​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​​​MARCH 2024

CortadaNews.png

Artist Xavier Cortada's The Underwater campaign comes to Broward County

The Broward County Resilient Environment Department and Cultural Division are collaborating with the Xavier Cortada Foundation to bring The Underwater campaign to Broward County. ​ Residents can expect to see Underwater artworks at select locations across the County including a wall mural near Broward County's Government Center in downtown Fort Lauderdale; a sea level rise-inspired wrap of a Broward County Transit bus, and an aluminum sculpture that depicts the site elevation at a Broward County Facility. Murals will also be installed at ten Broward County Public Schools in conjunction with workshops led by Xavier Cortada.
Read More​ ​

2023: A Year of Extremes

2023 was an exceptional year for Broward County, South Florida, and globally. Many will recall that Fort Lauderdale experienced unprecedented rainfall during the April 12-13 storm event, causing widespread flooding and losses.​ Re​ad More​​

2023 Broward Leaders Resilience Roundtable

Broward County Vice Mayor Beam Furr and Senator Nan H. Rich, cochairs of the County's Climate Change Task Force, convened the 2023 Broward Leaders Resilience Roundtable on Friday, October 6, 2023 at Long Key Nature Center in Davie. Read More​​

Solar Basketball Court, Delevoe Park​

Broward County has unveiled an innovative solar project at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park in Fort Lauderdale. This project is part of Broward County's growing investment in solar and commitment to initiatives that help drive the County towards its Net Zero goal.​ Read More


​​​​OCTOBER 2023

Broward Resilience on the World Stage​

Broward County joined forces with nations from around the world as the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. More than 70,000 participants from 198 countries attended.  ​​COP28 is considered the premier global climate conference, and for the first time features the Local Climate Action Summit - an unprecedented effort to involve local governments in the global effort to combat this generational challenge. 

Vice Mayor Furr and Broward County Chief Resiliency Officer Dr. Jennifer Jurado's attendance at COP28 marked a landmark step forward, as Broward County takes a global leadership role in confronting the challenges we face. The summit was organized around four central themes: technology and innovation; inclusion; vulnerable frontline communities; and financing to address future climate change challenges.

"A world stage is in place to focus on climate change and protecting the planet that we all share. Discussions put local leaders at the heart of climate change. I'm honored to represent Broward County at this high level of in-depth strategizing to bring about universal change," said Vice Mayor Furr.​

Under the leadership of Dr. Jurado, Broward County has developed strategies and partnerships to address climate change for more than a decade.  Read More

DECEMBER 2023

Broward Joins Resilient Cities Network as 101st Member

Broward County Florida, USA, has joined the Resilient Cities Network, a city-led urban resilience network made up of over 100 cities globally. The announcement was made at COP28 in Dubai  on December 6, as world leaders gathered at COP27 in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.​

“The Broward County Commission has demonstrated a powerful commitment to strong climate action and building community resilience in a matter that supports equitable outcomes. From housing to transportation, infrastructure improvements to energy strategies to workforce development, we understand the importance of bold planning, strong engagement, environmental incentives, and dedicated partners needed to provide a resilient future. ​​​We are inspired by the impactful work and capacity of the Resilient Cities Network and look forward to working as full partners to further resilience efforts across our communities and globe.”  ​
Vice Mayor Beam Furr. 

​At work in 100 cities worldwide, the Resilient Cities Network supports on-the-ground projects and solutions to build climate resilient, circular and equitable cities while also facilitating connections and information-sharing between communities and local leaders.  Read More​

Broward Resilience in Washington DC

JJwhitehouse.png

Broward County's Chief Resilience Officer, Dr. Jennifer Jurado, was invited to the first-ever White House Summit on Building Climate Resilient Communities, joining a panel discussion led by John Podesta Jr, Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy, and former White House chief of staff.

The Summit took place in Washington DC today, providing an opportunity for practitioners and senior Administration officials from more than 15 federal departments and agencies to jointly discuss solutions that will both dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and better manage climate threats, and way help communities adapt to today’s climate impacts and prepare for future climate risks.

In conjunction with the Summit, the White House Administration today released the National Climate Resilience Framework, a vision for a climate resilient Nation designed to guide and align climate resilience investments and activities by the federal government and its partners. The Framework identifies common principles and specific actions to expand and accelerate progress towards six set objectives.

The Administration also announced the awarding or availability of more than $500 million in dedicated funding, and commitments to expand financial support for climate resilience and align investments with national climate resilience priorities.​

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy

The Resilient Environment Department has been accepted into the US Department of Energy’s Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) Cohort on Planning and Funding for EV Charging infrastructure Deployment alongside the Clean Cities Coalition. 

This collaborative working group is sharing best practices and strategies amongst communities throughout the US with a shared goal of ensuring the nation’s charging infrastructure stays ahead of the ever-increasing demand for electric vehicles.

Broward County is currently in the late stages of procurement for a crucially important EV Charging Network Management Software that will allow us to control access, manage loads, and monitor u​sage and downtime for our charging stations throughout County facilities. 

Public Sector Spotlight

We’ve decided to add a new segment to our newsletter highlighting the amazing things happening amongst the businesses of Broward County. This edition’s spotlight focuses on CITY Furniture, who hosted their second annual Green City Summit on July 20th at their Corporate Office in Tamarac.​

Public Sector Spotlight > 

2013 NACIO Awards

Broward County has won 24 National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) Awards of Excellence in 2023, more than any other county in the country. This includes seven Best in Class awards. The annual competition recognizes the quality of public information and education outreach campaigns by County governments.


The County’s Resilience Unit was awarded six of the Resilient Environment Department’s ten winning entries including three Best in Category awards. The Resilient Newsletter received a Best In Category award, as did the online Resilience Bulletin, and graphics for the 2022 Climate Leadership Summit. 

broward.org/Awards​

Ap​ril 2023

Broward Youth Climate Summit in Action at MODS​

Held this year on Thursday, April 6, 2023, The annual Youth Climate Summit provides a platform for BCPS students to advocate for policy change and promote environmental sustainability. . This event convened at the Museum of Discovery and Science with hands-on, engaging activities centered around developing the students’ climate change action plans.

Keynote Panel Moderator: MODS Director of Sustainability Lance Cutrer. 

View Photo Gallery ​


​FEBRUARY 2023

Broward County Awarded $92M in Grant Funding from the Resilient Florida Grant Program

Broward County and local municipalities will receive a combined $92 million in grant funds for resilient infrastructure improvement projects in 2023. ​Read More >​

​

New Broward Resilience Social Media Accounts on LinkedIn

In 2023, the Resilient Environment team has two new social media channels to help spead the word about Broward County resilience issues. LinkedIn serves as a key networking outlet for linking with stakeholder individuals and organizations - ideal for collaboration, idea-sharing, and best-practice adoption, as well as a means to stay abreast of a rapidly changing landscape.

The new Innovations Unit page supports County agencies by implementing business intelligence solutions for informed decision-making and identifying and implementing innovative technology solutions.

Meanwhile Broward Resilience will share activities, events and achievements connected with the Broward County Resilient Environment Department programming.

Connect with Broward Innovations 
Broward Resilience.

​

 ​The Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project (C&SF) moves forward in 2023

The Jacksonville District of USACE recently held a two-day planning charrette for the Central and South Florida (C&SF) Flood Resiliency Study on Jan. 11-12 in Fort Lauderdale - at the Museum of Discovery and Science, and Broward County Governmental Center.

 Read More ​​

Solar Panels Being Installed at Delevoe Park

Broward County plans to install two large-scale solar canopies over the basketball courts at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park in Fort Lauderdale.​ Read

More 

RCAP 3.0​

Introducing the Compact's Regional Climate Action Plan 3.0: a framework to align, guide and support the acceleration of local and regional climate action in #SEFL to realize a healthy, prosperous, more equitable and resilient, low-carbon region.
More > ​

​​

NACIO Awards

Broward County's Resilient Environment Divisions received five Awards of Excellence from National Association of Counties Information Officers (NACIO) in 2022.

These included Landscaping on the Edge - a user-friendly reference guide featuring best practices for planting and information about native plants, emergent plants and agency programs - produced by the Natural Resources Division, who also won an award for thei​r Instagram account, @browardENV - an account established purely for environmental content to increase community outreach.  

broward.org/Awards




​
​Resilience Stories

Broward County employees tell us how a change in personal lifestyle can make a huge difference to health and happiness, and how little changes can make a big difference to the environment if taken up by enough people.​

  • The Moment I Knew...
    Environmental Specialist Sabrina Ladd shares how she became a passionate advocate for manatees and marine wildlife in Broward County. More > ​

  • Fueling Florida
    Growing up in a coal community gives Broward Resilient Environment Marketing Coordinator Andy Royston a unique insight into the progress of the fossil fuel industry, and how far Florida has come in the race to clean our electricity generating resources.​ More > 

  • Charging Ahead
    Natural Resources Division Natural Resources Specialist Steven Bedoya reviews his EV options atfter joning Broward County. More > ​​

  • What I've Learned - 10 years at Broward County
    Jason Liechty recently left Broward County’s Resilient Environment Department, where he managed environmental policy and legislative issues and contributes to many of the County’s climate and energy initiatives. ​Here are his thoughts and reflections of a decade with the Resilience team. More > 

  • ​Commuting in Style
    Broward County Office of Public Communications' Assistant Director Gregory Meyer explains why he chose to park the car and take the train.​  More >  

  • ​Changing Up to a Vegan Lifestyle
    Amber Harper, Administrative Coordinator for Broward's Regional Emergency Services and Communications Department shares how she started her journey to veganism. More >​

DECEMBER 2022​

New Law Provides​ Funds to Conserve Florida's Coral Reefs

​​The Restoring Resilient Reefs Act ​recently signed into law by Congress will bring five years of federal funding to support coral reef management and restoration along the 360-linear mile Florida coral reef. It extends from the Dry Tortugas National Park, through the Keys, along 24 miles of Broward's shoreline and north to the St. Lucie inlet. The County's Resilient Environment Department supported efforts to get the bill passed which reauthorizes and modernizes the Coral Reef Conservation Program through Fiscal Year 2024. 

Coral reef health is essential to the economic growth of the Broward community by providing shoreline storm protection, improved water quality, essential habitat for a healthy fishery and a source for recreation and tourism. The new legislation comes at an important time and will hopefully offset the reef decline due to an ongoing coral disease outbreak that has impacted over 90% of the reef since first reported in 2014. 

"Florida's coral reefs are a national treasure that have been deteriorating rapidly due to climate change, overfishing and​ pollution. I have long championed the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act and the reauthorization of the Coral Reef Conservation Act to allow for the creation of federal programs to protect the vitality of coral reefs along our coast. As a Broward County Commissioner, I am committed to solving the crisis facing our coral reefs and support providing local funds and policy initiatives to benefit their survival."  
Beam Furr​, Broward County Commissioner ​

The County will continue to work with the State of Florida, local lawmakers and regional partners to develop programs to restore and conserve local reefs to so that they can continue to provide economic growth and quality of life now and for future generations.​

​

Resilience News

DECEMBER 2022​

County Earns an A from Global Nonprofit for its Climate Change Action Plan

​The County has been recognized by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) as one of 122 cities and counties across the globe that is taking bold leadership on environmental action and transparency, despite the pressures of a challenging global economic situation. The CDP is a nonprofit that runs a global scoring system for companies and local governments for environmental reporting.  

Broward County scored an A, earning a spot on The CDP's Cities "A-List." More than 1,000 cities an​​​d counties received a rating for their climate action from CDP in 2022, and just 12% of local governments scored by CDP received an A. Designed to encourage and support local governments to ramp up their climate action and ambition, the list is based on environmental data disclosed by local governments to CDP. 

To score an A, the County had to disclose a community-wide emissions inventory, set a renewable energy target for the future and publish a climate action plan. In addition, the County must also complete a climate risk and vulnerability assessment and have a climate adaptation plan to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards. 

The County has invested significantly in developing tools and implementing strategies necessary to address the impacts of climate change to our communities.  The County continues to build resilience on many scales internally within government operations and countywide through coordination with municipalities and business leaders. Looking forward to the next 50 years, the County continues to assess the plan and strategies for reducing risk, protecting public safety, stimulating the economy and investing in resilient infrastructure.  ​

NOVEMBER 2022​​

BCT's Electric!

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded $7.8 million to Broward County Transit (BCT) toward the purchase of 26 new electric transit buses through its Electric Transit Bus Project as part of the government’s settlement with Volkswagen over claims the company violated the Clean Air Act.

For more information about BCT visit  Broward.org/BCT.​​

​MARCH 2022​​

County to Launch County-wide Risk Assessment and Resilience Plan

The County's Resilient Environment Department is proud to announce a two-year countywide planning effort focused on building community resilience to the impacts of climate change predicted over the next half-century, with a primary focus on flood and heat mitigation. This effort is being undertaken with the collective support of municipal and business leaders who meet annually to discuss the resilience needs of the Broward community, the impacts of sea-level rise, more intense rainfall and clean energy initiatives needed to reduce the overall extent of climate change. The launching of this project comes with action by the County Commission earlier this month.

“I am proud of the leadership demonstrated by our Commission in taking this action, this Resilience Plan is about to be one of the most significant investments we can make to provide for the future of our community under conditions of rapid climate change, ensuring livability, affordability and economic opportunity for current and future residents,"
Mayor Michael Udine.

 This project will be overseen by the County's Chief Resilience Officer and is designed to address flood mitigation needs across the Broward landscape, with a focus on water management infrastructure, transportation systems, critical infrastructure, basin-level redevelopment and land use. Recommendations are expected to include new water management strategies, expanded surface water storage, additional green infrastructure, infrastructure hardening and relocation, as well as redevelopment strategies. The project will also seek to address the impact of rising urban temperatures through priority use of green infrastructure, such as additional green space and bioswales for improved stormwater management and treatment.


Plan development will be supported by a steering committee consisting of diverse private sector and community representatives, with extensive participation of local municipalities, water managers, agency partners and public input. Upon completion, the plan is expected to provide the basis for a multi-decade resilient infrastructure and redevelopment plan to serve all of Broward County. Updates on the planning process and opportunities to participate will be posted here on the Broward County website.

Resilience Plan In The Making

​

​​​

APRIL 2022​

​Broward's Single-Use Disposable Plastics (Polystyrene) Ban In Effect​

Polystyrene products, single-use plastic straws and beverage stirrers, and confetti are now banned on Broward County properties. County Commissioners passed a resolution in April with the overall goal of reducing litter and better protecting the environment, wildlife, and marine life.


The resolution, which amended the County’s Administrative Code, states that expanded polystyrene products (often called “Styrofoam”) such as food containers, plates, cups, coolers, ice chests, and packing materials, as well as single-use plastic straws and beverage stirrers, may not be purchased by the County or used by individuals on County property, used or provided by temporary vendors on County property, or used or provided by entities engaged in a contractual relationship with the County for the provision of goods or services on County property. The resolution also bans the use of balloons, confetti, and sky lanterns in outdoor areas of County property. 


“We have been working on this months and months. The focus of what this is supposed to be is that these products are not recyclable or biodegradable here. This is about litter and the environment. We need to get started. This is our planet!”
Commissioner Nan Rich​
View the full resolution

​