During Tuesday’s city commission meeting, Fort Lauderdale City Manager Greg Chavarria delivered surprising news: he announced his resignation from his position.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must step down from my responsibilities due to immediate needs of critically ill family members who require my support and care at this time,” Chavarria said during the commission meeting.
“While I am humbled to serve this awesome role, the everyday demands leave limited time and focus for my family. This was an incredibly difficult decision, but my family must be my top priority.”
In accordance with his employment contract, Chavarria provided 60 days’ notice to facilitate a smooth transition in leadership.
The announcement left Mayor Dean Trantalis visibly taken aback.
“It’s a sad moment in our community right now,” Trantalis told the South Florida Sun Sentinel after the meeting. “We’re losing a great talent.”
The city manager’s exit comes at a pivotal time, with city elections just seven months away.
Chavarria’s departure comes at a critical juncture, with city elections looming in just seven months. The uncertainty surrounding the outcome of these elections adds to the challenge of identifying a suitable successor.
Chavarria told the commission he was leaving behind a great team.
“It has been an honor and privilege to lead our 2,800 hard-working city staff members who tirelessly serve our community each and every day,” Chavarria said. “I will always be grateful to this commission, the (prior) commission that voted me in and the neighbors and business owners that make this community thrive. Thank you again for the remarkable opportunity.”
First Latino to serve in role
The City Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the city, supported by a team of public administrators. The City Manager is appointed by a five-member City Commission consisting of a Mayor and four City Commissioners.
Greg Chavarria made history as the first Latino to be confirmed as City Manager of Fort Lauderdale.
Prior to assuming this role, he served as the Assistant City Manager from 2020 onwards. With a career spanning 23 years in public service, Chavarria has held various positions within municipal government, focusing on areas such as capital improvement projects, infrastructure programs, and public safety initiatives. He has also played a key role in implementing process management upgrades and leveraging innovative technology to drive process improvements.
Chavarria began his career as a Civil Engineer in the City of Miami in 1999, where he contributed to numerous projects including storm sewer enhancements, roadway improvements, and sustainability initiatives. Among his notable achievements is his leadership in establishing the first-ever electronic patient care report system for Miami Fire Rescue.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Chavarria is a founding member of the Florida Local Government Hispanic Network and serves as the Tri-County Representative for the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.
