Phillip Holste, Assistant Town Administrator & CRA Director, Town of Davie

In an interview with Invest:, Phillip Holste, assistant town administrator and CRA director for the Town of Davie, shared insights on the Town’s recent achievements, its focus on infrastructure and development, and initiatives to support local businesses and enhance quality of life.

What have been some significant achievements for Davie over the past year?

2024 has been an exciting year for Davie. We completed a major infrastructure project in the downtown corridor along Davie Road by adding landscape medians, new decorative lighting and pedestrian amenities to create a vibrant, walkable atmosphere and encourage redevelopment.

We’ve worked closely with developers to incorporate affordable housing units into projects Town-wide. Through our Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), we made progress in assembling parcels for future redevelopment and demolishing aging structures, some over 40 years old, to prepare properties for new opportunities.

Development is ramping up along the 441 corridor which is a key part of our Transit-Oriented Corridor. We’ve partnered with universities, colleges, and NGOs, including the South Florida Education Center, to integrate these institutions into the community and support the town’s growth.

Demand remains strong for residential, industrial, and healthcare development, with a steady influx of businesses. However, the commercial sector has faced challenges like rising rents and online competition. To address this, we’ve focused on supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs through collaborations with the County, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, NSU’s Levan Center, FAU’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Davie-Cooper City Chamber, and others.

Do you foresee zoning code modifications to promote future developments in Davie?

Over the past couple of years, we’ve implemented substantial changes to our zoning code to pave the way for new development. For example, in the eastern part of Davie, which is a transit-oriented development corridor, we raised the height limit to 275 feet and removed the previous density cap of 30 units per acre. These adjustments have set the stage for transformative growth in the area.

At this time, we don’t anticipate additional zoning changes; however, the changes we’ve already made are yielding results. For instance, a recently approved project added additional units and is expected to break ground in the next three to six months. We’ve also seen significant interest from developers excited about the potential for higher intensities and greater heights along the 441 corridor. These early successes affirm the effectiveness of the actions we’ve taken so far.

What role does industrial real estate play in shaping the town’s economy?

Industrial real estate has been a cornerstone of Davie’s economic growth. Over the past ten years, over 2 million square feet of industrial space has been developed, with more projects underway. This year alone, we’ve approved additional site plans for industrial developments.

These projects are concentrated in areas like the Transit-Oriented Corridor and the Regional Activity Center, catering to diverse industries, including light fabrication, manufacturing, biotechnology, and aerospace. For instance, Davie hosts major biotechnology firms and aerospace players.

These spaces fill quickly, attracting businesses seeking high-end facilities that combine office, warehouse, and distribution functions with manufacturing capabilities. Industrial developments not only occupy space but also provide significant employment and disposable income boosting the Town’s economic vibrancy and reinforcing Davie’s status as a hub for innovation and industrial uses.

What growth opportunities do you foresee for sectors or businesses you’re targeting to relocate or expand into Davie?

Our focus for Downtown Davie, especially along Davie Road, is to attract more retail, commercial businesses, and sit-down restaurants. While the recently approved projects are mostly residential, we aim to balance this with retail and dining options to give people a variety of uses in close proximity.

Beyond downtown, we’re leveraging Davie’s strong educational demographics — nearly 40% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, surpassing state and national averages. We’re targeting businesses offering livable wages to support this educated workforce and drive community growth.

We’re also collaborating with the Alan B. Levan NSU Broward Center of Innovation, a business incubator for entrepreneurs. Our goal is to nurture businesses from inception to full-scale production, ensuring they thrive and stay in Davie. We aim to foster an environment that supports businesses of all kinds with the resources they need to succeed.

How is your community positioning itself as a top choice for investment and business growth?

We’ve been focused on improving the Town’s branding to showcase Davie as a prime investment location. Often, when people think of South Florida, some of the beachfront municipalities come to mind first. We want to change that narrative by highlighting Davie’s proximity to major ports, its central location within the region, and its accessibility via major highways.

Davie is unique in that it’s not fully built out, which is a rarity in South Florida. This gives us room to accommodate various industries. Whether it’s access to ports, transportation infrastructure, or other logistical advantages, we want to package and promote Davie as a top-tier location for businesses looking to establish or expand their operations.

How does your community balance housing, education, and recreation to create a high quality of life for residents?

Davie offers diverse housing options, from million-dollar homes to affordable units. To address workforce and affordable housing needs, we’ve implemented an inclusionary housing policy requiring projects with over 100 units to allocate at least 20% as affordable.

Education is another highlight, with residents able to complete their entire educational journey — from primary school to a doctorate — without leaving the Town. The South Florida Education Center further enriches these opportunities.

Davie also prioritizes open space and recreation, dedicating about 10% of the Town — roughly 2,000 acres — to parks and open areas. With hundreds of miles of equestrian and recreational trails, we emphasize outdoor activities.

In short, Davie is the place to live, work, learn and play, offering recreation, education, and a thriving business environment. While residents may explore beyond the Town, we ensure they have the resources for a high-quality life right here.

What are your expectations for the Town over the next few years?

In the coming years, several major projects are set to reach completion. The redevelopment along the 441 and Griffin Road corridor is progressing through its phases, with significant milestones expected soon. Downtown Davie will also see transformation as new projects break ground next year.

Rebranding our two redevelopment areas is a key focus. We aim to position Davie as a hub of opportunity, much like Silicon Valley is associated with innovation. While our vision continues to evolve, we want investors and residents to recognize Davie’s strengths and potential.

We’re also expanding programs to support local businesses. This past year, initiatives like corporate outreach and small business engagement have strengthened ties with industry leaders and helped entrepreneurs thrive, driving economic growth and making Davie a top destination for businesses and residents.

What initiatives are you implementing to support local businesses and promote economic growth?

Last year, we introduced the Corporate Outreach, Retention, and Engagement (CORE) program, which has been instrumental in connecting with local industry leaders. Through this program, we identify their needs, such as workforce development, and provide resources to address those challenges.

For instance, we’ve assisted businesses in applying for training grants and workforce development incentives. These programs demonstrate our commitment to supporting local businesses, whether they’re small or midsized companies looking to expand or established businesses opening additional locations.

We’re also leveraging our social media platforms to promote these businesses, further enhancing their visibility and success. Although many of these initiatives are still in their early stages, they’ve already gained momentum, and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made. The CORE program is an excellent example of how Davie supports its business community, helping companies to grow and thrive.