Fort Lauderdale’s Mayor Dean Trantalis on Building a Resilient Coastal Future

Fort Lauderdale may be synonymous with sun, sand, and spring break, but Mayor Dean Trantalis is focused on something a little less Instagrammable: climate resilience and infrastructure. On The Good Government Show with Dave Martin, Trantalis offered a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to govern a booming beach city in an era of rising tides, surging population, and 26-inch rainstorms. “You can’t manage growth without building the infrastructure to support it,” he said. “And we’re doing that—fast.”

With 25,000 new residents in just two years, Fort Lauderdale is thriving. But the influx means more demand on everything from water treatment to seawalls. The mayor detailed massive investments—hundreds of millions of dollars—into stormwater systems, raised seawalls, and a new inland water plant designed to protect freshwater access for decades to come. And while Mother Nature is unpredictable, Trantalis emphasized that good government is about preparation: “We’re not waiting for federal funding. We’re issuing bonds. We’re moving ahead.”

Yet all work and no play is not the Fort Lauderdale way. Trantalis also celebrated the city’s growing cultural scene—from the Tortuga Music Festival to pro sports teams and a new 44-court pickleball complex. Through public-private partnerships (P3s), the city is building faster and smarter. “We’re making Fort Lauderdale better for families, tourists, and the next generation moving here to build their lives,” he said.

For Mayor Trantalis, local government isn’t a side gig—it’s his Olympics. “This is my contest,” he said, reflecting on his path from activist to mayor. “It’s my chance to make a difference.” And as far as we’re concerned, that’s good government—served with a side of stone crab. Listen now at GoodGovernmentShow.com.