Key West to Honor Commissioner Sam Kaufman for 10 Years of Service
District II’s longest-serving commissioner to be recognized for a decade of public-interest leadership in housing, environment, and civic transparency.
The City of Key West will honor Commissioner Sam Kaufman this week for a decade of steady, hands-on public service — a tenure defined by affordable-housing advocacy, environmental protection, and a reputation for putting community over politics.
The honor will take place during Thursday’s regular City Commission meeting, with City Manager Brian Barroso presenting the award.
“I’m truly grateful for the honor and for the work your team put into it,” Kaufman wrote in an email to city staff.
“It’s been a privilege to serve the community that raised me and to work with so many residents who care deeply about Key West’s future.”
Former Mayor Teri Johnston said she was proud of Kaufman’s service and that it was a pleasure to serve next to him on the dais.
“Congratulations Commissioner Kaufman for 10 years of exceptional service to our community. During the many years that we shared the dais, you came to every meeting well researched, well informed and ready to actively participate in the process.
“Your representation of District II constituents, our working class residents, and the underserved, is admirable. I hope that you will continue to serve our community with integrity, dignity and honor. Thanks Sam. — former Key West Mayor Teri Johnston
Legislative and Policy Milestones
Since his election in 2015, Kaufman has sponsored or supported dozens of measures shaping how Key West governs itself — from transportation to transparency to sustainability.
Created the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to give residents a stronger voice in park management.
Authored the Sight-Seeing Vehicle and E-Bike ordinances to regulate tourist traffic and protect cyclists.
Sponsored Resolution 19-238 integrating solar energy into all major city capital projects.
Championed increases to cruise-passenger disembarkation fees to offset infrastructure and environmental impacts.
Required proof-of-pump-out for anchorage and mooring vessels in 2021, advancing clean-harbor goals.
Supported statewide Anchorage Boaters legislation protecting liveaboard residents.
Advocated minimum-wage increases for city employees.
Housing and Infrastructure
Kaufman has been a consistent advocate for workforce and affordable housing throughout his tenure.
Led the Sigsbee Park rebuild, creating 166 new units of workforce housing.
Backed the Garden View Apartments and permanent supportive housing at Poinciana Plaza.
Enforced deed restrictions to maintain long-term affordability.
Renewed the Homebuyers Assistance Program to help first-time buyers stay local.
He also ensured Garrison Bight Marina revenues remained dedicated to marina improvements and helped guide the design and construction of the new Dockmaster Building.
Community, Health and Animal Welfare
Sponsored the Cozumel Park renovation, including the new children’s splash pad.
Funded the Boys and Girls Club at Bayview Park and brought Police Athletic League youth programming under the city budget.
Advocated for the Frederick Douglass Educators Museum restoration.
Created the Lower Keys Medical Center Task Force in 2024 to improve local healthcare transparency.
Sponsored the Pet Mill Prohibition Ordinance, banning retail sales of commercially bred puppies and kittens — a major victory for animal-welfare advocates.
Championed inclusion measures, including the Rainbow Flag and crosswalks at City Hall.
COVID-19 Response
Kaufman sponsored $67,000 in direct rental assistance in April 2020 and helped allocate more than $500,000 in pandemic relief through the United Way of the Florida Keys, Sister Season Fund, and Florida Keys Outreach Coalition. The programs provided rapid testing, rental and utility aid, and food-security assistance during the city’s pandemic shutdowns.
He also organized senior-citizen vaccination events and convened the COVID Health-Business Advisory Committee to coordinate safe reopenings and local guidance during the state’s early policy gaps.
A Decade of Listening
Kaufman often says “good government starts with listening,” and that sentiment has shaped his approach through ten years of sometimes-contentious City Hall debates. His colleagues and constituents alike describe his style as measured, collaborative, and principled — an antidote to the chaos that too often defines modern local government.
“It’s been an honor to serve a community that believes in participation, fairness, and compassion — the principles that keep Key West strong,” Kaufman said.
Commissioner Sam Kaufman — 10 Years of Service
District II — City of Key West
First elected: 2015
Key Legislative Achievements
Created Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Authored Sight-Seeing Vehicle and E-Bike ordinances
Sponsored Resolution 19-238 promoting solar energy
Supported cruise-passenger fee increases
Required proof-of-pump-out for anchorage vessels
Sponsored Anchorage Boaters legislation
Advocated city employee wage increases
Housing and Community Development
Advocated the Sigsbee Park rebuild (166 units) and Garden View Apartments
Secured funds for supportive housing at Poinciana Plaza
Enforced affordable-housing deed restrictions
Sponsored the John Jones Center and renewed the Homebuyers Assistance Program
Community and Animal Welfare
Sponsored Pet Mill Prohibition Ordinance
Funded Boys and Girls Club at Bayview Park
Created Lower Keys Medical Center Task Force
Sponsored Cozumel Park renovations
Supported the Frederick Douglass Educators Museum
Championed the Rainbow Flag and crosswalks at City Hall
Ed. note: Above the Fold independently verified all legislative, housing, and policy accomplishments referenced in this story through public records, commission resolutions, and departmental reports. All statements attributed to Commissioner Sam Kaufman are drawn from official City of Key West correspondence or public meeting transcripts. No anonymous or secondhand sources were used.
Reporting for this story draws on official City of Key West records, including the Oct. 9, 2025 City Commission agenda and correspondence from Commissioner Sam Kaufman outlining his accomplishments. Legislative and policy details were verified through public resolutions and departmental reports, with additional background from prior Above the Fold and The Key West Citizen coverage.
Sam Kaufman is the best thing we have in the city! He truly cares about our community and acts on it! Congratulations to Commissioner Kaufman