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Dear Community Members,

Happy Spring! This month, we celebrate Women’s History Month to honor all women past and present that make a tremendous impact in our lives and around the world. Broward County also celebrated two important community events: the 22nd Water Matters Day and the 47th Annual Waterway Cleanup. On National 311 Day, we recognized the amazing work of our call takers at the County’s call center. Coming up we have many wonderful Easter celebrations for those celebrating. Visit our Parks, Libraries, or your city’s website for events details.

FEMA Flood Maps Update

Broward County’s Affordable Housing Master Plan

Recently, the Broward County Commission took a major step by approving an Affordable Housing Master Plan, a first of its kind in the State of Florida. The landmark plan sets the stage for a robust inventory of affordable housing options and identifies affordable housing as a major budget priority necessary to meet the increasing demands of our growing population.

In summary, the plan: Doubles the funding formula dedicated to the development of more affordable housing units with annual Commission review. Provides more than $8 million in the coming fiscal year, with the potential to generate enough financing to build 1000 affordable rental units/homes per year over the next 30 years. Provides incentives for developers to build new market rate and affordable housing at rail stations, along rail corridors and major transportation corridors.

Broward County’s housing needs are extraordinary, and many residents simply cannot afford to rent or buy homes in our community. I support this plan and agree that an annual review of the financing mechanism is necessary as we continue to see the increased demands for a growing population and meet our resident’s needs.

Broward County’s Cultural Arts Update​

Broward County’s Cultural Division continues to make a significant mark in our community by partnering with County departments to bring artwork and culturally significant experiences to our residents. Recently, in partnership with the County's Crisis Intervention and Support Division of the Human Services Department, the County's Public Art & Design Program commissioned an inspiring site-specific artwork at the new Nancy J. Cotterman Center (NJCC), located in the central courtyard of the NJCC facility in Oakland Park. The brightly colored aluminum, ceramic and mosaic sculpture by internationally recognized artists Carlos A. Alves and JC Carroll conveys a message of joy, transformation, and renewal. Visit Broward.org/Arts ​​for more information about the Broward County Public Art & Design program. ​​

Additionally, the Cultural Division is collaborating with the Resilient Environment Department on a climate-art initiative with eco-artist, Xavier Cortada. The artist, known for his “Underwater” initiative, uses his art to engage communities in important climate conversations. The first of these conversations will take place on Saturday, April 27 at 1 pm at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. Residents can expect to see Underwater artworks at select locations across the County.​

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​Broward County Advisory Board Vacancies Broward County has several advisory boards and committees that helps your County Commissioners make decisions on vital elements of our community. I encourage anyone interested in serving their community to visit the Boards/Committees Website​ to find out more about the advisory boards and committees. If you are interested in serving on a board, you must complete the online application. The following are the vacancies for residents of District 4.

 (5) Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization, (6) City of Lighthouse Point Commission Meeting, (7) Town of Lauderdale By The Sea Commission Meeting, (8) Baptist Health IcePlex Ribbon Cutting Ceremony ​

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Reminders: ​

Intersection Improvement Project in Downtown Fort Lauderdale The Highway Construction and Engineering Division (HCED) will begin an intersection improvement project at Las Olas Boulevard and Southeast 3rd Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, starting Monday, April 1. For questions, HCED can be reached at 954-577-4555. ​	​​
Broward County Water Parks Open Broward County Parks waterparks will be open on weekends only, starting Saturday, April 6, until June 9. Then, mark your calendars because from Tuesday, June 11 parks will be open seven days a week! Visit Broward.org/Parks for more information.​	​
​Sea Turtle Nesting Season runs from March 1 thru October 31. Find information on turtle walks and ways to safely observe a nesting turtle on the beach, along with valuable information and resources on protecting our sea turtles by visiting Broward.org/NaturalResources/BeachAndMarine/SeaTurtles​.​	​​​
​The Broward Heart Project is an initiative funded by the Broward County Commission that encourages Broward residents to focus on their cardiovascular health. This free non-invasive test is for residents 45 to 70 years old with active health insurance. Learn more and apply at Broward.org/TakeHeartTest.​	​
​Earth Day is observed on April 22, and you can celebrate Earth Day by visiting one of our wonderful parks. Gate entrance fees will be waived on Sunday April 21. Additionally, visit Broward.org/Parks for Earth Day events throughout the month April​	​

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Additional Resources:​​​

• Business Resources: Broward.org/EconDev
• Broward County Libraries: Broward.org/Library
• Broward County Parks: Broward.org/Parks
• Mosquito Control Services: Broward.org/Mosquito​
  
  

​As always, I am truly thankful to serve you, Commission District 4 and everyone in Broward County as your Mayor. If I can ever be of assistance, please contact me at 954-357-7004 or LFisher@broward.org. Also, follow me (@LamarPFisher) on Twitter and on Facebook.

Best regards,​​
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Lamar P. Fisher
Broward County ​Mayor​
Commission District 4​​​​​​​​
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