Meet Dale V.C. Holness

Transformational Leader. Global Visionary. Relentless Champion for the People.

Dale V.C. Holness is a powerhouse in American local leadership, a transformational policymaker whose decades of public service have reshaped communities, expanded opportunity, and given a voice to the community. With over 18 years as an elected official and a lifetime of advocacy, Holness has become a symbol of what effective, principled, and people-first leadership looks like.

From Humble Beginnings to Public Service

From humble beginnings to ascending the helm as Mayor of Broward County —Florida’s second-largest and the seventeenth-most populous county in the United States — Dale Holness’s life story is a masterclass in perseverance, purpose, and public impact.

As a passionate advocate and resident of Broward County, Holness has worked with every sector — public, private, and nonprofit — to drive policies that elevate lives,empower small businesses, and promote inclusive prosperity. His legacy is measured not in promises, but in homes built, businesses grown, lives improved, and communities transformed.

Early Life & Education

Dale Holness immigrated to South Florida as a teenager and immediately set out to turn opportunity into action. After graduating from Plantation High School, he attended Broward Community College, where his political journey began. Elected as a student government freshman senator, Holness found his calling in service, driven by a vision of justice, equity, and economic empowerment for all.

Public Service Journey

City of Lauderhill Commissioner (2004–2010)

Served two terms as Mayor
Modernized city infrastructure and services in underserved neighborhoods
Advocated for safer streets, better schools, and economic development
Founded programs to support youth, working families, and local entrepreneurs

Broward County Commissioner, District 9 (2010–2022)

Represented some of Broward’s most vibrant, diverse, and economically challenged communities
Became a regional and national voice for equity, small business inclusion, and criminal justice reform

Mayor of Broward County (2020)

Led Broward through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering millions in emergency relief, rental assistance, and public health outreach
Became a regional and national voice for equity, small business inclusion, and criminal justice reform

Few leaders have shaped the landscape of Broward County like Dale V.C. Holness. His leadership has directly contributed to some of the region’s most transformative and high-profile projects — turning bold ideas into concrete progress for the people.

Holness doesn’t just support community growth — he builds the foundation for it.

Signature Achievements

Housing & Senior Advocacy

Delivered 120+ new affordable single-family homes in historically neglected areas
Secured $59 million in Emergency Rental Assistance during COVID-19
Sponsored a $50,000 Homestead Exemption for low-income seniors

Economic Development & Small Business Empowerment

Architect of Broward’s “30-for-30” Policy — guaranteeing that 30% of transportation surtax funds go to small, minority- and women-owned businesses for the next 30 years
Boosted County Business Enterprise participation from 10% to over 40%
Founded the Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce and launched a Business Incubator for underserved entrepreneurs
Delivered a $20 million Central Broward Economic Development Package
Secured $3.3 million + annually for workforce training with OIC of South Florida and Florida Rights Restoration Coalition

Global Trade & International Vision

Founder of the Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo (FITCE), now a premier global economic summit attracting 2,000+ business leaders and diplomats annually
Facilitated trade partnerships with over 70 countries and welcomed former heads of state to Broward County
Led strategic trade missions to India, Nigeria, Israel, Haiti, Colombia, Costa Rica, and beyond
Under his leadership, Broward received the U.S. Presidential Export Award, solidifying the county’s position as a global economic gateway

Equality, Justice, and Civil Rights

Created the Racial Equity Task Force and the Police & Criminal Justice Review Board
Sponsored the CROWN Act, banning discrimination based on natural hair and cultural identity
Launched the Broward Black Action Plan as Chair of the Broward Black Elected Officials
Raised millions for HBCU scholarships as Co-Chair of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Annual Luncheon

Immigrant Rights & Citizenship Advocacy

As an immigrant who achieved the American Dream, Holness has never stopped opening doors for others to do the same.

Since 2010, he has hosted monthly Citizenship Drives at Lauderhill Mall, helping over 10,000 residents become U.S. citizens — completely free of charge
Collaborated with law firms, elected officials, and nonprofits to eliminate barriers to naturalization
Advocated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) redesignation for nations like Haiti, Venezuela, El Salvador, and Nicaragua
Made Broward a founding member of the Cities for Citizenship Initiative, championing immigrant inclusion

Lifelong Democrat. National Political Force.

Holness has been a grassroots organizer and Democratic Party leader for over 40 years.

Volunteered for Rev. Jesse Jackson’s historic 1984 campaign
Supported Democratic campaigns from Bill Clinton to Barack Obama
Trusted advisor on economic and racial equity to state and national leaders
A visible, vocal advocate for progressive values and real-world solutions

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“Leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about taking action that changes lives. That’s what I’ve done. That’s what I’ll always do. I fight on behalf of the people — for jobs, for justice, for opportunity, and for dignity.”

– Dale V.C. Holness

A Proven Record. A Clear Vision. A Trusted Voice.

Dale V.C. Holness is not just a leader. He’s a force for progress. His career has been defined by delivering bold solutions, building coalitions, and getting real results for people of South Florida and beyond. From affordable housing and economic justice to global trade and immigrant inclusion, Holness has led with vision, courage, and conviction.

He is and always will be a champion of progress, prosperity, and people.