Message From Executive Director, Greg Stuart | |
 |  | On November 2, 2023, the Broward MPO’s Board of Directors selected a consultant for the Broward Regional Comprehensive Safety Action Plan which will be funded by the recent $5 million Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant award from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). Spearheading the procurement process for the Safety Action Plan, the Broward MPO teamed up with Broward County, solidifying a partnership to make a safer Broward County a reality. Municipalities in Broward County have embraced Vision Zero safety performance measures, a policy that seeks to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility. However, Broward County is still among the most hazardous places in the United States where a pedestrian is most likely to be struck and killed by a driver, according to the 2022 “Dangerous by Design” report from Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition. The Broward MPO has set the Safety Action Plan into motion in response to this alarming scenario. A unified effort with local partners and participation from the community will form the foundation of this plan, promising inclusivity, and comprehensive perspectives. The Safety Action Plan is a shared pledge between the Broward MPO and Broward County government to establish a countywide Safe System Approach. It aims to create strategic solutions to eliminate road-related deaths and severe injuries, transforming Broward into a model for safety. The benefits are universal - from motorists to pedestrians, cyclists to public transit users, including micro-mobility and non-motor vehicle operators. Harnessing the potential of the SS4A grant, the following goals have been established for the plan:
- Create a Safety Action Plan with defined, measurable, and achievable goals.
- Identify critical projects and prepare them for funding and subsequent execution.
- Establish policies and programs with the exclusive mandate to amplify safety for all road users, thereby drastically minimizing fatalities and injuries on our roadways.
In line with its vision of zero casualties, this collaborative initiative outlines a clear path, marking an important milestone in the county's roadmap to achieving these goals. Together, we will shape a safer, more inclusive Broward County for all. Stay tuned for more information about this project as we prepare to roll it out in the coming months!
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Broward MPO Team Participates in
Mpact: Transit + Community Conference in Arizona
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Our Communications Specialist, Ashley Mohni, attended the Mpact: Transit + Community Conference in Phoenix, Arizona last week! This unique conference explores the intersection of transit, connected mobility options, land use, and development in building great places to live. In addition to learning best practices and innovative approaches for public involvement during the conference sessions, Ashley also participated in experiential mobile workshops: biking a multi-use path along the Grand Canal and using transit to access a mountain in Tempe. Ashley returned to the MPO inspired with new ideas and strategies to engage with Broward County residents about exciting transportation projects! To learn more about the conference, click here. | |
Broward MPO to Share Progress Report on the Wilton Manors Transportation Plan | |
Mark your calendars, for a meeting of Wilton Manors City Commission taking place on Tuesday, November 14 at 7 p.m. At this meeting, the Broward MPO will provide a crucial status update on the City of Wilton Manors Transportation Master Plan. The plan involves the creation of multimodal facilities to develop a cohesive community and meet the diverse needs of our city’s residents, visitors, and business owners. The plan aims at improving safety, walkability, quality of life, and boosting economic development via the establishment of safe, comfortable, and user-friendly walking and biking networks. Click here to learn more. | |
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New Podcast Episode
to be Released on November 15
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What shapes our cities? The buildings or the transportation? Find out on the newest episode of our award-winning “Let’s Talk Transportation” podcast, which drops on November 15! Join Broward MPO Executive Director Greg Stuart for a discussion with Anthony J. Abbate, AIA, LEED AP, professor at Florida Atlantic University’s School of Architecture, and longtime friend of the Broward MPO. In this episode, Greg and Professor Abbate discuss the factors that create a city’s identity, how urban spaces can be redesigned for today’s needs, and the key role transportation plays in creating a sustainable urban environment. Listen on November 15 on your favorite podcast platform! | |
Broward MPO Empowers Middle Schoolers with Think Like a Planner Program | |
What an incredible day we had last week at Sawgrass Springs Middle School! Our amazing Broward MPO team, led by Chris Ryan, visited the school to kick off the agency’s “Think Like a Planner” series, designed to inspire young minds to think about the future of transportation. The middle schoolers brainstormed innovative transit solutions to create safer, more accessible neighborhoods for everyone - pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists. We are so inspired by their creativity and dedication! | |
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Broward MPO Celebrates
New Terminal Launch at Port Everglades
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Broward MPO Deputy Executive Director Carol Henderson joined local leaders on November 13 for the opening of the brand-new Disney terminal at Port Everglades. Disney Cruise Line brings its magic to Port Everglades as part of a 15-year partnership. The Disney Dream sets sail from Port Everglades on November 20, 2023, giving guests the opportunity to cruise to tropical destinations in The Bahamas and the Caribbean. The partnership is expected to bring more than 1,100 local jobs to Port Everglades and $12.3 million in state and local taxes. | |
Tri-Rail to Host South Florida's Kids Got Talent Auditions in December | |
Kids ages 5 to 17 are invited to audition for “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent,” during “Tri-Rail Day” at the Museum of Discovery and Science. Young singers from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties are encouraged to audition on Saturday, December 11 for the chance to compete in Tri-Rail’s “South Florida Kids Got Talent 2024.” Tri-Rail hosts the annual talent competition, which brings children and families together from all over the region. The auditions are open to solo or group singers, who are South Florida residents. Each act has a four-minute opportunity to perform at the auditions, where a panel of judges selects the acts that will compete in the final competition, scheduled for Saturday, February 24, 2024, during Tri-Rail’s 15th annual Rail Fun Day. To schedule an audition, please click here. | |
2024 Safe Streets Summit Schedule for February | |
The 2024 Safe Streets Summit theme is "Embracing Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility" in Southeast Florida. Together with our partners at the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency, and the Miami-Dade County Transportation Planning Organization, we are working to transform the South Florida region into a vibrant and connected community where safe, sustainable, and accessible streets empower everyone to embrace the joy of bicycle and pedestrian mobility. We envision a future where our streets, in all three South Florida counties, are the lifeblood of our communities, fostering health, equity, and environmental stewardship, one step or pedal stroke at a time. The 2024 Safe Streets Summit is our catalyst for change, where collaboration, innovation, and advocacy unite to create streets that truly belong to everyone. Click here to register today! | | | | |
