevelopment Advisory Board
Civil Service Board
Code Enforcement Board
Community Appearance Board
Community Services Board 
Fire-Rescue Facilities Bond Issue Blue Ribbon Committee
Insurance Advisory Board
Marine Advisory Board
Nuisance Abatement Board
Sustainability Advisory Board
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 [email protected] or 954-828-5923.
Steve Glassman
Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner, District 2