A definition of government and public service is provided in a statement by Vice President Hubert Humphrey: “The moral test of Government is how it treats those who are in the dawn of life - - the children; those who are in the twilight of life - - the aged; and those who are in the shadows of life - - the sick, the needy and the handicapped.”
Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs works to find ways to improve the lives of Broward’s residents. Whether helping support victims of domestic violence through her work with Women In Distress; halting the development of Enron’s power plants in our neighborhoods; or initiating environmental programs that keep our air and water clean, Commissioner Jacobs’ first priority is Broward County.
Supporting her efforts is her husband Stuart and their three children, Rick, Lauren, and Mitchell.
A few of the programs Kristin has championed on the County Commission include:
The creation of more than 180 miles of Greenways and Trails system connecting our neighborhoods, parks, schools, community and cultural centers which will provide a greener and more walkable Broward County.
Changing the minimum salary threshold for the County’s 6000 employees by implementing a Living Wage of 10 percent above the Federal Poverty Line. This means tax dollars do not support a wage that must be subsidized by other government agencies, family, or non-profits organizations in order for a county employee to be self-sustaining.
Commissioner Jacobs may be most recognized for her work to protect our natural resources including our water and air. Her support has been central to the creation of water conservation and preservation programs such as NatureScape Broward and Water Matters.
Key to Commissioner Jacob’s vision for Broward’s future is reinventing our urban corridors and downtown areas while building a sense of community through the principals of Smart Growth, affordable housing and easy-to use transportation. For many Broward residents health or age related issues make driving a car impossible. Commissioner Jacobs fought to create and fund a network of community shuttles which brings mass transit opportunities into our neighborhoods. She has consistently backed alternative transportation options that move people not cars, including mass transit, Tri-Rail and a Regional Transportation Authority.
And there is so much more to do! Next on Commissioner Jacob’s action plan for Broward County is developing “green” building policies. As we renovate and rebuild County owned properties, Broward County can set the example for commercial developers by using products that produce less waste, are less toxic and consume less energy. Commissioner Jacobs is also working to find ways to ensure our middle income families can find affordable housing as we redevelop our urban neighborhoods.
Kristin's efforts to re-shape our community include service on the following:
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Water Resource Advisory Committee, South Florida Water Management District |
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Florida Association of Counties - Director |
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South Florida Regional Planning Council – Chair 2001 |
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Florida Regional Council’s Association |
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Broward League of Cities, Director |
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Metropolitan Planning Organization |
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Water Advisory Board |
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Resource Recovery Board |
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Community Bus Application & Evaluation Committee - Chair |
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Homeless Initiative Partnership |
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EV (Electric Vehicle) Ready Broward |
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Broward League of Women Voters |
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Broward Urban River Trails |
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Women In Distress, Board of Directors |
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Florida’s Leadership for America’s Children and Families, Honorary Director |
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Pompano Proud |
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Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, Director |
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Greater Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce |
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Deerfield Beach Historical Society - Director |
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Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber - Uptown Business Council, Director |
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Coconut Creek Democratic Club |
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Deerfield Beach Democratic Club |
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Margate Democratic Club |
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North Broward Democratic Club – Life Member |
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Sample-McDougald House Preservation Society |
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PTA - Pompano Beach Elementary, Pompano Beach High |
Kristin's awards & achievements include:
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2007 |
James D. Webb Public Service Award - Everglades Coalition |
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2007 |
Achievement Award - Community Coalition for a Living Wage |
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2006 |
Champion of the Environment Award - Broward County Audubon Society |
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2006 |
Exceptional Women of 2005 Honoree - Planned Parenthood of South Palm Beach and Broward |
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2005 |
Non-Profit Spokesperson of the Year for Print and/or Web -
PR News |
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2005 |
Jefferson Award for Public Service/Certificate of Excellence from the American Institute for Public Service |
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2005 |
Commissioner Leadership Award, Florida Local Environmental Resource Agencies |
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2005 |
Women of Distinction, March of Dimes |
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2005 |
Honoree, Women in Distress |
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2005 |
Women's Hall of Fame, Broward County Commission on the Status of Women |
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2004 |
Elected Official of the Year, National Association of Social Workers, Broward Unit |
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2003 |
Eagle Award, Broward County Audubon Society |
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2003 |
Feminist of the Year, Broward Chapter National Organization for Women |
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2003 |
Eco Awards -Al Gore Award – City Link |
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2003 |
Woman of the Year - Democratic Women’s Clubs of Northeast Broward |
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2003 |
Humanitarian of the Year – Soref Jewish Community Center |
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2002 |
Heart Award -Elected Official of the Year - Children’s’ Consortium |
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2002 |
Elected Official of the Year - Cresthaven Civic Association |
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2002 |
Environmentalist of the Year - Broward Young Democrats |
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2002 |
Elected Official of the Year - Broward Housing & Community Development Task Force |
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2001 |
Best Governmental Official - Reader’s Choice - City Link Magazine |
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2001 |
Environmental Professional of the Year , Southeast Florida Society of Energy Engineers |
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2001 |
REALTOR Appreciation Award, REALTOR Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale |
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2000 |
Woman Who Leads With Her Heart, Friends of OUR House |
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2000 |
Government Official of the Year, Broward Coalition for the Homeless |
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2000 |
Most Eco-friendly Government Official in Broward, City Link Magazine |
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1999 |
Trailblazer of the Year, Broward Young Democrats |
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1999 |
Paul Harris Fellow, The Rotary International - Davie Chapter |
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1999 |
First Lady of Broward, Broward County Fair Association |
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1999 |
Woman of the Year, American Jewish Congress - Southeast Region |
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1999 |
Best Local Government Official in Broward County, New Times Magazine |
Last Updated: 08/22/05