Lauderhill’s City Commission met on Nov. 10 and directed staff to quickly roll out a package of short‑term measures to help residents and federal employees affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Mayor Denise Grant opened a special meeting at 2:30 p.m. to discuss local impacts after the U.S. Senate advanced a continuing resolution that would temporarily fund agencies through January 2026 but still required House action, city staff said.

City Manager Kenny Hobbs told the commission that staff can verify federal employment through a short application and would, for verified federal employees, suspend water disconnections and associated late fees. The city will also defer business certificate‑of‑use (COU) payments and related enforcement for businesses owned by verified federal workers, limit code enforcement actions to life‑safety issues, and allow nonprofit and church food distributions with a 30‑day fee waiver.

Zach Davis Walker, director of intergovernmental affairs, briefed commissioners on the federal timeline and on earmarks reportedly included in the CR that could bring roughly $3.15 million for infill and $850,000 for home hardening if the federal package becomes law. Walker said the CR would restore SNAP protections and guarantee back pay for furloughed federal employees if it becomes law.

Commissioner Melissa Dunn emphasized local health and benefit statistics — for example, that roughly 11% of Lauderhill residents lack insurance — and urged urgent action. The commission reached a general consensus to proceed with the 30‑day food distribution waivers, to request a follow‑up presentation on distribution policy before the end of the waiver period, and to pursue discussions with LifeNet for Families about continued distribution points. Mayor Grant asked whether the commission would support setting aside $100,000 for food insecurity broadly; several commissioners expressed general support and directed staff to bring a formal recommendation at the next meeting.

Staff also committed to publish a single online resource for federal workers with countywide food‑bank contacts and local assistance information "as soon as" the commission endorses the plan.

The city emphasized these are stopgap local actions to reduce immediate hardship while awaiting federal action; commissioners said they would continue to monitor federal appropriations and communicate updates to residents.