Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization

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Miami-Dade TPO welcomed the Central American Critical Infrastructure Delegation for a professional peer exchange focused on transportation planning, critical infrastructure protection, supply chain security, and regional freight and logistics.

The professional exchange, funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by World Learning, brought together senior government and private sector professionals from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama. Delegates represented transportation infrastructure, ports, customs, terminal security, trade facilitation, and major regional freight and logistics projects.

Aileen Bouclé, AICP, Miami-Dade TPO Executive Director, led the discussion alongside Maria T. Vilches-Landa, P.E., Deputy Director of Transportation, and Zainab Salim, MPA, Deputy Director of Administration. They shared how transportation planning supports Miami-Dade County’s interconnected system of seaport, airport, roadway, rail, and freight infrastructure. The discussion also explored resilience, supply chain security, private-sector coordination, and how new and emerging technologies are transforming these sectors.

The delegation included Costa Rica’s Vice Minister of Infrastructure, senior customs officials from El Salvador and Panama, the Chair of the Board of Port of Belize Limited, and leaders responsible for major port, roadway, rail, terminal security, and logistics initiatives throughout Central America.

During See Tracks? Think Train® Week, Miami-Dade TPO joined Operation Lifesaver, Inc., SFRTA/Tri-Rail, FDOT D6, DTPW, Commuter Services & City of Hialeah to co-host an outreach event at the Metrorail/Tri-Rail Transfer Station to raise awareness about the dangers of railroad crossings, a critical issue in densely populated areas with heavy rail traffic. The initiative focused on educating pedestrians, cyclists, and commuter train passengers about the importance of obeying safety signals, maintaining a safe distance from tracks, and staying alert near rail crossings.

In its 10th year, See Tracks? Think Train® Week is a national initiative dedicated to educating the public about the importance of staying alert and making safe choices around trains, rail crossings, and transit facilities.

Miami-Dade TPO was represented by Elizabeth Rockwell, Chief Information Officer, Alexandra “Ally” Scroggin, Mobility Planner 1, and Jesus Fuentes, P.E., In-House Consultant.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/STTTW

Cc: Operation Lifesaver Inc.
Tri-Rail
FDOT South - Miami Area
Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works
Commutersfl
City of Hialeah - Municipal Government

The Miami-Dade TPO Governing Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2026 has been cancelled. Please mark your calendars accordingly.

Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) 2026 Annual Conference was hosted by Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) in Sacramento, California. MPOs from around the country gathered to spark innovation through informative sessions, thought-provoking main-stage presentations, and hands-on mobile tours.

Kevin C. Walford, Transit and Regional Manager, presented during the “I Want to Ride My Bicycle” session, where he focused on the examination of University of Miami’s BikeSafe Program to understand how pop up bike lanes and “Bike to School Day” events improve youth safety and promote active travel.

By evaluating temporary infrastructure, student behavior, and school-based engagement, the analysis highlighted how low cost, quick build strategies can transform the school commute environment. Three core insights, assessing the impact of low cost pilot infrastructure, applying strategies for expanding active transportation, and analyzing data driven results and behavior trends, framed how the program’s findings can inform countywide planning and policy decisions.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/2026AMPOAC

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Six hosted a National Truck Driver Appreciation Week event. Truck drivers and crews are an essential part of Florida’s transportation network, helping keep the economy moving by transporting goods communities rely on every day.

Their hard work often goes unnoticed, and during this dedicated appreciation week, they are recognized for their important contributions.

Miami-Dade TPO was represented by Alexandra “Ally” Scroggin, Mobility Planner 1.

Learn more at https://ntdaw.trucking.org

Cc: FDOT South - Miami Area

Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) 2026 Annual Conference was hosted by Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) in Sacramento, California. MPOs from around the country gathered to spark innovation through informative sessions, thought-provoking main-stage presentations, and hands-on mobile tours.

Paul Chance, Public Information Officer, presented during the “Meeting People Where They Are” session where he discussed how the Miami-Dade TPO is using mascots, creative storytelling, activity books, student-created PSAs, a transportation course, and social media to make transportation education both engaging and relevant for young people. TPO is providing tools to create, educate, and influence while empowering the next generation to help build the future of mobility.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/2026AMPOAC

Miami Dade College - North Campus hosted its annual Campus Safety Day, offering participants an opportunity to learn about campus and community resources that support a safe and secure campus environment.

Valuable crime prevention tips, safety information, and campus security resources were shared with students, staff, and the community. During the event, TPO staff provided valuable transportation safety information as well.

Miami-Dade TPO was represented by Zainab Salim, MPA, Deputy Director – Administration, Regina Serrano, Public Information Officer, Aleah Smith, Contract & Program Administrator, and Bradley Woodson, MBA, Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator.

Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) 2026 Annual Conference was hosted by Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) in Sacramento, California. MPOs from across the country gathered to spark innovation through informative sessions, thought provoking main stage presentations, and hands on mobile tours.

This year’s AMPO Conference featured a five-session learning track exploring the evolving role of MPOs in integrating housing and transportation planning. The first session was presented by Franchesca Taylor, AICP, Miami-Dade TPO Program Development Manager.

The presentation, titled “Drive ’til You Qualify: Miami-Dade County’s Transportation & Affordable Housing Cost Burden Paradox,” provided an overview of Miami-Dade TPO’s analysis of affordable and workforce housing in Transportation Planning Areas.

The research focuses on trends inside and outside Rapid Transit Zones, identifies where renters and homeowners face the greatest housing cost burdens, and maps gaps in affordable units. The research supports the alignment of transportation investments with housing needs and guides policy decisions.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/2026AMPOAC