Josh Levy has more than earned 4 more years as Mayor of Hollywood. Mayor Levy has been a steadfast, honest and passionate leader who has won the respect of many city employees, business owners and residents as noted with his extensive and broad base of endorsements and support. He has been a unifier across the city, cheering on local businesses and engaging with residents as he and his family bike our streets and broadwalk regularly and proudly share on social media. He exudes hometown pride and has made himself familiar with all aspects of mayoral and city life. The counter narrative and rhetoric on the campaign trail has been toxic and divisive, potentially jeopardizing the partnerships and stewardship of relationships that Mayor Levy has worked hard for, both for residents and business owners. The list of his accomplishments is long, especially considering the context of the historic times he has served our great city. Through floods, economic uncertainty, COVID. Specifically, I will focus on the accomplishments that I have had the pleasure of working with

him on to address housing affordability and homelessness. Partnering with nonprofits, government at all levels as well as businesses and faith-based organizations, Hollywood has been a model in addressing both of these critical local issues. Housing affordability issues have plagued cities across the US for years, exacerbated in places like Hollywood where lower wage employees are competing with sky- high rents due to a number of factors including inflation, insurance and the price of living in paradise, where the building codes are some of the strictest in the country to battle. Housing insecurity coupled other factors such as mental health issues have contributed to homelessness, resulting in complex and nuanced situations at the mercy of evolving circumstances. Under the leadership of Mayor Josh Levy, the city has taken significant strides towards ensuring that residents have opportunities and access to resources, services and new affordable units. He has stewarded ew partnerships to support some of the most vulnerable in our city.

His commitment is about more than just buildings; it’s about creating a community where everyone has a place to call home. Since taking office, Mayor Levy has prioritized housing affordability initiatives, including a historic interlocal agreement with Broward County that provides homeowners with rehab assistance.

He’s supported smart growth with developments like Pinnacle at Peacefield which provides desperately needed senior affordable housing west of downtown, revitalizing a derelict property. Pinnacle at 441, the first multifamily development on State Road 7 in Hollywood, transforms one of our busiest corridors into a vibrant corner with public art below and panoramic views above. University Station on Dixie Highway by Housing Trust Group will bring much needed affordability to our downtown core, in addition to their recently completed development, Hudson Village at the south end of downtown. Have you ever driven by them?

It’s not the stigmatized housing you think of. Aesthetically pleasing and a great fit for their neighborhoods, these are opportunities to transform the lives of the families who live in these affordable units. Mayor Levy has also championed policies that incentivize developers to consider mixed income in new projects, ensuring that the needs of all residents are considered.

He recognizes the importance of bringing partners and stakeholders together to address this critical issue.Under Mayor Levy’s leadership Hollywood has become a model city in addressing the homelessness crisis. The city’s HPD Homeless taskforce is a multi-disciplinary partnership that brings together the city, HPD and local nonprofits such as the Broward Outreach Center.

Together with county partnership through the Homeless Continuum of Care, Hollywood leverages community resources and information, working to address this nuanced and sensitive

issue. Mayor Levy supported the creation of Community Court, a one stop shop model where homeless individuals can be connected with services and resources as they appear in front of a judge after being issued a violation or citation. Hollywood is one of only three cities in Broward following this effective national best practice to support some of our most vulnerable residents.

I am always so proud to brag about our city and its leadership. Together we can continue to support residents in need with the thoughtful and strategic leadership that Mayor Levy has provided since the first day he took office. Together we can ensure that our city continues making the progress we’ve made.