Dear Fellow County Leaders,

It is with gratitude and a deep sense of honor and humility that I step into the role of President of the Florida Association of County Managers (FACM) for the 2026–2027 term. As we enter a new chapter, I am grateful for the leadership of President Hines and the FACM Board of Directors, and I remain inspired by the unwavering dedication of county administrators and officials across the Sunshine State. FACM has long been an association by and for county leaders, uniting officials from every corner of Florida, championing their interests through robust advocacy, and cultivating excellence in local governance.

This year, Florida’s counties will face a particularly defining moment with the statewide constitutional amendment ballot measure that could significantly reshape the future of ad valorem taxation. Few issues in recent memory carry such sweeping implications for the fiscal stability of local governments and the services our communities rely on. Navigating the potential outcomes of this measure, (should it pass by 60% of the voters in November), and preparing our organizations, budgets, and residents for its impacts, will require unprecedented coordination, communication, and shared strategic planning across all 67 counties.

Alongside this challenge, we continue to address pressures stemming from rapid growth and overdevelopment, the protection of our natural resources and water supplies, and the prolonged housing and insurance affordability crisis. In Broward County, my leadership team has already been modeling scenarios and preparing for possible revenue fluctuations to ensure we can continue delivering the essential services our community depends on.

As important as it is to acknowledge these challenges, it is equally important to recognize the progress we make in our communities.  I’m proud to highlight several success stories from Broward County that reflect our commitment to serving residents and visitors, and I look forward to learning about innovations and achievements from colleagues around the state. In 2025, we completed the expansion of the Broward County Convention Center, now 1.2 million square feet and connected to the new 801-room Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, creating a world-class destination experience. Nearby, Port Everglades set cruise, cargo, and energy records in 2025, maintaining its place as the world’s third-busiest cruise homeport and Florida’s top petroleum port.

Our Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport also had a strong year, serving more than 32 million passengers in 2025 and launching a multi‑billion‑dollar, decade-long capital improvement program. Broward County Transit’s PREMO initiative, the largest transportation investment in our history, includes a plan to advance $5.2 billion in new rail connections, bus rapid transit corridors, expanded local service, and innovative mobility technologies to better connect people to opportunities. Additionally, our partnership with the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers remains strong, with the franchise extending its long-term agreement at the County-owned arena they call home.

These strategic initiatives and partnerships help shape the landscape of our region. These exciting developments in Broward County exemplify the collaborative innovation that FACM champions every day. As we confront the potential fiscal and operational impacts of the constitutional amendment ballot measure, this spirit of partnership will be more important than ever. FACM will continue to serve as a statewide network where shared ideas, resources, and solutions help every county adapt, respond, and thrive.

I am immensely grateful to be part of this dedicated team and honored to rise to the occasion as your new President, with integrity, authenticity, and a shared commitment to serving all residents and visitors of Florida. The camaraderie within FACM gives me confidence that, together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and strengthen the resilience and vibrancy of our counties for years to come.

I look forward to working alongside you in the year ahead.

Here’s to a successful and productive 2026–2027.

With sincere appreciation and in service,

Monica Cepero

Florida Association of County Managers, President
Broward County Administrator