DALE V.C. HOLNESS
Economic Development | Living Wage | Healthcare | Education | Housing | Immigration | Job training | Social Security
Prosperity For All!
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 Vice 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
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
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.
Holness doesn’t just support community growth — he builds the foundation for it.
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
“
“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
“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.
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.
Led Broward County as mayor through the worst crisis in history, the global COVID-19 pandemic, bringing the community together and saving more lives per capita in Broward than other major counties.
Increased Broward County Government contracting opportunities for small, women and minority-owned businesses from 10% to 44%, providing over $136 million in contracts for these businesses in 2020.
Sponsored an additional Homestead Exemption authorization up to an additional $50,000to lower the property taxes of many low-income senior citizens.
Delivered over $20 million in economic development packages for community improvement programs.
Led efforts to increase the living wage in Broward County.
Expanded Broward County’s Juvenile & Adult Civil Citation Program.
Created the Annual Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo (FITCE) – the largest trade and cultural event in the southeastern U.S.
Sponsored the Ban the Box Ordinance for greater equity and access in Broward County’s employment process.
Established the Police & Criminal Justice Review Board to reform law enforcement policymaking in Broward County.
Founding member of the Broward Black Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Broward Black Elected Officials and the United Negro College Fund’s Annual Scholarship Luncheon, delivering millions of dollars to local students.
Sponsored the Crown Act to prohibit discrimination against employees who ethnically and/or culturally fashion their hair.
Established the Racial Equity Task Force to identify systemic and institutional racial inequities and implement policies aimed at eliminating racism and creating greater equity.
"Dale has been there for us over the years. He advocated for workers, women and immigrants' rights. He stood for the business and faith communities, developing strong public/private partnerships to build sustainability. I know because I've been in the trenches with him and he has stayed the course."
"As Founder/Secretary General of The World Conference of Mayors, Inc., I fully support your campaign for Congress. I agree with the late Congressman, The Honorable ALcee Hastings' son, that you are the right man for the job. Congressman Hastings was a good friend of me and my wife Judge Joyce Alexander, and we both fully support your campaign, knowing that you will carry out the Hastings' legacy, and will also make great contributions yourself to the United States Congress."
