Commercial/Industrial Development

The OED Commercial/Industrial Development Section is responsible for implementing a comprehensive strategy to facilitate the orderly growth and development of commercial and industrial businesses particularly in redevelopment areas of Broward County.

The County faces enormous challenges relating to land/space availability, the environment, and government regulations relating to zoning. Additionally, the rising cost of development makes capital formation for small businesses a challenge when attempting to expand or redevelop land.  The desired results from this plan will lead to a better quality of life for the residents of Broward County as well as expansion of the tax base.

Implementing “Corridor Projects”, such as the NW 27th Avenue Corridor Plan, will help identify opportunities to further expand the redevelopment efforts in underutilized areas. Identifying opportunities for the areas east of State Road 441, which include land available for commercial/industrial uses, will enhance the opportunities for job creation in the local neighborhoods.  Broward County is “built out”, so identifying these opportunities is the key to success for future growth and expansion in redevelopment areas. 

Creating high skilled/high wage jobs in redeveloped commercial areas is consistent with the County’s overall economic growth strategy. The Board has clearly expressed its interest in supporting existing businesses today while also focusing on long-term strategies for the attraction and expansion of value added companies to Broward’s economy. The expected results of the Targeted Industries Study being commissioned by the Board of County Commissioners through the OED will yield a new long-term strategy for economic growth based on compatible industry clusters and related value-added jobs. 

The Commercial/Industrial Development Section has developed a “Tool Box” for economic development. This tool box includes an array of business support resources to assist small and emerging businesses requiring management, technical, and financial assistance. Professional expertise in capital formation ranging from venture capital funding to various federal, state, and local grant, loan, and incentive programs can be accessed using the OED “Tool Box” with guidance from a staff business development specialist.

Providing access to business financing is a requirement of a sound commercial development process. Private sector industrial expansion requires “cost of capital” as a tool for growth and expansion. The Commercial/Industrial Development Section has now expanded direct assistance in Tax Exempt Financing, specifically Industrial Development revenue Bonds (IRBs).  The Section also coordinates US Small Business Administration, Economic Development Administration, and other business financing programs to help facilitate the growth of business and commerce in Broward County.