GARRY SMYTH
For Fort Lauderdale
City Commission · District 1
Improving Infrastructure.
Delivering Accountable Government.
"I never set out to be a politician. I set out to make a difference."
Meet Garry Smyth
Business Owner. Community Leader. Problem Solver.
For more than 30 years, Fort Lauderdale has been my home, and for the past 27 years, I have proudly called Imperial Point home. During that time, I have built businesses, led community organizations, and worked alongside residents to make our city stronger, safer, and more connected.
My career has been built on solving problems and bringing people together. As an entrepreneur and business owner, I learned the importance of fiscal responsibility, accountability, and creating opportunities that strengthen our local economy. In the nonprofit sector, I spent 15 years leading a community behavioral health organization, working with families, courts, healthcare providers, and community partners to help individuals access treatment, recovery, and support services.
Most recently, I co-founded Rotary Connection, an innovative program that helps individuals experiencing homelessness connect with housing, healthcare, employment, treatment, and family reunification services. In its first year alone, the program helped save Broward County more than $6 million while creating a more effective pathway toward stability and self-sufficiency.
"I never set out to be a politician. I set out to make a difference."
Community service has always been central to my life. I currently serve as Chair of United Way Broward's Board of Governors for Behavioral Health and Drug Prevention, Vice President of Broward County's Substance Abuse Advisory Board, and Vice Chair of Fellowship Recovery Community Organization.
Together, we can protect our neighborhoods, strengthen our infrastructure, and preserve the quality of life that makes Fort Lauderdale such a special place to call home.
A Clear Plan for District 1
Focused commitments — built on listening, accountability, and getting things done.
Homelessness & Public Safety
- Support innovative, accountable programs that connect people to housing, treatment, employment, and family reunification opportunities.
- Invest in approaches that produce measurable results and a clear return on taxpayer investment.
- Focus on solutions that help people rebuild their lives and deliver that help by treating every person with dignity and respect.
Thoughtful Growth
"Growth should enhance our neighborhoods—not change what makes them special."
- Support responsible growth that respects the character, charm, and history of our neighborhoods.
- Ensure residents have a meaningful voice in decisions that shape the future of their communities.
- Carefully evaluate development proposals based on neighborhood compatibility, traffic impacts, infrastructure capacity, environmental considerations, and overall community benefit.
- Encourage businesses and redevelopment projects that complement the existing look, feel, and economic vitality of District 1.
- Preserve Fort Lauderdale's unique architectural character and neighborhood identity while planning thoughtfully for future generations.
Flooding & Infrastructure
- Accelerate improvements to stormwater systems, drainage infrastructure, and flood mitigation projects.
- Explore the latest technologies, materials, and engineering solutions being successfully implemented in world-class communities.
- Continuously review project timelines and identify opportunities to deliver solutions faster while maintaining quality and long-term value.
Parks & Green Spaces
- Protect our parks from inappropriate development and preserve their intended purpose as community gathering spaces.
- Improve parks based on the needs and priorities of residents, not passing trends.
- Expand and enhance green spaces through improved lighting, accessibility, amenities, maintenance, and public safety.
Join Team Garry
Help build a stronger future for District 1. Pick the role that fits your schedule — every hour counts.
Support the Campaign.
Every contribution helps us reach voters, knock doors, and build a stronger campaign rooted in our neighborhoods.
Maximum contribution of $1,000 per individual or business.
- Powers grassroots door-to-door outreach
- Funds yard signs and materials
- Reaches every neighborhood in District 1
Individuals or businesses are allowed. Contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Paid for and approved by Garry Smyth for Fort Lauderdale City Commission District 1.
Let's Talk
Share your concerns, ideas, or invite Garry to your neighborhood association meeting.
Neighborhoods First.
Results That Matter.
Join Garry Smyth in building a stronger future for District 1.