Meet Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips
Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips has been a dedicated resident of Lauderdale Lakes since 1997. Her commitment to our community runs deep, having served as a City Commissioner from 2016 to 2022 and holding leadership roles on the School Advisory Board and Economic Development Advisory Board.
A lifelong learner, Mayor Phillips earned degrees from the University of Miami and Florida State University. She spent 36 years in the Broward County School System as a Social Work Administrator and Educator, inspiring countless students to achieve their goals.
Even in retirement, her passion for service continues. Veronica participates in events like Relay for Life and serves on the Broward County Community Action Agency Board. She’s also been honored for her dedication to improving lives through civic organizations like the Kiwanis Club and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.
Mayor Phillips is a woman of faith, worshipping at the Historic First Baptist Church Piney Grove, where she serves as a Deaconess. She and her husband, James, share a loving home with their large family.
Guided by her faith, family, and community spirit, Mayor Veronica Edwards Phillips is committed to making Lauderdale Lakes a safe and prosperous city for all.
Leadership
- Current Mayor Lauderdale Lakes
- Former Vice Mayor Lauderdale Lakes
- Former Commissioner Lauderdale Lakes
- Chairman of Task Force to determine Steward Health (Florida Medical Center
- Awarded the "Jamaican Milestone Award" for "Excellence in Public Service" by the Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce
- Appointed by Broward County Commissioner Hazelle Rogers to the Broward County Community Action Agency
- Past Chairman Lauderdale Lakes Budget Committee
- Past Chairman Lauderdale Lakes School Advisory Board
- Past Member Lauderdale Lakes Economic Development Advisory Board
- Graduate of the Lauderdale Lakes Local Government Academy
- Kiwanis Club of Central Broward- Former President: Current Secretary
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated- Former Chapter President
Public Safety-BSO Police-Community Partnership
- Advocated for Community Oriented Policing dedicated to specifically address mental health needs of the City of Lauderdale Lakes Redevelopment Agency (CRA) for four additional BSO Officers to address the needs of the Lauderdale Lakes business district
- Re-established the Citizens on Patrol (COPS) Program
- Supported funding the license Plate Reader Initiative
- Supported funding for the Shot Spotter Initiative
- Operation "Heat Wave" to control drug sales in our city
Public Safety - BSO Fire
- New Fire Engine E37 (Lady Lakes 37) enhancing response times to emergencies
- Supported the renovation of Fire Station 37
Budget
- As Mayor I believe in the continuous fiscal monitoring, management and appropriate allocation of funds
- Supported resident input in the Budgetary Process (Budget Advisory Committee)
Infra-Structure
- Water Quality Improvement and Canal Bank Stabilization Restoration completed for enhanced stormwater management and water quality
- Sidewalk Repair Program
- Supported CRA Initiative to fund 80% of cost for repairs on NW 31 Avenue (Martin Luther King Boulevard)
Education
- School participation in "Read for a Day"
- School Career Day Presenter
- Donated Books and thesaurus to third graders
- Supported Budget for Lauderdale Lakes Youth Council students to attend and participate in "Children's Week" in Tallahassee
- Coordinated assistance for Haitian American Day Celebration
- Sponsored end of year celebration for "Mentoring Tomorrow's Leaders"
- Back to School Motivational Speaker
- Encouraged Supported youth education and Growing, Accceleratg, ad motivated to Exceed Expectations (G.A.M.E.) Changers
QUALIITY OF LIFE
- Spearheaded advocacy on behalf of Lauderdale Lakes and neighboring cities on the future impact on provision of medical services at Florida Medical Center (Steward Health)
- Advocated for funding to promote UniFest and the Cricket Fun Day
- Advocated for additional Parks and Recreation events
- Spearheaded Mayor's Breast Cancer Awareness Walk/Run A-Thon
- Senior Gala
- Supported Community Development Block Grant funds for Senior Quality of Life and Senior Transportation (door to door service, exercise, computer, dance and art classes)
- Mayor's Music in the Park
- Paint and Glow- Mature Adults
- Spearheaded the Black Excellence Black History Parade and Festival Concert
- Supported decorative educational Utility Box Project to prevent graffiti
- Splash Pad for community recreation and enjoyment
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- Supported Prosperity Broward program for single mothers
- Promoted financial literacy with the Financial Literal and Business Resource Fair
- Supported Business Elevation and Marketing Support (BEAMS) Program for businesses
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
- Collaborated with the CRA to increase the City's housing stock
- Cassia Estates and Cassia Commons
- Supported the Residential Assistance Program
- Promoted Traffic calming device
GRANTS IN ACTION
- Federal, State and Local Funding Advocacy $5.5 million
- $500,000 for Conveyance and Water Quality Improvement Project
- $251,000 for Alzheimer's Care Center and Services
- $18.1 million American Rescue Plan Act
- $400,000 Recreational Trails Grant
- $113,788 Maximizing Out of School Time (MOST) Summer Camp Grant
- $30,000 Summer Food Service Program Grant
FORWARD TOGETHER
- Increase of Budget through alternative funding sources
- Increase police complement
- Enhance Commercial Corridor
- Completion of projects funded by Surtax funds
- Affordable housing
- On-line permitting for timely submission and approval of applications
- Economic development for Lauderdale Lakes businesses
- Establish Public, Private Partnerships (3 p's)
- Comprehensive City Hall