Josh Levy, Mayor, City of Hollywood

May 2026 — In an interview with Invest:, Mayor Josh Levy of the City of Hollywood, discussed smart growth, infrastructure investment, and industry diversification shaping the city’s future. “The goal is to support smart growth by placing development in areas with existing and planned transportation capacity while creating connected, walkable districts,” said Levy.

What economic developments have most influenced Hollywood’s growth trajectory and priorities over the past year?

We have focused on two primary growth areas: the Regional Activity Center (RAC), which surrounds and includes downtown Hollywood, and the transit-oriented corridor along State Road 7.

Over the past year, we have seen a number of market rate and affordable housing mixed-use developments completed along our commercial corridors in both areas, bringing new residents to our beautiful city. These projects reflect a long-standing vision for what residents want for our city, and demonstrates the high quality of life and opportunity available here.

Downtown Hollywood continues to attract residents seeking a walkable, urban environment. State Road 7, or as we call it “The 7,” is an emerging destination primed for redevelopment. For the first time, we are seeing successful residential growth along what was traditionally a commercial-only corridor.

Both areas align with the county’s transportation plans. In the downtown RAC, Hollywood has been designated as the first station for the future Broward Commuter Rail South, and we have already begun investing to support that. On The 7, some of the county’s busiest bus lines are being expanded through the PREMO plan, including bus rapid transit and other options.

We are encouraging residential growth in coordination with these investments. The goal is to support smart growth by placing development in areas with existing and planned transportation capacity while creating connected, walkable districts.

Where do you see the strongest opportunities for sustained economic growth in the coming years?

The strongest opportunities remain in those same growth areas along our commercial corridors. The RAC spans more than 1,400 acres and continues to offer significant redevelopment potential due to the availability of large parcels.

We expect the RAC to remain the center of growth for the city. The State Road 7 corridor also presents strong long-term opportunities, although progress will depend on market conditions. The Seminole Tribe of Florida is the largest property owner along the corridor, including on the Hollywood side, and we are encouraged by its investment in the area and interest in future redevelopment.

Hollywood Beach is another key focus area. It remains a top destination which has ranked as high as the top 5 in the country by TripAdvisor and has held its spot in the Top 15 as of 2026. This visibility continues to attract millions of visitors each year.

Given that demand, we are exploring opportunities to expand hotel development. The city is evaluating zoning updates and conducting an economic study to support additional high-quality hotels, while preserving the village-like character centered around the Broadwalk.

How is the city positioning itself to attract high-value industries?

We work closely with commercial and industrial property owners to market opportunities to align development with targeted growth industries. These include aviation, marine, healthcare, professional services, and advanced manufacturing, particularly in new technologies and 3D and additive manufacturing.

We analyze existing industry clusters in Hollywood and across South Florida and share that information with property owners and brokers. This helps them understand where the strongest opportunities are and encourages investment in high-growth sectors. While we do not control private property, we provide the data and market insights needed to guide decision-making.

What initiatives are in place to support small businesses and entrepreneurs?

Small businesses are a critical part of the local economy, representing more than 90% of employment opportunities both nationally and locally. Supporting entrepreneurs and helping businesses grow is one of the City’s top priorities, and we take a very hands-on approach via our many programs and services in support of our business community.

We focus on creating an environment where businesses can open, operate, and expand more easily. That includes assisting with site-selection, navigating permitting and licensing processes, coordinating property owners, and helping businesses identify opportunities for growth and investment throughout the City.

We also offer entrepreneurship classes, business workshops, pitch competitions, and initiatives focused on innovation and the adoption of emerging technologies such as AI. In Downtown Hollywood and other commercial areas, we actively support small business visibility and promotion through marketing initiatives, events, digital tools, and business engagement efforts designed to drive traffic and awareness.

We also host monthly Small Business Assistance Center sessions at City Hall, where staff from Planning, Building, Economic Development, and other City departments come together under one roof to provide direct assistance to entrepreneurs and business owners looking to start, expand, or relocate a business in Hollywood. Rather than navigating multiple departments independently, businesses can meet directly with City staff in one setting to receive guidance on permitting, licensing, development requirements, and other key steps in the process.

In addition, the City provides property improvement programs and guidance on accessing funding opportunities, including SBA loans and other financing options. These programs help businesses invest in their operations, improve storefronts and commercial spaces, and expand successfully.

Workforce development is another priority. We connect businesses with CareerSource Broward, the region’s federally funded workforce agency. Through this partnership, businesses can access training for employees, while job seekers can connect with employers and develop new skills.

We have also built a strong economic development division that works directly with businesses at all stages, ensuring they have the support needed to grow and succeed.

What investments is the city making to keep pace with growth?

Hollywood’s vision as an all-year resort city continues to guide its investments. In downtown, we have focused on enhancing public spaces and connectivity, including the ArtsPark at Young Circle and streetscape improvements along Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street. We have also worked with public and private entities to keep our free and low-cost shuttle options in motion, making it easy for anyone to get around. 

We have invested over $20 million to completely renovate the Hollywood Beach Golf Club, which recently reopened downtown. These improvements, along with expanded support for arts and culture, create a walkable environment that connects downtown to Hollywood Beach, about a 10-minute bike ride away.

The goal is to offer a lifestyle, not just housing. Residents gain access to parks, cultural amenities, dining, and future transit options. This continues to drive demand for residential development, with thousands of units recently completed or under construction.

As more people move in, new businesses follow. This helps fill commercial spaces and reinforces a cycle of growth.

The city is also investing in infrastructure. A new police headquarters is expected to open this summer, part of more than $165 million in general obligation bond funding for public safety, parks and resiliency projects.

On Hollywood Beach, more than $100 million is being invested in infrastructure improvements. These include rebuilding streets, undergrounding power lines, and enhancing storm resilience, as well as addressing flooding through road elevation and pump systems in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation.

Looking ahead, we have mapped out long-term investments in water, wastewater, and stormwater systems over the next 20 years to support continued growth.

What are your top priorities to strengthen Hollywood’s economic competitiveness in the coming years?

A key priority is continuing to support commercial and industrial investment to ensure our city continues to grow. Attracting high-wage employers in the healthcare, aviation, and advanced manufacturing fields while also investing in amenities that provide a high quality of life for residents and visitors will remain a key focus to ensure Hollywood remains a destination. 

Healthcare is especially important, with Memorial Healthcare System as the city’s largest employer. Its $700 million surgical and patient bed tower project with over 20 new operating rooms and over 150 additional beds, represents a major investment in Hollywood that will not only support residential demand as healthcare workers seek to live nearby, but also create significant construction and permanent healthcare jobs for Hollywood and Broward County residents.

Over the next three to five years, we will continue strengthening these industries while supporting their expansion. Tourism will also remain a focus, particularly through hotel development along Hollywood Beach.

We approach growth from a regional perspective. Hollywood is part of the broader South Florida economy, and sectors like healthcare and tourism serve both local and global populations.

Supporting these industries helps drive job creation and economic activity beyond city boundaries, and we remain focused on advancing them in the years ahead.

What is your outlook for Hollywood’s economic future?

Hollywood’s future looks bright. With our strong position in Broward County as the second-largest economic driver and the third-largest city by population, the best kept secret in South Florida is out. As a coastal city that recently marked its 100th anniversary, the energy and excitement is spurring interest and investment. Many older properties present opportunities for redevelopment, which has contributed to the record growth seen over the past decade.

Its central location in South Florida, often described as the “50-yard line,” this urban environment with a sandy beach attached further strengthens its appeal.

The city offers a range of lifestyles, from family-oriented neighborhoods to a vibrant downtown and a highly visited beach destination and continues to welcome investment while remaining focused on long-term growth across sectors.