Leaders look ahead at forum

Broward economy continues growth

Despite rising tourism, improving home prices and falling unemployment, community leaders say Broward County needs to look ahead to be prepared for even more growth.

About 900 business, civic and community leaders gathered Friday at the Signature Grand in Davie for the 7th Annual State of Our County forum hosted by Broward Workshop, a nonprofit, nonpartisan business organization.

Broward County Mayor Tim Ryan said the county is strong, with improving median home prices — $285,000 last month — and a 5.2 percent unemployment rate, lower than the 5.7 percent state rate.

Ryan addressed $2.3 billion in improvements at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, meant to reduce flight delays, bring in more visitors and provide more dining and shopping options for travelers. The airport had its busiest year ever last year, handling 24.6 million passengers, he said.

The mayor also acknowledged Port Everglades as one of the county’s major forces. The port generates about $26 billion anually in economic activity and creates about 11,700 jobs, Ryan said.

Moving forward, Ryan said the county will work with transit and development authorities to continue Broward’s strong footing. He also lauded plans for a 40,000-square-foot, $15 million animal care and adoption center that will be built in an unincorporated part of the county, adjacent to Dania Beach and west of Interstate 95.

Broward’s economic improvements come as the county celebrates its centennial this year.

“We look pretty darn good 100 years,” Ryan said.

Tony Carvajal, executive vice president of the Florida Chamber Foundation, said that while Broward County appears to be growing economically, it needs to have plans in place to be wellpositioned for even more growth.

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