BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County is among hundreds of communities throughout the United States observing National County Government Month in April. This initiative is sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo) to encourage and actively promote services and programs offered to residents and raise public awareness on how they can benefit. 

This year's theme "Counties THRIVE" focuses on areas that strengthen what we do and allow us to serve our residents. Broward County has been on the frontline protecting our community during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by keeping residents informed and safe during this critical time. This month, we highlight some of the many programs and initiatives in the areas of health and infrastructure. Examples of these services include:

Health Services

• Nancy J. Cotterman Center: Improving and enhancing the quality of life for survivors of sexual assault, child abuse and human trafficking. A new facility will be opening in 2023.
  
• Broward Addiction Recovery Center: Assisting individuals and families impacted by substance abuse.
• Ryan White Part A Program: Medical support services for people living with HIV/AIDS who are uninsured or underinsured.
• Elderly and Veterans Services: Assists veterans and their families with understanding and determining eligibility for benefits.

Infrastructure

·        Resilient Environment Department: Broward County has invested significantly in developing the tools to address the cause and impacts of climate change and the improved resilience of our region and is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Solar energy and Electric Vehicles (EV's) are key players in Florida's race toward a zero-emission future.

• Water and Wastewater Services: Recently celebrated the completion of a 10-mile underground water reuse pipeline system to turn 60 percent of its treated wastewater - previously discharged into the ocean - into water reused for irrigation.
• Broward County Transit: Two new electric buses are now in service and ten more have been ordered. They're designed to travel up to 300 miles on a full charge with two electric motors. All-electric buses are expected by 2030. Transit also celebrated the grand opening of the Lauderhill Transit Center, a 3,000 square feet bus terminal. It is the County's first net-positive facility with solar panels generating more electrical power than the facility is expected to consume.
• Broward County Convention Center:  The first LEED-certified convention center in Florida, completed the first phase of the $1.1 billion expansion project in October 2021. The full expansion project of 1.2 million square feet and an 800-room hotel is expected to be completed in 2025.

Find these programs and more on our "Counties Matter" website, on Twitter and Facebook and on displays in the lobbies of the Governmental Center in downtown Fort Lauderdale and Government Center West in Plantation. To learn more about NACo's initiative, visit their website.