Commission renews Mayor's lien-clemency program, extends application period to 180 days

The City of North Lauderdale Commission on March 13 approved a second round of the Mayor's Lien Clemency Program, authorizing the city manager to implement the program and extending the application window to 180 days to increase outreach and participation.

The program provides lien relief for property-maintenance and other code-related liens that impede homeowners from refinancing or resolving property issues. Under the program promoted at the meeting, property owners aged 65 and older are eligible for 100% lien forgiveness; owners 64 and younger are eligible for a 99% reduction under the staff-recommended structure, consistent with the prior program.

Community Development said the mayor's 2023 program helped about 75 property owners and reduced nearly $3 million in liens. Commissioners asked staff to broaden outreach beyond flyers, including video messaging and working through homeowners associations, houses of worship and the chamber of commerce. Staff said flyers, social media, the city newsletter and direct outreach would be used; commissioners suggested creating a short explanatory video.

Commissioner Regina Martin moved and commissioners seconded an amendment to rename the initiative "Mayor's Lien Clemency Program 2" and to change the application period from 90 working days to 180 calendar days. The amendment passed by unanimous roll-call vote. The amended program resolution then passed by unanimous roll call.

Staff said several prior applicants are already awaiting the next round and that the department would publish application materials and a schedule once the commission's authorization was posted.