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'A Mom on a Mission': Jennifer Levi Launches Bid for Coral Springs Commission Seat 4

The Levi family Joey, Daniella, Jake, Jennifer and Shai. {Courtesy}

Jennifer Levi is running for Coral Springs City Commission Seat 4 as a first-time candidate, positioning herself as a political outsider motivated by local advocacy and lived experience, including her fight to win more programming for special needs children.

A resident of Coral Springs for 11 years, Levi is seeking to replace Commissioner Joshua Simmons, who was first elected in 2018 and is currently serving a term that began in November 2022 and runs through 2026.

“I’m a mom on a mission, not a politician,” said Levi, who was recognized by the commission last year for her autism awareness advocacy. “And it’s the God’s honest truth. I’m just a mom who cares.”

Levi and her husband are raising three children, ages 15, 10, and 7, who attend three different schools in Coral Springs. She said her introduction to city government came through grassroots neighborhood efforts in Coral Springs Lakes, where she and other residents organized to address issues involving short-term rental homes being used as party houses and the impacts of sober living homes on traffic and quality of life.

“Our community was facing several issues where we really had to join together as neighbors and go speak in front of the commission and take action,” Levi said. “And we were able to make some real change.”

Her advocacy expanded when she began speaking out about the lack of special needs programming in Coral Springs, prompted by her youngest son, Jake, who is autistic and nonverbal. Levi said she noticed that while her older children had access to a wide range of city activities, her son did not.

“I felt sad for him,” Levi said. “I had to go to Parkland for Buddy Sports. I had to go to the Boca JCC for a special needs camp. I had to go to Sunrise for JAFCO. I wanted him to have things to do in Coral Springs, too.”

Levi said she began offering ideas to city leaders, who were receptive. She pointed to new programming in the city including sensory-friendly events and camp activities for kids with special needs.

“There’s a lot more that can be done, but they are definitely on the right track,” she said.

Another turning point for Levi came during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School rezoning process, which affected her neighborhood. She said watching how Parkland officials advocated for their residents changed how she viewed the role of elected leadership.

“I really admired the tenacity that Parkland’s commission had,” Levi said. “I saw how the School Board listens to strong leadership voices. And I started thinking, maybe I can get more done if I’m a commissioner and not just a regular civilian.”

She added: “I’m someone who likes to do hard things. I don’t want to just sit on the sidelines and say, ‘I wish this was happening.’ No, I want to be the change. And I believe so strongly that you have to be the change you want to see in the world.”

Levi said her campaign centers on public safety, inclusive services, and development that reflects residents’ priorities. She said she aims to reduce traffic congestion, keep taxes low, protect green spaces, and ensure the character of the city is preserved for future generations.

She emphasized her strong support for Coral Springs police, fire, and EMS services, citing personal experiences when first responders assisted her son during a medical emergency.

“They treated him and me with compassion,” she said. “That’s something I will never forget. A safe community is the foundation for everything else.”

She also emphasized shaping a downtown that prioritizes restaurants, shops, green space, and family-friendly experiences over dense residential development.

“Residents don’t want buildings that ruin our skyline,” Levi said. “They don’t want more rental units causing traffic. They want a downtown that matches the vision of what residents want.”

Levi said she will not accept campaign contributions from real estate developers, adding, “I am not here to promote special interests.”

Professionally, Levi is an HR director for a local business, a role she said has taught her how to manage budgets, listen to people, and solve problems. “I know how to stretch a budget,” she said. “I know how to put people first.”

She also said she wants to bring greater transparency to city government through more direct communication with residents.

“Not everybody can come to commission meetings,” Levi said. “I’d love to do simple recaps after meetings and say, ‘Here’s what we talked about. Here’s how we voted. What do you think?’ Social media is powerful.”

Levi said being the parent of a nonverbal child has shaped how she sees leadership and representation.

“My son doesn’t have a voice,” she said. “I’m used to advocating for people who don’t have a voice, and I would bring that same commitment if I become a commissioner.”

Levi faces competition in the Seat 4 race from attorney Jeffrey Adelman, who launched a bid for the seat in September.

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Kevin Deutsch

Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning journalist and author of two nonfiction books. He covers general assignment news and Jewish community issues for Talk Media. He has also worked as a staff writer at The Miami Times, the Rio Grande SUN, the New York Daily News, Newsday, The Miami Herald, The Palm Beach Post, The Riverdale Press, and Bronx Justice News.