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About Commissioner Jacobs

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:

	Water Resource Advisory Committee, South Florida Water Management District
	Florida Association of Counties - Director
	South Florida Regional Planning Council – Chair 2001
	Florida Regional Council’s Association
	Broward League of Cities, Director
	Metropolitan Planning Organization
	Water Advisory Board
	Resource Recovery Board
	Community Bus Application & Evaluation Committee - Chair
	Homeless Initiative Partnership
	EV (Electric Vehicle) Ready Broward
	Broward League of Women Voters
	Broward Urban River Trails
	Women In Distress, Board of Directors
	Florida’s Leadership for America’s Children and Families, Honorary Director
	Pompano Proud
	Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, Director
	Greater Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce
	Deerfield Beach Historical Society - Director
	Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber - Uptown Business Council, Director
	Coconut Creek Democratic Club
	Deerfield Beach Democratic Club
	Margate Democratic Club
	North Broward Democratic Club – Life Member
	Sample-McDougald House Preservation Society
	PTA - Pompano Beach Elementary, Pompano Beach High

Kristin's awards & achievements include:

	2007	James D. Webb Public Service Award - Everglades Coalition
	2007	Achievement Award - Community Coalition for a Living Wage
	2006	Champion of the Environment Award - Broward County Audubon Society
	2006	Exceptional Women of 2005 Honoree - Planned Parenthood of South Palm Beach and Broward
	2005	Non-Profit Spokesperson of the Year for Print and/or Web - PR News
	2005	Jefferson Award for Public Service/Certificate of Excellence from the American Institute for Public Service
	2005	Commissioner Leadership Award, Florida Local Environmental Resource Agencies
	2005	Women of Distinction, March of Dimes
	2005	Honoree, Women in Distress
	2005	Women's Hall of Fame, Broward County Commission on the Status of Women
	2004	Elected Official of the Year, National Association of Social Workers, Broward Unit
	2003	Eagle Award, Broward County Audubon Society
	2003	Feminist of the Year, Broward Chapter National Organization for Women
	2003	Eco Awards -Al Gore Award – City Link
	2003	Woman of the Year - Democratic Women’s Clubs of Northeast Broward
	2003	Humanitarian of the Year – Soref Jewish Community Center
	2002	Heart Award -Elected Official of the Year - Children’s’ Consortium
	2002	Elected Official of the Year - Cresthaven Civic Association
	2002	Environmentalist of the Year - Broward Young Democrats
	2002	Elected Official of the Year - Broward Housing & Community Development Task Force
	2001	Best Governmental Official - Reader’s Choice - City Link Magazine
	2001	Environmental Professional of the Year , Southeast Florida Society of Energy Engineers
	2001	REALTOR Appreciation Award, REALTOR Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale
	2000	Woman Who Leads With Her Heart, Friends of OUR House
	2000	Government Official of the Year, Broward Coalition for the Homeless
	2000	Most Eco-friendly Government Official in Broward, City Link Magazine
	1999	Trailblazer of the Year, Broward Young Democrats
	1999	Paul Harris Fellow, The Rotary International - Davie Chapter
	1999	First Lady of Broward, Broward County Fair Association
	1999	Woman of the Year, American Jewish Congress - Southeast Region
	1999	Best Local Government Official in Broward County, New Times Magazine

Last Updated: 08/22/05