Dear residents ,
As a City of Port St . Lucie employee for nearly 30 years , I have seen our community evolve into a thriving hub where people from across the globe choose to live , work and play . Serving as the City Manager since January 2023 , I am grateful for the opportunity to build on our past successes while setting the foundations for our future .
Our City ’ s economic vitality , cultural diversity , recreational activities and public safety are all factors behind the tremendous growth Port St . Lucie has experienced over the past few years . With approximately 36,000 new residents moving here over a three-year period , it is critical we focus on managing growth intelligently and with fiscal responsibility .
Balancing progress and preserving the unique character of our City requires a strategic , thoughtful approach to planning for and implementing systems that allow for sustainable development . Using innovation and data-informed processes are foundational to finding that balance .
Our Strategic Plan highlights seven goal areas that touch every corner of the City , from infrastructure to recreation , parks to safety and much more . The plan was developed using data and insights from residents that guide what we need to do and how we ’ re going to get there .
We continued to build on our culture of innovation by pursuing certification from What Works Cities , a first-of-its kind international standard of excellence for data-informed , well-managed local governments . Port St . Lucie is very close to becoming only the second city in Florida to achieve this certification , right behind Miami .
These and other opportunities allow us to learn best practices from national and international experts , providing resources that will help move our City forward and make us stronger today , tomorrow and for years to come .
We are pleased to share the 2023 Annual Report , highlighting what we have achieved and how those accomplishments will help us forge a bright future . Thank you for your continued partnership !
Sincerely ,
Jesus Merejo , ICMA-CM , City Manager
2023 City Manager ’ s Annual Report | 5