The Hallandale Beach City Commission convened on August 6, 2025, for a Special City Commission Budget Workshop, focusing on critical issues related to traffic safety and city infrastructure. The meeting began with discussions on traffic speed management, particularly in residential areas and school zones.

Commissioners expressed concerns about speeding in the city, especially on major thoroughfares. A proposal was made to reduce speed limits to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. It was noted that simply posting new speed limit signs may not effectively change driver behavior, as many drivers tend to gauge their speed based on road conditions rather than posted limits. The discussion highlighted the need for traffic calming measures, such as speed humps and visual cues like tree plantings to create a narrower road appearance, which could encourage slower driving.

The city has already installed five speed humps and plans to add more in the coming months. However, some commissioners raised concerns that speed humps might merely redirect traffic to other streets rather than effectively reducing speeds citywide. They emphasized the importance of creating an environment where drivers instinctively feel the appropriate speed limit.

In addition to speed management, the commission discussed the implementation of a school zone camera speed enforcement program. The city has selected Genoptic as the vendor to install cameras in school zones, with the goal of enhancing safety for students. The program will allow enforcement of speed limits during school hours and includes a public awareness campaign to inform residents about the new measures. The commission debated whether to enforce speed limits throughout the entire school day or only during peak hours.

The meeting also touched on staffing challenges within the city government. Several key positions, including the Director of Public Works and a Public Information Officer, remain unfilled. Commissioners stressed the need to attract qualified candidates to support the city’s operations effectively. They discussed potential strategies for recruitment, including outreach to candidates from outside Florida.

Overall, the workshop underscored the commission's commitment to improving traffic safety and city management while addressing the need for effective communication with residents about ongoing initiatives. The commission plans to revisit these discussions in the upcoming budget hearings scheduled for September, where they will finalize priorities and action items based on the workshop's outcomes.