From David Volz
After leading the Fort Lauderdale government for about 15 months, Rickelle William is moving on.
The Commission approved a mutual separation agreement between the City and City Manager Rickelle Williams. Under the agreement, Williams will step away from her official duties beginning July 3, 2026, while remaining available to support the leadership transition through the conclusion of her employment.
“I want to thank Rickelle Williams for her service to the City and for working with the Commission on behalf of all our residents. Although it was the city manager’s decision to depart, I am pleased we were able to work out a mutual separation agreement. I wish her nothing by the very best,” said commissioner Steve Glassman.
The City Commission appointed Christopher Cooper as Acting City Manager of the City of Fort Lauderdale, effective July 3, 2026. Cooper will serve in this role until a successor City Manager begins employment with the City or until further action is taken by the City Commission.
“I am confident that Chris will not miss a beat when it comes to serving in this capacity. The city is in good hands and we will continue to move forward,” said Glassman.
The Commission approved an interim agreement to advance the Holiday Park Parking Project. The agreement allows construction of a new surface parking lot while continuing the design and evaluation of a future parking garage, Fire Rescue/EMS substation, and potential rooftop vertiport. The agreement does not commit the City to Phase II construction, and any future agreement or financing would require additional City Commission approval
The Commission accepted approximately $4.3 million in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to construct the Runway 27 Bypass Taxiways Project at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. The project will help reduce aircraft congestion and ground delays, improve airfield safety, and increase operational efficiency. The project is separate from the proposed Runway 9 extension project
The Commission denied an appeal challenging the City’s recommendation to award the contract for a new P25 public safety radio communication system to Motorola Solutions, Inc. The appeal raised concerns about the proposal’s compliance with the City’s Request for Proposals (RFP) requirements. Following discussion, the Commission denied the appeal, allowing the award of the RFP and subsequent Agreement to Motorola Solution, Inc to move forward.
The Commission approved the issuance of up to $333 million in Stormwater Utility Special Assessment Revenue Bonds to support the Fortify Lauderdale stormwater improvement program. Approximately $330 million will fund the construction of selected Fortify Lauderdale Phase I projects and the design of Phase II projects in 12 priority neighborhoods. The remaining funds will cover costs associated with issuing the bonds.
The Commission approved the First Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement for the Broward Solid Waste Authority, subject to approval of the Second Amendment by all participating municipalities. The action confirms the City’s participation in the regional solid waste and recycling system through 2063 if the required approvals are obtained. The Second Amendment provides participating municipalities with opportunities to withdraw following the regional procurement process in 2027 and again in 2048.
The Commission approved a $640,000 loan commitment from the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support the Ekos Melrose Manor affordable housing development. If awarded state funding, the project will create 110 affordable housing units for households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income. The development will include one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and maintain affordability for at least 50 years.
