Business View Civil & Municipal | Volme 3, Issue 2

40 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 and the marine industry. We needed to diversify and this is lockstep with the goals we had way back then. It will bring in the creative arts, the philanthropy, the excitement… it’s part of who we are. The important thing is we’re able to diversify the culture and see people from all walks of life residing here. No one group dominates but there is definitely representation from many groups.” BVM: What are your main goals for the future of Fort Lauderdale? Trantalis: “I’d like to see the fulfillment of all of these initiatives in the next three to five years. But at the same time, with all the interest taking place here in south Florida, you never know what’s behind the next door. We just have to keep ourselves open for opportunity and be willing to work quickly and effectively and partner with private interests. We have a lot on our plate and I think we’re moving in the right direction.” Department, FDOT, MPO, Brightline, the county, and other stakeholders to see how we can best afford to proceed with building a tunnel through the city. And we’re excited about the possibilities.” BVM: Would you say the sky is the limit? Trantalis: “Well… we’re also talking about creating Vertiports, working with a German company that has invented small passenger planes that take off vertically. There are three sites that have been designated in our city that, say, for $100 you can go from Fort Lauderdale to Miami in a matter of about 10 minutes. In the air, in the sea, on the land, we’re everywhere. “We’re also in discussions to have a major motion picture studio come to Fort Lauderdale, which would bring hundreds of blue collar jobs that are very much in demand right now. I promised when I first ran for Mayor that this city was not going to be dependent on tourism HELP I NG BR I NG COMMUN I T I E S AL I VE I N MA J OR U . S . MARKET S Integrity , respect and collaboration are the building blocks behind Aimco’s multifamily developments that help transform communities.