Candidate Brandi Zabadal, for Pompano Beach City Commissioner, District 2

1. If elected, what are the two most critical issues you would like to see addressed in our city in the first two months? In the next two years? Why?
As a lifelong resident of Pompano Beach and President of the Pompano Beach Highlands Civic Improvement Association, I have spent years working alongside residents to improve our neighborhoods. Over the past several months, I have personally walked throughout District 2, documenting infrastructure concerns, reporting maintenance issues, and speaking directly with residents about their priorities. Those conversations strengthened my commitment to serve as Commissioner because District 2 deserves leadership that listens, responds, and delivers results.
During my first two months in office, my highest priorities will be public safety and reliable public services.
Public safety begins with safer neighborhoods. Residents have consistently raised concerns about speeding vehicles, drivers ignoring stop signs, and the lack of traffic-calming measures. These conditions have contributed to preventable accidents and continue to endanger families, children, cyclists, and pedestrians. I will work with City staff to accelerate traffic studies, implement appropriate safety improvements where warranted, and ensure residents receive timely responses instead of waiting years for action.
Reliable public services are equally important. District 2 is unique because many essential services including water and solid waste collection are provided through Broward County rather than the City. This requires strong collaboration between both governments. As Commissioner, I will maintain an active working relationship with Broward County to ensure our residents receive efficient, responsive, and accountable service.
Over the next two years, my focus will be strengthening District 2’s infrastructure while preserving our community’s quality of life.
My priorities include:
• Repairing damaged sidewalks and completing missing sidewalk connections to improve pedestrian safety, particularly for students walking to local schools.
• Working with Broward County to improve maintenance of water meters and utility infrastructure.
• Improving stormwater drainage and ensuring systems are properly maintained to reduce neighborhood flooding.
• Repairing malfunctioning streetlights and completing unfinished installation projects that have remained unresolved.
• Supporting responsible housing policies that preserve the character of our neighborhoods while maintaining adequate infrastructure, traffic flow, and public services.
I believe every project should be prioritized based on documented community needs, fiscal responsibility, and measurable results. My goal is to provide transparent, responsive leadership that improves the daily lives of District 2 residents.

2. What should our city be doing now to help solve the solid waste (trash) crisis facing the county? Please discuss reduction, recycling, and reuse.
Although solid waste collection in portions of District 2 is administered by Broward County, the City should play an active leadership role by working collaboratively with the County to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and educate residents.
First, we must evaluate whether current collection services adequately meet the needs of our diverse community, including single-family homes, multifamily residences, businesses, schools, parks, natural preserves, recreational facilities, and public spaces.
Second, we should expand public education on waste reduction, recycling, composting, hazardous waste disposal, and bulk waste collection. Residents are more likely to participate when expectations are clear and educational materials are readily available.
Finally, I support exploring innovative recycling and waste reduction programs that reduce landfill use while protecting taxpayers. Every community benefits when waste is managed efficiently, responsibly, and sustainably.

3. Since effective responses to worker housing needs require both municipal and county governments, what policies should our city consider to help solve the affordable housing problem?
Affordable housing is an important issue, but every solution must respect the character and capacity of existing neighborhoods.
District 2 is largely built out, and many residents have expressed a desire to preserve the neighborhood’s existing scale, manageable traffic, and quality of life. I support responsible housing solutions that provide opportunities for working families without placing excessive burdens on roads, schools, utilities, drainage systems, and public safety services.
The City should continue working with Broward County, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector to identify opportunities for affordable housing where infrastructure can support responsible growth. At the same time, we must preserve established neighborhoods and ensure residents continue to enjoy the quality of life they have worked hard to build.

4. If property taxes were eliminated or significantly reduced by the State Legislature, how would you determine which city services should be reduced? What ideas would you promote to address budget shortfalls?
If state actions significantly reduce local revenue, City government must respond with careful planning, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
My first priority would be conducting a comprehensive review of the City’s budget to distinguish essential services from discretionary spending. Public safety, infrastructure maintenance, water management, sanitation, and emergency services must remain protected whenever possible.
I also believe it is more cost-effective to address maintenance issues promptly rather than allowing problems to worsen and become significantly more expensive to repair.
To help offset budget shortfalls, I would actively pursue available grants, strengthen partnerships with Broward County and state agencies, encourage public-private partnerships where appropriate, and continuously seek operational efficiencies that reduce costs without reducing essential services.
Taxpayers deserve responsible stewardship of every public dollar.

5. What have you done—or plan to do—to actively involve residents in shaping the future of our city and create greater unity throughout the community?
Community engagement has always been the foundation of my public service.
For many years I have volunteered throughout our community in numerous leadership roles, including:
• President of the Pompano Beach Highlands Civic Improvement Association
• Rotary Club volunteer
• PTA member and school volunteer
• Organized and participated in neighborhood meetings
• Worked directly with residents to identify community concerns
• Personally documented and reported infrastructure issues throughout District 2
• Regularly attended and spoke at City Commission meetings
• Collaborated with City departments and Broward County officials to resolve neighborhood concerns
• Advocated for traffic safety improvements, drainage repairs, sidewalk construction, lighting repairs, and better public services
• Promoted civic participation through community outreach and social media
• Built relationships with residents, businesses, schools, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen our community
As Commissioner, I will continue this approach by maintaining an open door policy, holding regular community meetings throughout District 2, providing frequent updates on City projects, and ensuring residents have meaningful opportunities to participate before major decisions are made.
I also believe one of the most important responsibilities of a community leader is mentoring future leaders. Our volunteers are the heart of our community, and I want to encourage more residents especially young people to become involved in civic life. By investing in leadership today, we build a stronger, more united District 2 for generations to come.