Broward County is located in the 6th largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in the country. A number of local and regional issues that can potentially curtail growth. These issues were identified in the County’s strategic community and economic development planning process called VisionBROWARD. The purpose of VisionBROWARD was to take a more proactive look at new economic, cultural, social, and political dynamics that impact Broward County’s future growth.
The outcome of this process is new comprehensive strategic development initiatives in housing, transportation, healthcare, education, international business, and regionalism among others. Broward County, through the Office of Economic Development, has institutionalized this strategic economic development course of action by creating a new manger-level position called Strategic Economic Development Manager. The role of this section of the OED is to continue the agency’s focus on economic development policy with strategic development work that will ensure that Board policy and community priorities in economic development are fused and coordinated. This major step by Broward County also ensures that all sectors of the community approach economic development as a team effort.
Through this section, the County will maintain and enhance its regional objectives and foster cooperative working relations in areas such as transportation, housing, and economic development. Regional collaborations in Economic Development and Transportation, Education, Healthcare and Culture will be encouraged, monitored, and assisted by the staff of this section. Ultimately, the goal is ensure regional parity in the South Florida economy thereby ensuring a better quality of life and a more sustainable one for Broward County residents and visitors in particular and all of South Florida in general.
Town hall meetings will be held to inform and listen to the public and allow them to take an active role in the growth of the county. Regional Leadership forums will be held annually to explore best practices, review programs and policies and benchmark progress. Regional events will be supported to educate the public on the new dynamics of South Florida as a potential power in the nation.
Finally, this section greatly contributes to the overall mission of the OED by actively participating in the economic development practice aspects of office operations. This work spans business recruitment, commercial and industrial development, redevelopment, and business service areas of work.