Nick Sortal, Mayor, City of Plantation

May 2026 — Invest: caught up with Nick Sortal, mayor of the City of Plantation, to learn how shifting expectations around affordable living, redevelopment, and infrastructure are shaping the city’s priorities. Sortal explained why Plantation is leaning into higher-density, mixed-use growth in key corridors while staying focused on the fundamentals residents care about most. “The only place we can go is up, and that’s the challenge we’re working through,” Sortal said.

What changes have you seen across municipal governments over the past year?

One of the biggest shifts is that municipalities are holding developers to committing to affordable housing in some form. More often now, every development is expected to include an affordable housing element.

If you want to credit one person, it would be Nan Rich, the county commissioner, who has been a warrior for affordable housing. It used to be that people came in talking about high-end housing. Now, we stop and say we need something for people with everyday jobs who need a place to live. That shift has affected building everywhere.

What are the most active areas for development right now, and where do you see the next wave of opportunity coming from?

We still see live, work, play as a core strategy. In Plantation, the signature area is around Broward Mall, at Broward and University.

This idea isn’t new. Back in 2002, we did a report saying we needed residential development there. We updated it again in 2016. Multiple mayors have been saying the same thing. We have restaurants, but we don’t have enough density to keep them all in business.

At the same time, national trends are pushing in the same direction. More apartments are being built than homes across the country, and there’s a housing shortage everywhere. We’re also a built-out county. We’re not expanding outward. The only place we can go is up, and that’s the challenge we’re working through.

What’s changed in how Plantation is supporting economic development and attracting new employers?

We’re not having to work very hard to attract new employers. Our phone rings every few days with someone interested in coming in. The advantage of that is we can be thoughtful about fit.

It’s not about what I want. It’s about what residents want, because I represent them. We’ve seen an infusion of creative companies like Jazwares and Chewy. Years ago, we had Motorola here, and it was very tech-heavy. Now, the mix feels more creative and more dynamic.

Location plays a big role. We’re right by I-595, which makes Plantation easy to access. That central location, combined with stability in leadership, continues to be attractive.

Residents also care deeply about quality of life. They want it clean and green. Everyone is less green than they were five years ago, but Plantation is still closer to that standard than most. That’s because prior mayors were very strict about trees and green space. The city’s character today reflects that long-term discipline.

What does progress look like right now in the Gateway area along State Road 7, and how are recent investments shaping the city’s vision for that part of town?

That corridor is critical. Our CRA expires in five years, so we have to move with purpose.

Publix is coming in at Broward and 441. HCA is building a freestanding emergency room nearby. We also have senior housing and hero housing projects moving forward. There’s a lot happening.

Leadership matters there as well. Our CRA director, Glendon Hall, knows every business along State Road 7 and has knocked on every door. That level of engagement builds trust and keeps redevelopment aligned with the corridor’s real needs.

What role does homeownership play in your housing strategy, particularly through initiatives like hero housing?

Ownership changes lives. When someone owns instead of rents, it creates stability and pride.

We talk a lot about affordable housing, but accessibility is just as important. Helping working people reach that first home, what I call a starter home, has a lasting impact on families and neighborhoods.

What are you seeing in terms of infrastructure, transportation, or public services as the population grows?

We use the term affordable living rather than just affordable housing, because it’s about more than a roof. It’s about transportation, access, and services.

Along Sunrise Boulevard, we’re seeing housing proposals that align with county transit routes, which matters for people without personal transportation.

From an infrastructure standpoint, coordination is key. When multiple developers are in the same area, we bring them together. Instead of three separate systems, we build one larger, coordinated solution. Doing it once and doing it right saves time and resources.

A lot of infrastructure work happens underground, and people don’t realize how complex it is. Water, wastewater, drainage, all of it has to be planned carefully.

With redevelopment at Broward Mall and Plantation Walk, what kind of energy do you want those projects to bring?

People want things to do. I often think about it through the lens of entertainment and music.

Areas where you can walk between venues, stay for an evening, and enjoy live music create energy. That’s what I’d like to see at Broward Mall and Plantation Walk.

There’s also been a cultural shift. People use rideshares more, DUIs are down, and nightlife districts are more feasible than they once were. There’s a real gap for live music in this area, and people want it.

What are the biggest challenges the city is facing right now?

Traffic is the issue people talk about most, but it really comes down to two choke points: University Drive and Pine Island Road connecting to I-595.

To address that, we’re planning a Midtown Bridge. It would connect residents directly to State Road 84, bypassing those choke points. The design is complete, and the estimated cost is about $10 million.

If we wait too long to build it, it’s just going to make things worse, and everybody’s going to be demoralized. We’ve had this project in the plan for five years, and earlier this year we decided it’s time to move forward, even if we don’t receive outside funding.

How is the city supporting existing businesses as Plantation evolves?

We’re much more proactive. When businesses have concerns, we bring them in and put everyone at the table: the mayor, CAO, planning and zoning, and police.

The message is simple. We want you here. We want you to succeed. You’re a partner, not an adversary.

That approach encourages businesses to speak up. We can’t always say yes, but we can listen and work toward solutions.

Looking ahead, what are your top priorities over the next two to three years?

First, building the bridge. Second, clearly communicating why residential development at Broward Mall is necessary.

That redevelopment will also include about 70,000 square feet of restaurants. One thing we’ve learned is people love to eat. Food drives engagement more than almost anything else.

We also focus on community-building. Our monthly Rock the Park concerts draw thousands of residents. Free events bring people together, and that sense of community matters.

Is there anything else you think is important to highlight?

Every city is watching what the state may do with property taxes. That uncertainty affects long-term planning.

We’ve also made major investments in stormwater and drainage. We created a dedicated stormwater team focused on prevention. It’s not glamorous, but it’s critical. You only notice it when it fails.

Strong leadership and teamwork make all of this possible. Nothing gets done alone in local government, and Plantation is better when everyone works as a team.