Many improvements have been made in the Broward Municipal Services District to enhance the quality of life for residents in 2018 and beyond.

Employment programs were developed to help those who may have been considered hard-to-hire and transition them from under-employment to full-time employment.

Thirty new single-family affordable homes were constructed in Central County. The County has invested $8 million in the construction of 40 new affordable homes in the District, which includes up to $60,000 per buyer for purchase assistance. The Housing Finance and Community Development Division is managing the construction. The new homes are energy-efficient, have a minimum of 3 bedrooms and two-car garage, and offer customized features for each family. Families include veterans, special needs children, and parents whose determination made home ownership possible.

The Urban Treasures public art project delivered a historic asset to the community with the potential to attract cultural tourism revenue to the area. The project also significantly reduced blight and costs associated with graffiti removal.

A Minor Home Repair Pilot Program in conjunction with the Residential Mitigation Program provided assistance to vulnerable homeowners that included free exterior home improvements and hurricane hardening in excess of $1 million. Thirteen homeowners applied for the program and by the end of June, eight homeowners had received assistance strengthening their homes through the state's Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program.

In May, the old playground at Sunview Park was demolished and construction of the 3,000-square foot community center with offices, restrooms, computer room, warming kitchen and assembly hall is underway. The new amenities, part of a $1.5 million investment include enhanced ADA features. The project is expected to be completed by Spring 2019. The existing center continues to serve Broadview Park residents and visitors.

In June, a grand opening ceremony for the new Washburn Park honored the contributions of Jack and Jan Washburn who led the collaborative partnership between Broward County and the Broadview Park Civic Association. Special guests included the Washburn's daughter who reflected upon her parents' love for the community. The new pocket park is a serene oasis with a butterfly garden, relaxation benches, walking path and open space for family recreation, community health and wellness activities.

Lafayette Hart Park celebrated a grand re-opening in June. Summer camp kids, community members and County staff appreciated the new custom awning adorning the freshly painted community center. All the amenities within Lafayette Hart Park were newly installed over the past two years including: computer center and kitchen, covered playground, pavilion and outdoor facilities, paved driveway, exterior lighting, surveillance cameras and landscaping.

The County is investing nearly $2.9 million into Safe Streets Projects. In March, community feedback was received on the proposed design for Phase II of the NW 27th Avenue streetscape and infrastructure improvement project. Four lanes of travel will be reduced to two for approximately one mile between Broward Boulevard and Sunrise Boulevard. This will allow for five-foot bicycle lanes on each side of the road and on-street parking on the west side. The design was modified to incorporate community feedback, requests, and recommendations. Construction is expected to begin May 2019.

In August, the Libraries Division, in partnership with T-Mobile, Broward School Board and Career Source Broward, began rolling out tablets for residents to use so they can access the internet. Eligible residents can check out a tablet at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center.

A Hands On Broward (HOB) Volunteer Portal was created for persons interested in volunteering for programs and events hosted or managed by the Broward Municipal Services District. For the first time, the District was able to target volunteers, including students, needing community service hours. Volunteers were recruited for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Teen CERT and the Annual Hurricane Preparedness Open House.

Community partnerships resulted in numerous events and programs to encourage health, wellness, and good citizenship and positive life management skills. Through the Broward County Extension Education and the University of Florida, Sunview Park Teen Program participants learned the basics of archery. Park staff received the proper certification and equipment to run a weekly free 4H Archery club for teens to improve their skills and enjoy a new sport.

Nearly 900 youths registered for the free summer programs offered at the six District neighborhood parks. Each summer, when school doors close for break, the parks increase their services to include interactive programs and field trips. The neighborhood parks help keep children engaged in positive and healthy activities such as water and life safety instructions, camps with professional sports teams, art and talent shows.