Sunshine Economy Summit to Address Growth, Housing and Jobs in South Florida
WLRN to Host the Sunshine Economy Summit
WLRN, the NPR and PBS station for South Florida, has announced its upcoming event, the Sunshine Economy Summit, which is scheduled for September 23, 2026, at the Downtown Event Center in Fort Lauderdale. This one-day summit, presented by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, will convene a wide array of stakeholders, including business leaders, policy makers, and community experts. Their mission is to tackle pressing issues regarding economic growth, housing solutions, and job creation in the region.
During the summit, various sessions will be held, featuring keynote speeches, moderated panels, and interactive discussions. Topics will explore actionable strategies aimed at promoting economic development, supporting local businesses, and creating sustainable jobs across South Florida.
Focus on Housing Affordability
One of the most critical issues on the agenda is the problem of housing affordability. Recognized as one of the least affordable housing markets in the United States, South Florida faces increasing challenges. With the influx of new investments and wealth, home prices have surged while the availability of affordable options continues to decline. This situation significantly impacts first-time homebuyers, essential workers, and long-term residents, influencing both the local workforce and the broader consumer economy.
The housing affordability panel will include confirmed speakers such as:
- - Jorge Pérez, Founder and CEO of Related Group
- - JP Pérez, President and CEO of Related Group
- - Nitin Motwani, Managing Partner of Miami Worldcenter
- - Dev Motwani, Managing Partner of Merrimac Ventures
These accomplished developers have been instrumental in delivering thousands of residential units and commercial projects across South Florida, totaling billions of dollars in investments. Together, they will discuss how the real estate sector is responding to housing affordability pressures and share their insights on future housing supply and market incentives.
Key Questions for Discussion
The panel will address several pressing questions, including:
- - How is the real estate development sector addressing housing affordability issues?
- - Where are the most promising opportunities to increase housing supply in the region?
- - How do public policies and incentives influence developers' decisions and housing outcomes?
- - What are the projected impacts on affordability through 2027 and beyond?
A Day of Dialogue and Solutions
The Sunshine Economy Summit will be hosted by Tom Hudson, WLRN’s Senior Editor of Economics and Special Correspondent. Hudson's journalism spans from the Florida Bay to the PortMiami tunnel, focusing on the individuals driving economic statistics. As the summit's moderator, he will steer discussions towards practical solutions that balance investment, equity, and community stability.
Networking Opportunities
The summit is not just about discussions; it also offers significant networking opportunities for business leaders, civic organizations, and community members. Sponsorship packages, table sales, and individual tickets are currently available. More speakers and program details will be unveiled in the upcoming months.
To obtain tickets, learn about sponsorship possibilities, and register as a media outlet, visit WLRN's official website.
About WLRN
WLRN serves as South Florida's public media organization, delivering award-winning NPR and PBS journalism. The Sunshine Economy Summit aligns with WLRN's mission to foster discussions that yield practical solutions and enhance community outcomes.
About the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance is the primary economic development organization in the Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area and Broward County. Their focus is on creating and retaining well-paid jobs while attracting capital investments in high-value strategic industries, aiming to develop vibrant communities and improve residents' quality of life.
For media inquiries, please contact Giselle Reid at [email protected]
Topics General Business）
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