BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Mayor Michael Udine delivered the State of the County 2022 Address today emphasizing the numerous accomplishments of the past year. 

"I am proud to report that working together with the County Commission, our Broward County Leadership team, volunteers, advisory board members and all stakeholders, the State of our County is STRONG," noted Mayor Udine. 

Mayor Udine pointed to many examples: Broward Commissioners passed a balanced $6.9 billion budget without raising taxes, increased the living wage for employees, and noted that County finances "are strong with a fortress balance sheet, ample reserves, and high liquidity position." 

Mayor Udine noted that "transition" turned out to be the theme of the year as Broward Government changed in a way that hadn't been done in two decades. "We transitioned from our very well respected, long-tenured-- County Administrator, Bertha Henry to a new, extremely qualified, experienced, and dedicated County Administrator Monica Cepero," said Udine.   

"This Commission has been a high-performing, collegial body," said Udine. "Our Human Services Department distributed $53 million to approximately 5000 Broward households that were on the brink of eviction keeping families off the streets. They also provided assistance to over 14,000 residents in need of transportation, a hot meal, or childcare. We also budgeted and awarded $59.4 million to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. By providing more options that are affordable for residents we not only help individuals in need but help to stabilize our county-wide workforce by giving them a home, and some dignity," Udine said. 

Broward also had numerous corporations and businesses move to Broward County this year. American Queen Voyages announced a new headquarters here.  West Marine relocated their headquarters from California. A number of international companies are opening their first U.S. locations in Broward, according to Udine. 

"The opening of the Alan B. Levan/NSU Broward Center of Innovation is a key turning point in our cyber journey as Broward County is positioned and ready to attract, embrace and create new technologies and develop new cyber connections and points of contact worldwide. Broward's partnership with the Innovation Center is a game changer," noted Mayor Udine.   

"Port Everglades, the Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport and Visit Lauderdale all set records this year," said Udine. 

New County projects began too.  Broward broke ground to build a new 160.000 square foot Supervisor of Elections Office and began construction on a new 24,000 square-foot Nancy J. Cotterman Center to help abused women and children. 

"We protect our people and our paradise. During this last year, the County expanded its investment in renewable energy.  We continue to work hard to address solid waste and recycling as we look to get ahead of this critical future issue and need. We renourished our beaches by adding more than 600,000 cubic yards of sand. We have made great progress towards achieving resilience improvements to best manage the region's flood control system," said Udine. 

"It's been a privilege to serve as your Mayor this past year.  Public service is important to me and my family.  I want to thank everyone who has supported me, both as a City and County Commissioner.  I look forward to returning as a proud representative of District 3 and want to welcome and assist Broward's next Mayor and Vice Mayor in any way that I can," said Udine. 

The Broward Charter stipulates that Commissioners, elected from single-member districts, vote annually in November for the position of Mayor and Vice Mayor. 

Broward Commissioner Lamar P. Fisher will serve this year as the new Mayor and Commissioner Nan Rich was selected to serve as Vice Mayor. 

November 29, 2022

Media Contact: 
Kimberly Maroe
Public Information Manager
Broward County Commission
(954) 357-8053
kmaroe@broward.org