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Broward County Commissioner Nan Rich.

Dear Constituents:

The County Commission may be heading into our Summer Break, but there is plenty of news and many issues to share with you.

I want to thank the voters for entrusting me with another term on the Broward County Commission. It has been and will continue to be my privilege to represent the people of District 1. We found out at noon, June 12, that I was re-elected without opposition. During these trying times, the call to public service carries the extra weight of responsibility to ensure that all voices are heard, that the least among us are seen, and that policy is made with an eye towards justice.

Broward County Commission Updates

Last week, as part of our countywide Dismantling Racism Initiative, the Broward County Commission participated in a training led by the Racial Equity Institute. We discussed how our systems contribute to racial disparities, which cannot be explained by socioeconomic status and educational attainment alone. Systemic racial inequality is measurable throughout employment, homeownership, wealth and income, healthcare, child welfare, education, school discipline, and juvenile justice. Now the hard work begins. After the demonstrations, we need community partnerships committed to making real structural changes. Let us tear down the silos and finally bring justice and equality to everyone in our community.

COVID-19

Broward County continues to see a dramatic spike in new COVID-19 infections. As a result, we made the necessary decision to close the beaches throughout Broward County for the July 4 Weekend (July 3-5).

Broward County Emergency Orders require residents and visitors unless otherwise exempted, to wear a facial covering in public. To be effective, the face mask must cover your nose and mouth.

The facial covering can be constructed of any material but should utilize CDC guidelines. Please protect yourself and those around you, and be sure to discard disposable face masks and gloves in garbage containers – these items are not recyclable.

For more information and the latest updates on COVID-19 in Broward County, please visit Broward County’s Coronavirus website.

Rental Assistance

The Broward County Family Success Administration is providing rental assistance to residents who may have difficulty with their bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rental assistance is available to residents who have lost their employment and meet certain other eligibility requirements. See the flyer below for further information. This is a first-come, first-served program, so get your application in today! You can click here to get started.

Vote By Mail

Due to COVID-19, the Broward County Commission and the Supervisor of Elections have budgeted for a significant increase in funds to promote vote-by-mail. Floridians have been able to vote-by-mail without an excuse since 2001, but in light of our current public health crisis, we need as many people as possible to exercise their right to vote without leaving home.

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs encourages all seniors who may be struggling with Anxiety and Depression to:

Stay connected to family, friends, and loved ones through phone calls, emails, text messages, and social media.
Talking to a trained mental health professional can help.
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.
Call 1-800-662-4357 to talk to a trained mental health professional.

Find out more at Talk It Out

Census 2020

A complete and accurate 2020 Census count is more important than ever as we continue to see the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19. Federal funding based on Census data is allocated towards hospitals, health clinics, schools, community development projects, and so much more. The Census touches every life every day.

Currently, Broward County has a 57.5% response rate, and we must do better! The Census Bureau will send an additional census postcard to households that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census. The postcard is scheduled to arrive between July 22 and July 28, a few weeks before census takers are set to begin visiting those households.

Nan H. Rich – Broward County Commissioner

Nan Rich represents Broward County District 1, which includes Davie, Lauderhill, Plantation, Sunrise, Tamarac, and Weston.