 |  | I'm City of Miramar Commissioner Yvette Colbourne. March is a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of women throughout history. As Women's History Month unfolds, I am filled with pride and excitement to share my own recent milestone in contributing to this legacy. I have had the honor of being elected as the new Chair of the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Board of Directors. Being only the second woman and the first woman of color to ever hold this post in the agency's history is not just a personal achievement but a monumental step forward for women in leadership and governance. This year, as we commemorate the strides women have made and continue to push boundaries, I am deeply committed to using this leadership position to advocate for equitable, inclusive transportation planning that addresses the needs of all community members. I believe that representation matters, and that leadership should reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. My election to chair the Broward MPO is a testament to our progress, but also a reminder of the work that still lies ahead. Let's use Women's History Month as a platform to inspire, celebrate our achievements, and remember that every woman's success should be an encouragement for other women. Together, we can break through more ceilings and build a future that honors the contributions and potential of every woman.
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Get Your Tickets to the
State of the Region Annual Awards
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The Broward MPO invites you to the third State of the Region Annual Awards. This awards presentation will offer insight into the progress that positively impacts our local economy, families, and businesses. At the same time, we will recognize those helping pave the way to create better neighborhoods with bike lanes and walking paths, public transportation, and improved infrastructure. | |
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MPO Participates in the
Urban Land Institute Leadership Institute
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On February 21, 2024, MPO Deputy Executive Director James Cromar participated in the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Leadership Institute’s Mobility & Infrastructure Day. James gave an overview of mobility in South Florida and then led a panel discussion with local land use/transportation leaders. James provided a historical context for the development of South Florida based on various types of transportation: waterways, train lines, roads, and highways. He emphasized that the transportation system results from decisions and non-decisions from local leaders and citizens. The panel discussion that followed explored the relationship between development patterns and transportation systems and how they influence each other. The remainder of the day included additional speakers and tours of the Underline Linear Park near the Brickell Metrorail Station and Grove Central, Miami-Dade County’s latest transit-oriented development, located next to the Coconut Grove Metrorail Station. Throughout the day-long training, participants gained a new understanding of the forces shaping our communities. The 2024 Leadership Institute cohort includes 34 land use and real estate professionals from the Southeast Florida region, including developers, designers, attorneys, engineers, bankers, planners, brokers, and other professionals from both the private and public sectors. | |
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Broward MPO Hosts
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Council Delegation
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On Friday, February 23, 2024, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Council (MORPC) embarked on a strategic visit to South Florida and the Broward MPO. This initiative was part of MORPC's broader effort to gather insights and foster collaboration on implementing passenger rail systems. The council is interested in exploring and adopting passenger rail solutions to enhance the public transportation infrastructure in Ohio. During their visit to the Broward MPO offices, the MORPC delegation exchanged ideas and best practices, listening to insightful presentations from Broward County Transit (BCT) on the PREMO Plan, a forward-thinking transit initiative, and from Tri-Rail, a vital commuter rail service in the region. The involvement of the Broward MPO underscored the spirit of collaboration aimed at sharing successful strategies and lessons learned in the development and operation of South Florida’s passenger rail systems. | |
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Broward MPO Bids Farewell
to Long-Time Board Members
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The Broward MPO will soon bid a fond farewell to two long-serving, dedicated Board Members. Chair Frank C. Ortis of Pembroke Pines and Vice Chair Sandy Johnson of Lighthouse Point will step down after their final MPO Board meeting on March 14, 2024. In addition to their work as officers of the MPO Board, both Chair Ortis and Vice Chair Johnson have served the MPO in other roles as well during their tenure. Chair Ortis once served as Chair of the MPO’s Governance Committee. This now-defunct Committee was important during the establishment of the MPO as an independent agency and helped to shape policy and the rules that govern the MPO today. Chair Ortis continued his work on the Executive Committee when it absorbed these duties. Vice Chair Johnson has served in recent years as Chair of the Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board. This Board has the crucial role of looking after the needs of the most vulnerable in our community and ensuring they have access to transportation that can take them to medical appointments, education, work opportunities, and other life-sustaining activities. Through these and other leading roles, Chair Ortis and Vice Chair Johnson have contributed directly to the success of the MPO and the traveling public it serves. While we will certainly miss both exceptional individuals (and Chair Ortis’ bagels), we are happy to see them get well-deserved rest. We are extremely grateful to them for lending their knowledge and experience to the MPO throughout their careers in public service. Thank you, Chair Ortis and Vice Chair Johnson! | |
Join Us for Let’s Go Biking!
in Miramar on March 16
|  | Embark on a memorable adventure at the family-friendly Let's Go Biking! event scheduled for Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Miramar Regional Park. This remarkable day, hosted in the picturesque locale of Miramar, invites biking enthusiasts of all levels, from novices to the more experienced cyclists, to come together for a leisurely group bike ride that spans 7.5 miles, taking riders through the scenic views of two Miramar parks. Not just for adults, this event also offers a shorter, equally enjoyable ride for the younger enthusiasts. With registration starting bright and early at 8:30 AM and a host of activities planned, including helmet fittings, giveaways, and more, this day promises to be packed with fun, exercise, and great memories. Special gratitude goes to the partners, Broward County Transit, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), MAP Broward, and South Florida Commuter Services, whose invaluable support has made this event possible. Prepare to pedal through paradise in Miramar - Let's Go Biking! Learn more about the event and secure your spot today by visiting the official event page below. |
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