Joyce Davis, Mayor, Dania Beach

In an interview with Invest:, Mayor Joyce Davis of Dania Beach discussed the city’s focus on balancing innovation and inclusivity, the impact of its first-ever strategic plan, transformative community projects, partnerships in key industries, and plans to establish Dania Beach as a vibrant, sustainable destination.

How does the city balance innovation and inclusivity while fostering economic development and attracting impactful initiatives?

We strive for innovation and aim to be the first to bring new initiatives and businesses to our city. Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve, attracting headquarters that align with our strategic plan while fostering inclusivity. In Dania Beach, many contribute to our economic development. One example is Dania Pointe, our largest employer, which has been transformative for our city. It’s truly an exciting time to be part of Dania Beach.

How has the creation of a long-term strategic plan influenced the direction and development of your city?

In January 2021, our commission created Dania Beach’s first-ever strategic plan, something that hadn’t existed in the city’s 116-year history. Previously, there was no defined vision, mission, or priorities. Over months, we worked with a consultant and the community to develop a comprehensive 15-year roadmap: Vision 2030.

The plan answers the question of what Dania Beach will look like 15 years from now. The commission set the vision, and we’ve focused on making it tangible through actionable deliverables. Many recent successes stem from this plan’s development and execution.

What initiatives have been most impactful in transforming and enhancing the community’s key attractions?

My favorite project is our beach. I start each day there, praying and reflecting — a routine I’ve kept for almost 20 years. We envisioned the beach as a world-class destination. With less than a mile of beachfront, we’ve invested $2 million in improvements, including revitalizing the pier, which attracts celebrities for movies and recordings.

We modernized lifeguard stands with colors reflecting our city’s logo and capitalized on our location as the closest beach to the airport and seaport. Visitors like a family from Virginia have found our beach after flight delays.

We’ve added cleanup stations, commissioned the first mural directly on the beach in Broward County, and have also recently unveiled the Lead with Love mural by renowned artist Cey Adams. Parks have been renovated to be family-friendly, with highlights like the Born Learning Trail, which provides early literacy opportunities in partnership with United Way and Rebuilding Together. 

How do you ensure new developments and projects align with the community’s vision while fostering growth?

One exciting focus is waterfront dining. Early in my tenure, the Dania Beach Grill closed due to poor maintenance. Replacing it with something that preserved the community’s beachy, hometown vibe was a priority. We chose Lucky Fish Bar and Grill, and for the first time in our city, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a stunning ocean view.

To showcase these developments, I launched the “Mayor on the Move” initiative, visiting construction sites to highlight what’s coming to Dania Beach. Events like Earth Day and back-to-school celebrations emphasize our focus on environmental stewardship. Our goal has been to transform the beach into a world-class destination while preserving its natural beauty and maximizing its accessibility as the closest beach to the airport and seaport.

How is the city addressing infrastructure challenges while accommodating new development?

It’s a balancing act. We have iconic places but aging infrastructure, so addressing this has been a key goal of our strategic plan. Since 2020, we’ve invested over $100 million in improvements, including a $34 million grant for the Southeast Drainage Project, now underway, to replace outdated piping and support new development.

We’ve also partnered with Calvin Giordano & Associates on a stormwater master plan, incorporating residents’ input, like photos of flooded areas, to address unprecedented storms and flooding. Collaborations with counties like Broward, Monroe, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade through initiatives like the Climate Change Summit are also critical.

To mitigate flooding, we’ve raised seawalls and made substantial infrastructure investments, ensuring resilience as the city grows.

How are partnerships with the marine industry driving innovation and economic growth in the city?

We have a strong partnership with the Port Everglades Association, a key economic driver due to our proximity to the port. The marine industry attracts businesses interested in warehouses and other marine-related opportunities.

We’re also working closely with the cruise industry. For instance, I attended ribbon cuttings for the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Disney Cruise Line. While some high-profile clients stay in nearby cities, their staff, pilots, airline attendants, and more, stay in Dania Beach, boosting our hotels and businesses.

We’re exploring educational programs with organizations like AMO to maximize opportunities in the marine sector. This industry has immense growth potential, and we’re creating pathways to expand its economic impact in Dania Beach.

What role does Dania Beach play in South Florida’s growing tech ecosystem?

We aim to become a hub for technology because it’s the future, and we want to capitalize on this industry’s growth. One of our key initiatives involves entrepreneur development. Dr. Chris Ford from FIU is leading a program that helps entrepreneurs access and utilize technology patents to build their businesses.

Through this program, we’re training aspiring entrepreneurs on securing funding and grants tied to tech innovation. Our goal is to equip them with the skills and resources to succeed and encourage them to establish their businesses in Dania Beach. It’s a key part of our business attraction strategy to foster a tech-driven ecosystem here.

What challenges is the city facing, and how is your office addressing them?

Flooding remains our biggest challenge. In the past, we could anticipate hurricanes and prepare accordingly, but now we’re seeing unprecedented storms, like the one on April 12, which caused significant damage to homes and businesses, catching many off guard.

To address this, we’ve focused on improving communication with residents. For example, our Red Alert system provides real-time updates about street conditions and emergencies. We’ve also invested in two high-water vehicles, with a third planned for 2025. These vehicles have already rescued over 50 residents during floods, including areas that regular trucks couldn’t access.

We’re also looking to upgrade our emergency disaster plan to improve communication further. Additionally, traffic remains a challenge, but I believe every problem is solvable through partnerships. Collaborating with the county and other stakeholders is crucial to tackling issues like flooding, traffic, and environmental resilience. Together, we can make Dania Beach stronger and more sustainable.

What are your top priorities and goals for Dania Beach in the next few years?

I’m excited about our new Arts and Entertainment District, activating the back half of US-1 with Dania Beach’s first-ever arts park and public art plan. We’re investing $1 million in installations, including a Weyland piece — one of only three in the world. This project will create a walkable, bikeable district with dining and community spaces to enhance our charm while boosting economic development from Sterling Road to NW 1st Street.

We’re also working to make Dania Beach a true destination city. We want people to stay and experience our blend of hometown charm and world-class vibrancy, not just pass through on the way to Miami or Fort Lauderdale. I believe we’re on the verge of becoming one of the best cities in the country.

With our natural beauty, community spirit, and passion, Dania Beach is one-of-a-kind. We aim to foster safe, supportive neighborhoods, build strong partnerships, and create growth opportunities. Events like Dania After Dark, held monthly, bring the community together, including over 5,000 attendees at our Light It Up celebration. These events reflect the heart of our city: its people.

Attracting aligned businesses and nonprofits is another priority. We brought Spirit Airlines and the Dan Marino Foundation here, and I’m part of the Autism Coalition of Inclusion, Acceptance, and Equity, which fosters equity. Our vision is for Dania Beach to thrive as both an economic hub and a city that values its people. Safety, inclusivity, and partnerships are central as we pursue our Vision 2036 goals.

What unique developments are coming to Dania Beach?

One project I’m particularly thrilled about is the Rita Crockett Beach Academy. Rita Crockett, a silver Olympic volleyball medalist and a longtime coach at FIU, is a resident of Dania Beach. She’s spearheading the creation of a multi-sport sand academy here. This public-private partnership will bring Olympic-level training opportunities to our city and offer sand volleyball, sand soccer, sand pickleball, and more.

This academy is groundbreaking, not just for our city, but for the region. It’s set to bring Olympic athletes and other sports professionals to Dania Beach, creating opportunities for our youth and community. The commission has unanimously approved the project, and we’re currently finalizing the contract. I’m excited to see this vision become a reality in 2025.