Regional Leader Award

Recognizing an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to regionalism.

Katy Sorenson, Commissioner, Miami-Dade County District 8

Carolyn Dekle, Executive Director, South Florida Regional Planning Council, a SFRRC partner and Commissioner Katy Sorenson.

Commissioner Sorenson, representing District 8 since 1994, has been an outspoken advocate for her community and all of Miami-Dade County. Commissioner Sorenson has worked diligently to enhance the quality of life for Miami-Dade and the Region through wise economic and growth management policies, crime prevention initiatives, and protection of the region’s environmental resources. She has also been a staunch advocate for human rights, a champion of regional cooperation, a leader in child welfare issues, and a promoter of the arts. Sorenson has successfully addressed community improvements through numerous initiatives that address building sustainable and livable communities.

Regional Partnership Award

Recognizing a group or effort that has implemented a project that exemplified a commitment to regionalism through cooperation or collaboration.

Committee for a Sustainable Treasure Coast (CSTC)

Stacy Ranieri & Ted Astolfi of Committee for Sustainable Treasure
Coast and Michael Busha, Executive Director, Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, a SFRRC partner.

In 2004, Florida Senator Ken Pruitt, proposed the creation of the Committee for a Sustainable Treasure Coast (CSTC), a 37-member, three-county committee established to increase cooperation and coordination among St. Lucie, Martin and Indian River counties. The CSTC was charged with considering, evaluating and making recommendations about long-range planning issues important to sustainable growth and development in the Treasure Coast. The CSTC members represented diverse public, private and non-profit interests, concerns, and communities in the Treasure Coast region. CSTC held its first meeting in April 2004 and met over an 18-month period, ending in September 2005. They are succeeded by a new not-for-profit, Sustainable Treasure Coast an organization charged with implementing recommendations developed by the Committee.

Regional Business Award

Recognizing a business or private sector enterprise with a verifiable record of accomplishment in the region.

South Florida Business Journal

Jim Murley, Director of the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions at FAU and Chair of the SFRRC; Holly Svekis of South Florida Business Journal.

The South Florida Business Journal is the business and community voice of the region, covering key topics of regional concern such as education, transportation, affordable housing, and the overall economy.

The South Florida Business Journal demonstrates a commitment to fostering a better regional community and identity by honoring business leaders across South Florida for their professional achievements and community contributions, conveying the excellence of South Florida by recognizing and reporting on the high achievers and practices, reporting on a variety of public issues that require the community’s attention, and helping readers make informed business decisions.

Regional Advantage Award

Recognizing individuals or an organization that has produced the greatest results from its regional work.

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Howard Greenberg, Sun-Sentinel and Carolyn Dekle, Executive Director,
South Florida Regional Planning Council, a SFRRC partner.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel has supported regional efforts in transportation, education, and affordable housing and is credited with reporting the value for the creation of the Regional Transportation Authority from its pre-existing Tri-Rail status. The Sun-Sentinel has promoted its regional commitment through celebrating the diversity of South Florida and stressing the value that diversity will play in the future growth of our community.

Regional Governance Award

Presented to one or more public sector entities that work across jurisdictional boundaries and collaborate for more effective and efficient use of regional resources.

South Florida Cultural Consortium

Bill Nix, Palm Beach County Cultural Council; Michael Spring, Miami-Dade
Department of Cultural Affairs; Nancy Turrell, The Arts Council; and Mary Becht
and Jim Shermer, Broward Cultural Division.

The South Florida Cultural Consortium engaged the University of Massachusetts/Arts Extension Service to present a “winter version” of their Winter Institute in Arts Management Program (WIAM) 2003-2006 in South Florida. Regionally convened, on three separate occasions, the Institute rotated between Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. The WIAM was designed for artists, cultural leaders, educators and managers of community arts, education, health, social service, environmental and economic development agencies who wish to tap the power of art to affect positive development for their region.

Regional Service Award

Honoring a private/non-profit organization that provides a valuable service to the residents of the region.

Urban Land Institute & ULI Southeast Florida /Caribbean District Council

Tony Trella, Urban Land Institute Trustee,
and Rod Petrey, President, Collins Center for Public Policy and SFRRC partner.

The Florida initiative, an alliance of the Urban Land Institute and its four Florida District Councils including ULI Southeast Florida/Caribbean, recently completed a two-year project identifying new opportunities for the state to support and encourage regional cooperation. The project produced a series of local forums, a statewide workshop and culminated with a symposium in Miami keynoted by Governor Jeb Bush. It also produced a comprehensive report recommending succinct strategies for regional cooperation. As a result and at Governor’s Bush’s urging, several cabinet level state agencies are now working with groups to develop regional visioning processes.