Michelle Gómez, Mayor, City of Tamarac
May 2026 — Invest: spoke with Mayor Michelle Gómez of Tamarac about the city’s rapid growth, long-range planning, and investments aimed at strengthening community life. She discussed how the newly adopted 2050 comprehensive plan guides development, how the city is expanding attainable housing options, and why quality-of-life initiatives remain central to Tamarac’s identity. “As we grow, we’re determined to preserve the welcoming, small-city feel that people love about Tamarac,” she said.
How would you describe the past year for Tamarac, and how have recent changes in the city’s landscape shaped your priorities for the coming year?
Our core priorities remain the same: delivering top-tier services and ensuring Tamarac is a place where people can live, work and play comfortably. What has become more pronounced over the past year is the pace of growth and the need to manage it thoughtfully. Our focus is on maintaining strong services, keeping programs relevant for a multigenerational and multicultural population, and balancing new development with the character that defines us. As we grow, we’re determined to preserve the welcoming, small-city feel that people love about Tamarac. Everything from infrastructure to parks to mobility planning ties back to that responsibility.
With the 2050 comprehensive plan, what are the key elements guiding Tamarac’s long-term development?
The shift from a 2040 to a 2050 plan was mandated by the state, and with public input, we approved the updated plan recently. Its central purpose is to give future commissions a clear framework for how to grow responsibly to achieve the community’s desires. A major emphasis is aligning development with mobility. Tamarac will not have a subway, and large rail concepts are only discussed occasionally, so our near-term transportation future will focus on buses, rideshare, and shuttles. The plan ensures that as new housing and commercial nodes are developed, they are located where transportation access is realistic and reliable.
We are also paying close attention to how older residents move around the city and access medical care. New healthcare models, including clinics that provide transportation, make proximity critical. Housing that is close to these services — or within comfortable driving or shuttle distance — is essential for seniors who want to age in place.
Walkability and bikeability are another major component of the plan. Tamarac’s climate gives us the advantage of year-round outdoor activity, but safety remains a challenge. Too many cyclists, scooter riders, and pedestrians are being hit by drivers due to distractions, not knowing or following the rules of the road, or needing better sightlines. The 2050 plan incorporates safer street designs, better crossings, and more walkable hubs so residents can reach restaurants, everyday services, or community spaces without relying exclusively on cars.
How is Tamarac addressing the need for attainable and stable housing options as the city grows?
Attainable housing is a continuous focus for us because it shapes people’s ability to remain in Tamarac as their circumstances change. Our goal is to create options that serve residents, including our veterans, at different life stages — young professionals, families, and seniors. That requires a broader set of tools than traditional affordability programs.
The City has acquired several properties at fair market value, so we can help guide how they are developed. When I say we want development done “smartly,” I mean creating mixed-use environments that combine housing with practical amenities, park space, and easy access to transportation. We also want these projects to be resilient and aligned with the long-term plan, not just built to meet short-term demand.
We’ve also been in conversations about expanding the continuum of care for older residents. Many seniors want to remain in Tamarac but can no longer live entirely independently. We are encouraging concepts that begin with independent living and transition smoothly into assisted living — active, engaging environments that support residents instead of isolating them. It’s important to us that seniors feel they can stay rooted here, surrounded by friends and familiar places.
Beyond housing and land use, what initiatives have strengthened residents’ overall quality of life?
This year has been full of progress. We’ve repurposed underperforming properties into community assets, whether that means converting land into new parks or laying groundwork for future residential hubs that include food options, open space, or potential satellite city services. This helps ensure every part of Tamarac feels connected.
Residents consistently ask for more sit-down restaurants and places to gather. While we already have a vibrant mix of 60 to 70 mom-and-pop eateries representing many cultures, we’re working to create additional dining destinations and social spaces. Our parks system continues to expand — we’re building our 13th park and discussing a 14th — and we’re modernizing our dog parks and amenities to keep them clean, safe, and enjoyable.
Programming is also a major priority. Our “Move with the Mayor” workouts now take place twice a month, and our 5K Club continues to bring residents together to walk or run at their own pace, whether they register or join informally along the route. Last year’s Turkey Trot drew over 2,500 registered participants. We activated the amphitheater at Tamarac Village, which allowed us to expand our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with food trucks, music, and dancing. Food Truck Fridays have grown to twice a month as well, creating more opportunities for neighbors to interact and enjoy the City’s amenities.
Tamarac has also been investing in infrastructure and foundational systems. What long-term improvements are underway to support the city’s growth and livability?
A strong foundation is essential for everything we’re trying to accomplish. Because Tamarac doesn’t have a CRA, we’ve taken a proactive approach by acquiring properties in strategic corridors so we can guide future economic development. We’re in planning mode with those sites now, preparing for partnerships with developers who share our vision for resilient, mixed-use spaces that add economic value and community benefit.
We are also improving digital and physical connectivity. We’re installing fiber and upgrading infrastructure so residents can access Wi-Fi across our parks and so public safety teams have reliable communication. We’re collaborating with Broward County to strengthen transportation technology so bus riders receive timely arrival updates and can better plan their commutes.
We have almost completed installation of our advanced water metering system, which should help with water conservation and operational efficiency. Street resurfacing has begun on major roadways and will extend into neighborhoods. These are long-awaited improvements that will strengthen mobility and safety across the city.
The progress we’re making is reflected in the recognitions Tamarac continues to receive: digital city awards, municipal innovation honors, second consecutive Accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), strong ISO ratings, high permit, and inspection activity, officially designated as a “HAAPE Autism Inclusive City” by Helping Adults with Autism Perform & Excel (HAAPE), and so much more! Some projects are now emerging visibly, while others are still in preparation, but taken together, they signal that Tamarac is building a resilient future rooted in thoughtful planning.
Looking ahead, what is the long-term vision for Tamarac’s economic development, and where do you see opportunity in the years to come?
Our vision remains focused on balanced growth. We want to maintain economic momentum while ensuring that services, infrastructure, and quality of life scale appropriately. Tamarac should remain attainable, clean, welcoming, and well-served — a place where residents feel proud to live and businesses feel confident in investing.
Our staff is essential to that vision. Many of our employees live in Tamarac, which I think is fantastic! They care deeply about the community and bring invaluable insight into what residents experience day to day. We’re enhancing communication with realtors and businesses to ensure everyone understands new ordinances and development expectations, share our grant programs to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit, and our BOSS (Business One Stop Shop) program continues to help businesses locate in the right places and open quickly.
Ultimately, our goal is for anyone who lives, works, plays, or visits here to feel safe, comfortable, and engaged, whether they’re enjoying community events or relaxing at home. Tamarac is active and growing. We strive to maintain our small-town charm with a big city feel.
