Hallandale Beach Chamber Of Commerce’s State Of The City Address Part 2

Affordability has become one of the biggest topics of conversation in the nation and right here in South Florida because it affects everyone. We have seen extraordinary increases in housing costs. Homes that were once within reach for many working families are becoming increasingly expensive. In Hallandale Beach, in 2020 the average home was $229,000; it is now $450,000.

That creates challenges not only for residents but also for businesses trying to recruit and retain employees. In the same report highlighting the top metropolitan areas it discusses that cities today are competing for talent while simultaneously addressing technology, climate, Infrastructure, energy, housing, and transportation. Sounds familiar right, it's all happening right here in our backyards.

Hallandale Beach remains financially and economically stable, but we are not immune from those pressures. When local governments are challenged, the first thing that they discuss is cutting salaries 1st. Yes, if we want to deliver services, we need exceptional employees like we have today. And we cannot recruit and retain employees without being competitive. Losing employees, losing institutional knowledge, losing time delivering services and Infrastructure.

Without great employees helping to deliver the services you need, our quality of life would not be what it is. And one of the most significant uncertainties facing Florida cities today is the future of Property Taxes. I will return to that later. Providing services, ensuring we listen to our stakeholders, and addressing their day-to-day needs are top priorities.

We conduct a citizen and business survey as part of our strategic planning. It's not too surprising that the top three issues are. Traffic. Flooding. And what I like to call Curb Appeal.

I do need to note that, after this survey, when compared to American cities, we are above average and, in some cases, well above average in stakeholder satisfaction.

Last year, we announced the creation of a transportation division focused specifically on improving mobility and traffic flow. Straight out of the gate we were working on signalization and yes, I hope you've seen improvement and time saved heading East and West. We're not going to eliminate rush hour nor traffic, but we do want to help improve wherever we can.

Transportation is complicated because many of the roads associated with Hallandale Beach are not controlled solely by the city.

A1A, Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Federal Highway, and portions of the Dixie Highway corridor involve county or state authority. That means leadership and leadership and partnerships matter. I am proud to be reappointed as Vice Chair of the Metropolitan Planning Organization. We are tasked with working countrywide delivering meaningful transportation improvements.

I have continued working with Broward County, the State of Florida, and our federal partners to ensure Hallandale Beach receives its fair share of transportation investment.

Through Broward County's Penny Surtax, we have received tremendous support for our Cloud minibuses. Our system has been recognized for a Mayor's Climate Award. It's a really proud day not for me but for all of you that we serve on a day-to-day basis.

Now we are moving further. We are entering into a partnership with Freebee, providing another option for residents and visitors to move around Hallandale Beach and reach local businesses and destinations. We have also continued our Uber voucher program, provided $10 vouchers and expanded mobility options beyond our immediate boundaries, bringing customers and visitors from the surrounding areas to our destinations. Our goal is simple: to give people more ways to get around without adding another car to Hallandale Beach Boulevard.

As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at: MayorJoyCooperHB. Like! Follow! And share!