Fort Lauderdale Forum

Fort Lauderdale Forum meets again in September! Stay tuned for some amazing topics, discussions, and panel presentations on all things important to our City!

In the meantime, we invite you to join us for our Summer Social on June 24, 2026, at Riverside Hotel at Preston’s Wine Bar for an evening of networking, reconnecting with friends, and making new acquaintances and business contacts. Cash Bar with Happy Hour pricing and passed hors d’oeuvres.

Fort Lauderdale Forum Summer Social
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Preston’s Wine Bar at the Riverside Hotel (back lobby bar)
620 E. Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

A good review from supporters and the editorial board at the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Rickelle Williams will be one of our guest speakers at our next Fort Lauderdale Forum program! Come to hear and meet her!
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Fort Lauderdale is at an important crossroads.

We face major decisions involving infrastructure, mobility, redevelopment, public-private partnerships, affordable housing and the future identity of our community.

In times such as these, leadership matters.

After her first year as city manager, Rickelle Williams has demonstrated the type of professional, thoughtful and competent leadership Fort Lauderdale needs. What residents notice most is not just projects moving forward, but the positive culture change inside City Hall.

Under Williams’ leadership, residents increasingly feel that city government is more transparent, responsive and connected to the neighborhoods it serves. The city feels more organized and focused on the future. She has created an atmosphere where staff, residents, neighborhood leaders and stakeholders are heard and respected. It may sound simple, but in local government, it’s critical.

For years, important city projects sat idle, collecting dust. Under Williams’ guidance, projects that had stalled are now moving forward with purpose and accountability. She is focused on ensuring the city remains financially responsible and operationally efficient.

In her first year alone, as reported to the commission, she took the initiative to identify cost savings and new revenue valued at more than 10 times her salary. Her work ethic, attention to detail, energy and commitment to follow through are helping to restore confidence that Fort Lauderdale can execute important initiatives rather than endlessly discussing them.

Equally important is the way she approaches difficult, often controversial issues. Whether involving infrastructure, development, mobility or public-private partnerships, she has shown a willingness to embrace scrutiny, ask difficult questions, and require detailed technical and financial analysis before decisions are made. That is exactly what commissioners and residents should want from a city manager.

Take the issue of a new City Hall. Some residents favor a new building, while others support adapting an existing one. Regardless of where people stand, confidence is growing that Williams will provide the commission and the public with the technical, operational and financial information necessary to make the best long-term decision for taxpayers.

The same can be said for public-private partnerships and other major city initiatives. Residents understand that P3s are increasingly necessary, but they also recognize Fort Lauderdale’s mixed history with these projects. What citizens want is assurance that future agreements will be negotiated carefully, transparently and in the best interest of the community. Under Williams’ management, there is confidence these projects will receive the scrutiny and analysis they deserve.

Strong city management is not about politics. It is about competence, integrity, communication and ex*****on.

In her first year, Williams has shown that she values neighborhoods, respects residents, supports city staff, and understands the importance of building public trust. Like previous city managers brought in from the outside, she assembled a team that combines experience with qualified professionals to strengthen the organization overall. She deserves the same opportunity to continue building and executing with that team over time.

Fort Lauderdale faces many challenges. But for the first time in a long time, many residents feel the city is moving in the right direction with professionalism, momentum and accountability. The revolving door of city managers has grown stale. It is time to focus on what is needed to operate as a responsible, functional, forward-looking city.

We collectively have a strong reputation to uphold, and Rickelle Williams’ continued leadership helps strengthen and accelerate that progress.

We fully respect, approve of and support Rickelle Williams as city manager and we encourage the city commission to continue doing the same. Fort Lauderdale benefits when strong leadership is allowed to work.

Editorial by Jim Brady of Fort Lauderdale, a former land-use lawyer and former city attorney in Lauderdale Lakes and Tamarac.

In support of Rickelle Williams’ competent leadership | Opinion More than a dozen neighborhood association presidents and other prominent Fort Lauderdale residents co-signed this piece pushing back against criticism of the city manager.

Debate intensifies over eliminating Florida property taxes

Key points:

• Florida lawmakers are debating eliminating property taxes on primary homes, but no clear plan exists yet.
• Local leaders warn property tax cuts could impact funding for police, fire, schools, and infrastructure.
• While homeowners could benefit, public opinion and political support remain divided.

Florida property taxes May 2026 —
The idea of eliminating Florida property taxes has gained significant attention in recent months, driven largely by statements from Ron DeSantis and ongoing discussions among lawmakers. While the proposal is still in its early stages, it reflects a broader debate about taxation, economic growth, and government funding in the state.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has suggested a plan that would eliminate property taxes on primary residences while maintaining them for commercial and investment properties. This distinction is important because it targets relief toward full-time residents rather than investors or part-time homeowners. Florida is already considered highly tax-friendly due to its lack of a state income tax, which has attracted residents from high-tax states, such as New York and California. Removing property taxes altogether could further enhance that appeal, potentially saving homeowners thousands of dollars each year.

However, the proposal raises significant concerns about how essential public services would be funded. Property taxes currently serve as a cornerstone of local government revenue, supporting schools, emergency services, infrastructure and community programs. Eliminating this funding source would create a substantial revenue gap, likely requiring alternatives, such as increased sales taxes or new fees. These trade-offs are central to the ongoing debate.

“We must talk candidly about how cities pay for services. There is a growing statewide discussion about property taxes, and people need to understand what those dollars fund and what is at stake. Property taxes provide for direct services in cities, including police, fire and EMS, and revenue reductions can impact response times and quality of life,” said Joy Cooper, mayor of the City of Hallandale Beach, in an interview with Invest: Greater Fort Lauderdale.

Additional policy details are beginning to emerge through legislative proposals. For example, the Florida Senate’s House Bill HJR 201: Elimination of Non-school Property Tax for Homesteads would amend the state constitution to eliminate non-school property taxes on homestead properties while preserving school-related levies. The proposal also includes provisions to prevent reductions in funding for law enforcement and sets a potential effective date of January 1, 2027. This reflects a more targeted approach, focusing primarily on tax relief for primary residences rather than a complete elimination of all property taxes.

“One of the biggest issues we are watching is the state-level conversation about tax reform, including proposals that could affect property taxes on homesteaded properties. Depending on how those proposals are structured, they could significantly impact municipal revenues and our ability to fund core services,” said Randy Knight, city manager of the City of Winter Park, in an interview with Invest: Greater Orlando.

Despite the attention, progress toward implementation has been limited. Recent updates show that there is still no concrete plan or timeline in place, even as discussions continue among state leaders. While DeSantis has floated the idea of a special legislative session, no date has been set and no unified proposal has been introduced. Multiple ideas are under consideration, including gradual phase-outs, expanded exemptions, and targeted relief for seniors and first-time homebuyers.

“Cities have to think carefully about long-term sustainability. Many residents do not realize that municipalities do not receive a share of sales tax. Our primary revenue sources are property taxes, utility taxes, franchise fees, and permits and licensing. Property taxes remain a major portion of the budget, and costs rise every year, from insurance and utilities to supplies and employee benefits. We are implementing long-term decisions intended to reduce reliance on property taxes and protect services over time,” said Christi Fraga, mayor of the City of Doral, in an interview with Invest: Miami.

Public opinion also appears divided. A recent poll found that 53.53% of respondents opposed eliminating property taxes, while 46.47% supported the idea. This split suggests that gaining the necessary support for such a significant policy shift may be challenging.

Any proposal to eliminate or significantly reduce property taxes would likely require a constitutional amendment. This means it must first secure approval from three-fifths of both legislative chambers and then receive at least 60% support from voters in a statewide referendum. DeSantis has also emphasized the need for similar legislative backing before placing the measure on the ballot.

Ultimately, while the concept of eliminating property taxes in Florida is appealing to many homeowners, it remains largely theoretical. The state faces complex trade-offs between tax relief and maintaining essential public services. Until a clear plan is developed and approved, the future of property tax reform in Florida remains uncertain.

Debate intensifies over eliminating Florida property taxes - caa | Capital Analytics Associates The debate to eliminate Florida property taxes grows as DeSantis proposal raises concerns over funding, services, and voter approval statewide.

You’re invited to an extraordinary Fort Lauderdale Forum program - "Balancing the Future: Fort Lauderdale’s Budget in a Changing Tax Landscape"

Join us as top leaders discuss how Fort Lauderdale is at a financial turning point with shifts in the budget, ad valorem tax rate unchanged for nearly 20 years, rising costs, and the potential ripple effects of 2026 property tax reform—you’ll want to be in the room for this conversation! What does the future hold for City of Fort Lauderdale?

* Rickelle Williams, City Manager of Fort Lauderdale
* Marty Kiar, Broward County Property Appraiser
* Bill Brown, Chair of the Budget Advisory Council

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on the city’s budget process and the pressures shaping fiscal decision-making.
With the ad valorem tax rate unchanged for nearly 20 years, rising costs, and the potential ripple effects of 2026 property tax reform, what does the future hold for City of Fort Lauderdale?

The conversation will examine the long-standing stability of the city’s ad valorem tax rate—unchanged for nearly two decades—against the backdrop of rising costs, service demands, and infrastructure needs. Panelists will also unpack the potential impacts of 2026 Florida legislative actions on property tax reform, and what those changes could mean for residents, businesses, and future revenues.

With projections pointing toward a possible budget shortfall as early as 2028, this forum offers a timely and candid look at the difficult choices ahead, the trade-offs involved in maintaining a balanced budget, and the strategies being considered to sustain Fort Lauderdale’s growth and quality of life.

Fort Lauderdale Forum Program
Moderator: Mayor Jack Seiler
Program Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 7:30 - 9 AM
Location: Fort Lauderdale Forum, at Broward College/FAU Building, 111 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL

Looming tax reform has Fort Lauderdale thinking about worst-case scenarios

Tax reform jitters are spreading through cities across the state as legislators move forward with a plan set in motion by Gov. Ron DeSantis to give homesteaded property owners a much-needed tax break.

Fort Lauderdale officials say they are well aware of the fiscal fallout that might be coming and are already making plans for what could be a worst-case scenario: A staggering $72.8 million shaved from the city’s day-to-day budget.

DeSantis has called for the elimination of property taxes, referring to them as a burden that forces homeowners to pay perpetual “rent” to the government.

Property tax reform would require a constitutional amendment passed by 60% of the voters.

If voters approve tax reform in November, cities across the state would likely have no choice but to slash budgets, with one caveat. They’d be prohibited from cutting spending on fire-rescue and police departments below current levels.

Vice Mayor John Herbst has told his colleagues he has no doubt the tax reform proposal is going to pass.
“We need to be leaning into the fact that we’ve got to start scaling down operations,” he said last month. “Winter is coming. Let’s just not put our heads in the sand.”

Commissioner Ben Sorensen echoed that refrain during a recent City Hall meeting, urging staff to be prepared now for what might be coming down the pike.
“We need to be doing everything now to prepare for a worst-case scenario,” Sorensen said. “It’s not the sky is falling, but we’ve got to be reasonable that there is a strong likelihood that we’re going to face a significant deficit in our budget.”
Sorensen asked how the city would handle an extreme drop in property tax revenues.

Fort Lauderdale’s budget team has been evaluating various scenarios, City Manager Rickelle Williams told the commission.
“Our mindset is geared toward (the fact that) anything could happen,” she said. “We can’t predict what the Legislature will do. What I’ve shared with our budget management team is that our focus is going to be on fiscal prudence, resourcefulness and innovation. We just don’t know what the true impact might be.”

Last year, the city’s financial consultant shared a grim financial forecast that did not even contemplate the potential of property tax reform.

At the time, Mayor Dean Trantalis dismissed the gloomy prediction as a worst-case scenario.
“We don’t need to take on these doomsday attitudes,” Trantalis said at the time. “We may have to cut corners in some of our programs. We’ll see how the numbers shake out and go from there.”

According to the forecast from city consultant Stantec, the shortfalls would grow each year as budget expenses rise and property values level off: $38.4 million in 2027; $47.2 million in 2028; $61.3 million in 2029; $54.2 million in 2030; $59.1 million in 2031; $75.6 million in 2032; $86.5 million in 2033; and $107.1 million in 2034.

Based on staff’s current estimate, Fort Lauderdale is facing a $28 million deficit in fiscal year 2028. In the most extreme scenario, property tax reform could increase the shortfall by another $72 million.

“That’s possibly a $100 million deficit if the worst-case property tax proposal passes,” Sorensen said. “This is a huge number. Share with me how we start thinking about this and how we start preparing for a worst-case scenario.”

The city manager said Fort Lauderdale is preparing for that scenario, just in case.

“I believe we will have to potentially sacrifice some of the services that we offer or find opportunities to generate revenue that we have not yet pulled the trigger on or leveraged,” she said. “That scenario will lead us to making some dramatic changes in the way that we operate and staff at the city.”

Last year, the city was bracing for possible shortfalls based on an anticipated drop in property tax revenues, Bill Brown, chair of the city’s Budget Advisory Board, told the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

“Then the property tax reform came up,” Brown said. “We were already preparing for a shortfall. And the tax reform just compounds it.”

The 10-member Budget Advisory Board meets monthly to provide input on the city’s annual operating budget, analyze financial data and brainstorm ways to bridge projected budget shortfalls.

Layoffs, pay cuts and hiring freezes rarely happen in the public sector, though they can happen during extreme budget deficits and economic downturns.
“That would be a last resort,” Brown told the Sun Sentinel. “First we’d look at cutting services. But when you cut services, what do you do with the surplus of employees? There’s no need for them.”

For years, some members of the budget advisory board have recommended the city stop giving away millions every year to local nonprofits, but the commission has continued the practice.
“There’s $2.6 million going to nonprofits and city-sponsored special events,” Brown said. “The nonprofits feel entitled to it because they’ve gotten it for years. I would recommend those be eliminated.”

City-sponsored festivals and drone shows might also have to go, Brown said.
“That’s a nice to have,” he said. “But is it a need to have? At the end of the day we have to balance the budget. It’s going to be a chess game in prioritizing the most essential services required. The nice to have vs. the needs to have.”

Chris Williams, a longtime resident and former member of the budget advisory board, says he does believe there’s fat in the budget that can be cut.
“There’s always fat in any government budget,” he said. “If they end up with a $100 million deficit, they may have to cut employees. Salaries too. When it’s that big of a deficit, you’re looking at scaling back salaries and hours. I’d get rid of any new hires or newly created positions. If you lived without it before, you can live without it now. I’d also eliminate the practice of donating money to the nonprofits. You have to look at everything.”

Looming tax reform has Fort Lauderdale thinking about worst-case scenarios In a worst-case scenario, tax reform would see $72.8 million shaved from Fort Lauderdale’s budget. Commissioner Ben Sorensen urged staff to prepare now.

At one of our previous Fort Lauderdale Forum programs a few months back we had Beam Furr, Broward County Commissioner as one of our guest presenters speaking on the updates of the Waste Management facility in West Broward. Today he sent a notice giving us an update: "Solid Waste Update"

"Major progress has been made on advancing Broward County towards a comprehensive, collective solid waste and recycling system. After over seven years of work, the Governing Board of the Solid Waste Authority has formally passed the Facilities Amendment and Master Plan. This is a huge step and is essential and required for the official formation of a fully operating Authority. This is a big leap forward, but the hard work continues. Next, the Facilities Amendment must be passed by cities representing over 80 percent of the tonnage in Broward County for the Authority to officially take effect. This will require us to convince municipalities to join up by August. This “road show” will allow us to inform and educate not just elected officials, but also residents, about what the Master Plan looks like and what a system will actually comprise.
To learn more about that Plan, you can click here. > https://browardswa.org/toolkit-portal/

Please stay tuned for more updates! ~ Broward County Commissioner Beam Furr "

Today’s Fort Lauderdale Forum program was one to remember.

We had the privilege of hearing from two of our region’s most influential business leaders — Dan Lindblade, retiring President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, and Bob Swindell, President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance.

Dan shared insights from his recent trip to Washington, D.C. for the Summit, highlighting how meaningful connections between municipal leaders, policymakers, and business networks are helping shape the future of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Both speakers offered valuable perspectives on what today’s top business leaders are prioritizing — from innovation and best practices to strengthening equity, resilience, and infrastructure.

The conversation centered on what it takes to drive real economic growth, foster collaboration, and build stronger, more connected communities across Fort Lauderdale and Broward County.

This program was especially meaningful as Dan Lindblade prepares to retire this year. With a limited number of speaking engagements remaining, we were truly honored to have him join us — what may be one of his final presentations — making the discussion all the more special.

Grateful for the leadership, vision, and continued commitment to advancing our region.

To Dan Lindblade, we congratulate you on your retirement and thank you for your years of dedicated leadership and outstanding service. Wishing you a fulfilling and well earned next chapter! Best wishes ahead. 

You’re invited to an extraordinary Fort Lauderdale Forum program with two of our City’s top business leaders!

Join Dan Lindblade, retiring President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, and Bob Swindell, President & CEO of Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, as they share insights from their recent Washington, D.C. Summit and its application to Greater Fort Lauderdale.

The Washington Summit connects municipal leaders with federal policymakers, national institutions, and business networks, equipping them to drive change, foster economic growth, and strengthen communities.

They will share their takeaways when they connected with federal and business leaders on unlocking funding, best practices, and innovation; and improve areas related to equity, resilience, and infrastructure. All focused on advancing the future of Greater Fort Lauderdale and Broward County.

This program is extra special—Dan Lindblade has limited speaking engagements during his retirement year, and we’re honored he’s making this one for Fort Lauderdale Forum!

Fort Lauderdale Forum Program
Moderator: Mayor Jack Seiler

Program Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 7:30 - 9 AM
Location: Fort Lauderdale Forum, at Broward College/FAU Building, 111 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

Wonderful Fort Lauderdale Forum program today March 19, 2026 where our speakers were Fort Lauderdale Police Department Chief William "Bill" Schultz, City of Fort Lauderdale Deputy City Manager Christopher "Chris" Cooper, and Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief Stephen W. Gollan as they shared insights on issues impacting our city and quality of life.
Moderator: (former) Mayor Jack Seiler

"Fort Lauderdale Forward: Public Safety, Growth, Quality of Life"

> New Police Station
> Downtown District 4
> Growth, development Downtown
> Homeless Update and Outreach programs
> Spring Break Update
> Traffic Problems on 17th St. Causeway
> ICE in our Community