 |  | As the Executive Director of the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), I am thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with History Fort Lauderdale. This collaboration marks the addition of our “Let's Talk Transportation” podcast episodes to History Fort Lauderdale’s prestigious oral histories collection, a treasure trove of firsthand accounts that span decades of local history. Since 1960, History Fort Lauderdale has gathered oral histories, preserving our community's rich tapestry of stories. These accounts, including narratives from the Seminole Tribe, memories of the 1926 Hurricane, experiences during WWII, and the evolution of Port Everglades, serve as invaluable resources for present-day agencies and future generations. By integrating the MPO’s podcast episodes into History Fort Lauderdale’s collection, we are not only preserving the contemporary dialogues around transportation and planning but also ensuring these discussions become an accessible part of our shared history. These episodes will be readily available on History Fort Lauderdale’s YouTube channel and will be included in their digital library, thanks to their new partnership with Broward College. This accessibility is a key aspect of our collaboration, as it allows a wider audience to engage with these important conversations. This partnership with History Fort Lauderdale is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of capturing and maintaining a broad spectrum of community voices. It underscores our commitment to ensuring our region's evolving narrative remains well-represented. We are excited to share these stories and to continue our collaborative efforts with History Fort Lauderdale.
Sincerely,
Greg Stuart
Executive Director
Broward MPO
| |
|
Broward MPO Team Participates in
AMPO Planning Tools and Training Symposium
| |
Last week, Executive Director Greg Stuart and five Broward MPO staff members attended the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (AMPO) Planning Tools and Training Symposium in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Symposium drew a crowd of planners and staffers from MPOs across the country and focused on sharing best practices and growing the next generation of MPO planners. The Broward MPO presentations on best practices included successful federal grant strategies and sustainability planning. Both were well received by fellow MPO peers. The highlight of the Symposium was the Mock Board Meeting, designed to train newer MPO staff on the intricacies of presenting to and working with a board of directors; an equally educational and fun event. The Symposium was a great success where much was learned and shared not only from the presentations, but also from attendee engagement and interaction. | |
Broward MPO Hosts NACTO Bike Tour | |
 | NACTO, the National Association of City Transportation Officials, held its annual conference in Miami from May 7-10, 2024. It was NACTO’s twelfth conference and the first in the Southeast U.S. Several Broward MPO staff attended the conference, where they learned about innovative approaches to traffic safety and interacted with transportation professionals from around the world. As part of the conference activities, the Broward MPO hosted a bicycle tour in Fort Lauderdale and Lauderdale-By-The-Sea on the last day of the conference. About 20 people rode along A1A, Commercial Boulevard, and Bayview Drive, stopping at selected locations to highlight projects that included sidewalks, bicycle facilities, and roadway improvements. Staff from the Broward MPO and the City of Fort Lauderdale led the tour. Speakers included representatives from FDOT, the City of Fort Lauderdale, and the Town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. An extra bonus was a few minutes for participants to dip their feet in the water at the beach. One tour participant said that he attends many transportation-related conferences and that this tour was the best. Other people said it was the most well-organized tour of the conference. | |
|
Celebrate National Bike Month with
a Look Back at Let’s Go Biking!
| |
Hollywood Resiliency Project
Public Meeting Rescheduled
| Broward MPO Launches Safety Action Plan |  | |
A pedestrian has died after being struck by a vehicle Friday evening. It’s a headline too often seen in Broward County, too many lives impacted, and often preventable. Currently, Broward County ranks as the 14th most dangerous region for bicyclists and pedestrians in the country, according to a 2022 study completed by the non-profit organization “Smart Growth America.” A harrowing statistic the Broward MPO, in partnership with Broward County, intends to change. Together, the two agencies have launched the Broward Safety Action Plan (BSAP), a federally funded initiative to reduce fatal traffic crashes and severe injury crashes to zero in Broward County. To accomplish this goal, the project will evaluate corridors and intersections that have experienced crashes that have caused death or serious bodily harm to introduce policy changes, as well as engineering solutions needed to protect cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers. The BSAP, born out of the $5 million Safe Streets and Roads for All grant received from the Federal Highway Administration in 2023, will be a collection of action plans. It will utilize a Safe System Approach, a model to address roadway safety adopted by Departments of Transportation from across the country that focuses on both human mistakes and human vulnerabilities and designs a system with redundancies in place to protect everyone.
Combined with a robust public outreach program, the team will foster a thoughtful dialogue, especially in underserved or traditionally underrepresented communities, to educate, encourage behavioral change, and develop the equitable action plan to be carried out by regional partners. To guide the project in the development of the BSAP, a diverse Oversight Committee and Technical Working Group have been established. These teams are made up of representatives from various traffic safety sectors including healthcare workers, law enforcement, engineers, planners, elected officials, and community champions. These individuals are providing guidance on the development of the changes needed to help people of all ages and abilities safely return home to their families and loved ones. Additionally, the program will include ten focus area safety plans, conceptual corridor design plans, a public website, quick-build design plans, and safe streets design guidelines. The BSAP is expected to be adopted by the Broward MPO Board and the Broward County Commission in June 2025.
| |
Listen to Our Latest Podcast Episode
Featuring Dr. George Hanbury
| In our latest podcast episode titled A Virginia Gentleman in South Florida: A Legacy of Leadership, join host Greg Stuart as he talks with Dr. George Hanbury, president and CEO of Nova Southeastern University (NSU), as they review Dr. Hanbury's career in South Florida. From revitalizing cities and visionary projects, they explore the intersection of leadership, history, and infrastructure in shaping Broward County. Prior to Dr. Hanbury's career in higher education administration, he held the position of City Manager in Fort Lauderdale, FL; Norfolk, VA; Portsmouth, VA; and Virginia Beach, VA. Throughout his career as a public servant, he has demonstrated a commitment to revitalizing communities and investing in the growth of NSU. He believes in transportation infrastructure to address key challenges in cities. | |
Memorial Day Safety Tips from the Broward MPO | |
|
As Memorial Day approaches, bringing with it an influx of travelers and an increase in roadway activities in Broward County, safety becomes paramount. Here are essential safety tips for both travelers and drivers to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday.
-
Stay Informed: Before embarking on your trip, check traffic updates and road conditions in Broward County. Being aware of any road closures, detours, or congestion can help you plan your journey more effectively.
-
Be Prepared: Pack an emergency kit with water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a fully charged cell phone. These items can be lifesaving in case of delays or emergencies.
-
Practice Patience: We all know holidays bring crowded destinations and potentially slower-moving traffic. Expect some delays, and remember to stay patient and calm to avoid stress-related driving mistakes.
-
Avoid Distractions: With roads busier than usual, staying focused is crucial. Avoid using mobile devices; if navigation is needed, use hands-free features or have a passenger assist.
-
Don’t Drink and Drive: Celebrations often involve alcohol. Always designate a sober driver or use public transportation or ride-sharing services if you plan to drink.
-
Buckle Up: Ensure every passenger wears a seatbelt and that children are in the appropriate child restraint. This simple step significantly increases the chance of survival in the event of a crash.
-
Respect Speed Limits: Adhering to speed limits is lawful and ensures you have adequate time to react to sudden stops, pedestrian crossings, or unforeseen obstacles.
-
Stay Alert: Pay special attention to pedestrians, especially near beaches, parks, and recreational areas, where they will likely cross roads more frequently.
Following these tips can significantly contribute to a safer, more enjoyable Memorial Day for everyone in Broward County. Safety begins with each of us taking responsible actions on the road.
| |
2024 State of the Systems Report Offers Snapshot for Improved Transportation Planning in Broward | |
The objective of the Systems Overview Report is to deliver an evidence-based overview, serving as a pivotal resource for our planning activities and the benefit of our regional planning allies. It encompasses current and accessible foundational data concerning transportation and land development within Broward, highlighting its comprehensive multimodal transportation network. By annually updating this dataset, we enhance our capacity for effective planning, prioritization, and financing of varied transportation solutions, aligning with the goals in our Strategic Business Plan's Mission Statement. | | | | |
