Denise Grant, Mayor, City of Lauderhill
Invest: spoke with Denise Grant, mayor of the city of Lauderhill, regarding Lauderhill’s recent achievements, including housing expansion, crime reduction, and economic development. Grant highlighted efforts to support small businesses and attract investments. “You must see the glass as half full. A positive mindset attracts opportunities and resources,” she said.
Could you outline the key milestones and achievements the city reached in the past year?
The city of Lauderhill is a promising city with a great history. One of the things we pride ourselves on is being culturally diverse, with about 35 languages spoken. We have a strong Caribbean population, with English, Spanish, and Creole speakers.
Fifty years ago, Lauderhill was known for its golf courses, attracting figures like Jackie Gleason, who brought presidents and businesspeople to play. It was a destination in Broward County. That has changed as we focus on development. Many golf courses have been or are being redeveloped for commercial and residential use. Housing has increased significantly, which is much needed. Since COVID-19, many people have moved to Florida, including Lauderhill.
Another major achievement is having the only certified cricket stadium in the United States. Last year, we hosted a World Cup event, reinforcing Lauderhill as a destination for residents and visitors to enjoy entertainment and business opportunities.
We are developing an entertainment district, similar to Times Square, Brickell, or Las Olas. Historically a residential area, the city is now expanding in new ways.
We’ve also reduced crime by increasing police presence and public safety funding. A comprehensive crime plan recognizes that if people feel unsafe, they won’t visit, no matter how many attractions the city offers.
Lauderhill has about 5,000 businesses, mostly small to medium-sized. We’ve implemented programs to provide resources and assistance, ensuring businesses not only survive but thrive. These are just some of the milestones we’ve achieved.
Could you share more about the programs you have to support small and medium-sized businesses?
We have a strong Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which supports our businesses through various workshops and resources. We partner with local schools like Broward College to provide courses to business owners to enhance their skill set. In addition to that, we also work closely with the Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce, supporting it financially and with human capital so that they can go out and assist businesses.
We have two great programs as well: Rebound Lauderhill, which emerged toward the tail end of COVID, for which we partnered with companies and nonprofit organizations to provide help to local businesses. We want them to be aware that there are resources available for support. The other program is called Lauderhill Shines, which is a six-week course where companies get to learn what the city has to offer. On top of that, the city also provides direct aid to them. There are not only grants but also loans available to access capital and all the resources that are important to our partners.
One of our major Economic Development Department achievements is that we have performed targeted marketing for our businesses. There’s even preferential treatment for local companies bidding on contracts. There are a lot of resources we provide our industries to educate them and help them do well.
How are recent economic factors impacting development and investment in Lauderhill, and what are the strategies to navigate potential challenges?
The city of Lauderhill understands that change is imperative. You must identify change and position yourself to prosper. We have a strong city manager and an economic development team that stays informed on best practices, not just in Florida but nationwide. The answer is not always with you — sometimes, it’s in the crowd. We bring the right people to the table.
Many cities have not fully recovered after COVID-19. It’s been four or five years, yet the impact remains, especially on businesses. Several have closed, so we conduct exit interviews to understand why they are leaving or shutting down. Often, these issues are fixable, and we assist them in staying open by providing resources or pointing them in the right direction.
We have partnered with the right people, ensuring we are involved with business entities and organizations that assist businesses. We work closely with the Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce, recognizing its strength in supporting businesses while we focus on residents. They ensure businesses remain open and have the resources needed to stay afloat.
In times of crisis, there are opportunities. You must see the glass as half full. A positive mindset attracts opportunities and resources. Our priority is understanding change, positioning ourselves to manage it, bringing the right people to the table, and ensuring the organizations that assist us, like the Chamber of Commerce, have the necessary resources to support businesses.
My business experience includes working at various law firms, but my time at McKinsey & Company in New York and Florida was invaluable. I learned that success is never about the individual; it’s about the team coming together for the organization’s betterment.
What is your take on housing affordability in Lauderhill and the new initiatives that the city has in place to help developers?
The city has implemented an in-fill housing program. We’ve purchased dilapidated units and vacant land to construct new single-family workforce housing. Additionally, we’re partnering with Habitat for Humanity on a townhome project. This partnership allows participants to participate in the construction of their homes while offering low-interest financing on newly constructed homes. At closing, new homeowners will have sufficient equity, which will contribute to their future financial stability. The city also utilizes its federal and state grant funds to offer down payment assistance and home repair programs.
What are your top priorities for Lauderhill over the next couple of years?
We want Lauderhill to be a place where people can live, be entertained, do business, and feel comfortable. The first priority is advancing our comprehensive plan for public safety. There has been an uptick in crime, and we want to address the root cause. We are organizing a Public Safety Forum with law enforcement from across the nation to discuss best practices. The goal is to make Lauderhill the safest city in the country.
We are also addressing high taxes. During my campaign, residents expressed concerns about taxes. We are reviewing programs to identify the most effective ones and reallocating resources to assist residents. The aim is to ensure residents feel comfortable and not burdened by high taxes.
We want our business community to thrive. While attracting new businesses is important, retaining existing ones is a priority. We are working with state and federal representatives to empower business owners and keep businesses open and successful.
We have programs for seniors, such as Tea Time with Seniors, which includes educational sessions, health tips, and social activities. We also focus on youth development, offering programs like chess to teach problem-solving and conflict resolution. Additionally, we provide psychological support for student athletes to ensure their mental well-being.
Lauderhill is committed to improving quality of life, strengthening businesses, and maintaining a strong economy to keep the city thriving.
