2 min read December 2021 — From canals and waterways to subways and roads, Fort Lauderdale is priming for big infrastructure improvements to complement the growth of business in the city and the influx of new residents. “We’re the Venice of America and we intend to live up to that brand,” said Mayor Dean Trantalis in an interview with Invest:.
What’s new and what’s different in Fort Lauderdale in the past year?
It’s important to remember that COVID is still with us and we cannot ignore that we must practice safe procedures to ensure this disease is eradicated. Fort Lauderdale is uniquely positioned to offer itself as a safe city because we engage in vaccine protocols and encourage people to get vaccinated. People who want to visit or start a career can know that this city is aware of the challenges the post-COVID era is putting before us. Because we have tremendous educational and job opportunities and career paths, Fort Lauderdale is uniquely positioned to invite people who are looking for a second chance to come to our city, build a career, start a family and really get to enjoy the paradise we’ve all come to experience over these many decades.
What are the chief opportunities and corresponding challenges facing the city?
We’re focused on infrastructure and we’re continuing our efforts to rebuild underground infrastructure. We’re going to completely rebuild our water filtration plant, which will not only give us better water but also a safer plant. We’re looking for new ways to deal with traffic and the additional vehicles making their way down here. There’s a move to put forward a commuter rail line between Miami and West Palm Beach, which would pass through Fort Lauderdale. However, we need to ensure the plan does not impede the flow of street-level traffic on main east-west corridors downtown and that it does not adversely impact the marine industry as it depends on the easy use of the New River. So, we’re looking to build a tunnel through the middle of the city that’ll allow the local commuter line to go through the city without interference. These projects are great opportunities for us to move forward as a 22nd-century city.
Are there any business sectors or new industries that have set up shop in Fort Lauderdale?
We’re getting a variety of inquiries and transfers of companies moving into our communities. We never really want one industry to dominate. Like Miami, we are looking to attract tech and financial services industries. We’ve also been working with pharmaceutical companies in the hope they will bring their manufacturing locations from other parts of the country and the world to Fort Lauderdale. We need to be careful of a double-edge sword with business recruitment as it can lead to higher rents and real estate prices. We must keep Fort Lauderdale as a city affordable to everyone.
Is there any legislation at the local, state and national level that you’re following?
Needless to say, the federal infrastructure bill is important to all communities throughout the country and it’s important to us. We’ve had to self-fund through our property owners and ratepayers who pay for utilities. They’ve had to shoulder the burden because we just haven’t received help from the federal or state in any large measure until now.
How will Fort Lauderdale look or feel differently as a result of these changes?
What we’ll see in Fort Lauderdale is a city that runs. We’re going to get away from the frustrations of traffic, water shortages and sewer backups and realize how important our natural resources are going forward. The city of Fort Lauderdale is aggressively pursuing a water cleanup campaign. Our canals and rivers have been neglected for decades and we are engaged in pilot programs to see how we can best clean up our waterways and allow marine life to return to a place where it hasn’t been seen in a very long time. We’re the Venice of America and we intend to live up to that brand.
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