| | As the Executive Director of the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), I know the importance of infrastructure to the daily lives of communities across Broward County and the South Florida region. Last week, I went to New York City to learn more about the key findings of the groundbreaking research initiative "Infrastructure for Good." In partnership with the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Deloitte, and Economist Impact, the initiative seeks to understand how infrastructure can provide transformative benefits to society and improve the quality of life for all. One of the key takeaways from this research was that while the governance and planning pillars were strong, there was a need for better execution and financing to achieve consistent outcomes. Infrastructure is a vital part of our daily lives, and ensuring it is accessible, safe, and reliable can improve the well-being of our communities. At the same time, infrastructure investment can drive economic growth, increase job opportunities, and enhance sustainability efforts. A focus on building resilient infrastructure can reduce vulnerability to natural disasters and other shocks while also helping communities adapt to the changing climate. I recognize the importance of incorporating the insights and learnings from initiatives like "Infrastructure for Good" into local planning efforts. By improving execution and financing strategies, Broward County can ensure its infrastructure investments provide consistent, long-term benefits for the community. In short, infrastructure is an essential foundation and a key driver for social, economic, and environmental outcomes. Investing in well-governed, well-planned, and well-executed infrastructure can build a brighter future for all.
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