Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Immigrant Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners praise free citizenship drives but balk at long-term free facility use
Summary
Commissioner Maxwell Williams asked the commission to continue allowing free use of the multipurpose center for regular citizenship drives run in partnership with the Florida Immigrant Coalition; commissioners commended the program’s benefits but raised concerns about precedent and equity if one nonprofit receives ongoing free space.
Commissioner Maxwell Williams asked the commission to continue allowing the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) to use the city multipurpose center free of charge for periodic citizenship-drives that help residents apply for naturalization and fee waivers. He said the program has assisted more than 2,000 Lauderdale Lakes residents and estimated savings to residents of roughly $760 per application when fee waivers are secured. “We have assisted over 2,000 Lauderdale Lakes residents... we’re saving them at least over $700,000 because the application cost is $760,” he said.
Several colleagues praised the work but warned about creating a precedent if one nonprofit receives ongoing, unpaid use of city facilities. Commissioners asked staff to examine consistent rental and discount policies for nonprofits and to explore options—discounted rates or a formal initiative structure—so the city treats similar organizations equitably. Commissioner Williams said he would recuse himself from any future vote on the item; the workshop discussion closed with staff and commissioners agreeing to return with policy options rather than approving a permanent exemption on the spot.
