Lauderhill commission rescinds cityinitiative language so health-and-prosperity partnership can operate as a nonprofit

Lauderhill City Commission members voted 3-1 on Sept. 8 to rescind the resolution that had listed the Lauderhill Health and Prosperity Partnership (LHPP) as a city initiative and to allow LHPP to operate as an independent nonprofit organization.

The vote follows months of debate and public comment about whether LHPP should remain a city program or become a standalone 501(c)(3). Mayor Denise Grant moved to approve the rescission; the motion was seconded (second not specified in the record). The motion passed 3-1 (yes: Commissioner Richard Campbell; Commissioner John T. Hodgson; Mayor Denise Grant; no: Commissioner Melissa P. Dunn).

Commissioners and city staff framed the measure as a governance and clarity step rather than a cut to services. Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Zach Davis summarized the grants and programs tied to LHPP and said the city would continue administration of grant activities through the city's grants division so services already funded would not be interrupted. City Manager Hobbs told the commission he had informed grantors and said the city will continue to facilitate the programs while LHPP pursues an independent nonprofit structure.

Discussion and context Commissioner Melissa Dunn, who sponsored the original October 2024 resolution directing staff to pursue 501(c)(3) designation for LHPP, defended the partnership's community work and said the organization had graduated more than 150 businesses and engaged more than 1,000 residents through programs such as Lauderhill Shines and Peace365. Dunn urged continued community support whether LHPP remains a city initiative or stands up as a nonprofit.

Several residents, business owners and LHPP partners testified during public comment. Speakers said LHPP had helped businesses obtain Certificates of Use, provided business training and connected residents to services. A number of stakeholders said freezing LHPP activities earlier this year harmed momentum and urged the commission to preserve programming and funding relationships.

City staff'provided a timeline and grants breakdown Zach Davis reviewed prior resolutions and grant relationships linked to LHPP. His presentation noted that the city had: (a) been awarded and administered multiple grants tied to community hubs and capacity building (examples cited in the presentation include a Health Foundation of South Florida grant and other philanthropic awards); (b) facilitated administration and reimbursement for HHS health-literacy funds; and (c) that existing grant terms will be carried out by the city's grants division.

Davis said the city had assisted over 558 households through federal and state programs and had expended just over $12,881,677.98 across housing and small-business programs since 2020 (figures provided in the presentation).

Public concerns and staff assurances Multiple speakers warned that public confusion about who manages grants ' city staff or LHPP ' had created delays in banking and contracting. City Manager Hobbs and staff said they would continue program delivery and would coordinate with grantors and partners to avoid service interruptions. Hobbs said the city would continue to provide business-concierge and workforce development services through its economic development and grants divisions while LHPP reorganizes.

What the commission decided The commission's formal action rescinded the 2021 establishing resolution (resolution referenced in the meeting as 21R-03-59) and affirmed the earlier October 2024 direction that LHPP pursue a nonprofit structure. The commission did not vote to terminate existing programs; staff said they will continue to administer grant-funded services during the transition. The vote was recorded as 3-1 in favor of the rescission.

Why this matters Commissioners, stakeholders and staff agreed that the question is one of governance and operational clarity: whether certain community-facing services should be delivered directly by city departments or by an independent nonprofit that can solicit private donations and apply for certain grants. Supporters argued a nonprofit structure can expand fundraising; critics cautioned about transparency and continuity while organizational changes are underway.

What comes next City staff said they will: notify grantors of the governance change, continue administering active grants through the grants division, and coordinate with LHPP leaders on a transition path for partnerships and programs. LHPP leaders and supporters said they intend to continue outreach and program delivery while pursuing 501(c)(3) status.