Fort Lauderdale City Manager Restructures Departments for Enhanced Efficiency and Service Delivery

In a recent Budget Advisory Board meeting held on July 16, 2025, the City of Fort Lauderdale outlined significant organizational changes aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery to residents. The restructuring involves the creation of new departments and a realignment of personnel to better meet the city's operational needs.

One of the key changes discussed was the establishment of a dedicated Procurement Department, which will enhance the city's ability to secure contracts and manage them effectively. This move is expected to streamline processes and improve accountability within the procurement division, which was previously part of the finance department.

Additionally, the city manager's office will see a reduction in staff, with 13 employees transitioning to a newly formed Office of Strategic Communications. This shift is designed to focus on enhancing communication strategies and intergovernmental relations, ensuring that the city remains responsive to community needs and external partnerships.

The meeting also highlighted the creation of the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport as a separate department, which will allow for more focused management of airport operations. This change is part of a broader effort to optimize city resources and improve service delivery across various departments.

Another significant development is the reorganization of the Public Works and Utilities departments. The Utilities Department will now consist of 324 employees, focusing on essential services such as waste management and clean water, while Public Works will be streamlined to under 200 employees. This restructuring aims to align the workforce with the city's environmental and sustainability initiatives, ensuring that all related activities are effectively managed.

The meeting also addressed the importance of aligning personnel with their respective departments. For instance, human resources and IT functions that were previously scattered across various departments will now be centralized, promoting better oversight and adherence to best practices.

Overall, these changes reflect the city's commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and responsiveness to community needs. As Fort Lauderdale continues to evolve, these organizational adjustments are expected to play a crucial role in delivering improved services to residents and fostering a more engaged and informed community.