Page 11 - Boca Club News - January '25

Boca Club News, Page 11
From the Desk of Commissioner

Marci Woodward: A Message from Marci

Commissioner Woodward, a 20-year Our labor force has been and remains a top priority. Recently, I had the opportunity to bring together
resident of Boca Raton, was elected I joined the CareerSource board as soon as possible and representatives from Palm Beach County, Delray Beach
in November 2022 as Palm Beach have met with business and economic leaders to address and the Florida Department of Transportation for a
County District 4 Commissioner. the issues. Our most recent unemployment numbers productive discussion on improving Atlantic Avenue in
She serves on the following board for Palm Beach County are 3.5%. We have fewer than downtown Delray Beach. Our goal is to enhance safety for
of directors as a representative 28,000 people unemployed and at least 33,000 posted jobs both vehicles and pedestrians while ensuring that traffic
of the county commission: Palm available, with nearly 800,000 people employed. There continues to flow efficiently.
Beach Transportation Planning is no industry without a shortage of available workers. The conversations were incredibly positive and we left
Agency; South Florida Regional We are working diligently not only to attract talent to our the meeting with clear next steps and a shared commitment
Transportation Authority (TriRail); Treasure Coast area but also to keep our homegrown talent here locally. to finding practical solutions. I’m excited to see where this
Regional Planning Council; CareerSource Palm Beach Expanding the horizons of our young people to see career collaboration leads and am optimistic about the positive
County; Palm Beach Cultural Council, and Value opportunities that do not require a four-year degree is also changes we can make together for our roads and residents.
Adjustment Board. Ms. Woodward graduated from the gaining traction. Boca Raton Bowl. Boca Raton was buzzing with
University of South Carolina-Aiken with a Bachelor’s One of my new top priorities, which emerged after excitement as we kicked off the festivities for the Boca
Degree in Fine Arts. I took office, is transportation. I have to admit that my Bowl. From the spirited pep rally at Mizner Park to the
I visited family over the Thanksgiving break and regular commute from Boca Raton to my office in West warm welcome of the James Madison University Dukes and
saw my campaign mailer still hanging on my mother’s Palm Beach quickly made this a priority. I joined the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers, the community
refrigerator. It got me thinking about what I initially Tri-Rail and Transportation Planning Agency boards came together to celebrate the big event. Local council
wanted to accomplish in this position and the new priorities immediately and began exploring ways to help. It has members were also in attendance, showing their support
I’ve discovered along the way. been a steep learning curve to understand the multi- for the teams and the city’s vibrant spirit.
The budget is still a major task and it has continued jurisdictional nature of our system, the long timelines for I had the pleasure of chatting with some of the
to grow. Although I wouldn’t necessarily call it an road projects, the restrictive nature of our funding sources, passionate game-goers at the Fan Fest, capturing all the
accomplishment, we as a board have moved several capital the limited options when approving developments and the energy for an exclusive feature on Channel 20, which will
projects forward that were either postponed, deferred or complex land use and comprehensive changes that have air next month. It was clear from the excitement in the air
delayed for several years. One such project I am most shaped our current system. that this year’s Boca Bowl was one for the books.
pleased to push forward is our Animal Care & Control I am thrilled to announce that our board unanimously On game day we saw an incredible turnout from both
facility. If you’ve visited you know we have work to approved the issuance of an RFP (Request for Proposal) locals and out-of-town visitors, with a positive economic
do in renovation and expansion, including facility-wide on December 12th, 2024, for a consultant to help us impact on our hotels, restaurants and shops in District 4.
air conditioning. We also have planned expansions and form a countywide Transportation Master Plan. I cannot And, of course, our very own local university, Florida
renovations for the Governmental Center, South County possibly name all those who helped us get here. Both Atlantic University (FAU), enjoyed a well-deserved
Complex, Green Cay, Concourse B and the Consolidated elected officials and staff from the 39 municipalities within spotlight on ESPN, showcasing Boca Raton’s pride on a
Rental Car Facility at Palm Beach International Airport. PBC, county commissioners and staff, the school board national stage!
Protecting agriculture in Palm Beach County remains and those in private industry all worked collaboratively Despite a few rainy days leading up to the event the
a challenge due to the development pressure we face, to reach this point. skies cleared just in time, giving us perfect weather for the
but denying the Ag Reserve land swap was, for me, a I naively thought it would be easy. It was not. But is celebrations. Congratulations to James Madison University
significant step in the right direction. We will continue anything worth doing ever easy? The RFP is open until for their impressive victory. Once again, Palm Beach
to have projects brought to us as farmers seek to sell Feb. 25, 2025, and although I cannot predict what to expect County is proud to have hosted the Boca Bowl, and we
to developers and will remain challenged to make the from the applicants, I hope we see an innovative, creative hope everyone enjoyed the thrilling game and festivities.
right decisions. Our recent vote to enter into agreements and comprehensive approach to understanding how people Nonprofit Spotlight. I recently toured the Hanley
with a third-party conservation group to protect our currently move throughout our area and all the ways we Center, a local nonprofit that many may not know is located
environmentally sensitive lands gives me cause to can improve it for our citizens. This is a tall order but right here in West Palm Beach that offers comprehensive
celebrate the county’s commitment to protecting publicly necessary for the future of our county. Quality of life is addiction treatment services.
owned lands as much as possible. at stake. Affordability and expanded opportunities are on The county recently awarded the organization $250,000
We’ve held several meetings and workshops to discuss the horizon. to enhance security, including heightened infant security
the role of code enforcement in the county. These meetings I, for one, can’t wait to see what the New Year brings! measures. I was happy to see these funds being used during
are usually contentious as there are always two sides to From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy my tour, guided by Rachel Docekal, Corey Saban, Turner
every story. While striking a balance between personal Holidays! Wishing you blessings in the New Year! Benoit, and Chip James, who also shared the incredible
and property rights is difficult this board has tackled a few PBC, Delray Beach, and FDOT Team Up! One of work they do in our community.
disputes with a willingness to listen to all sides and strive my top priorities upon taking office has been to bridge the The center has an expert team, including physicians,
for peaceful resolutions. We renamed code enforcement gap between our municipalities and key organizations, therapists, wellness specialists and a dedicated culinary
to “code compliance” and are preparing for our officers to fostering collaboration to get things done and make team, who deliver exceptional care across a spectrum of
wear body cameras while on calls to enhance transparency. meaningful progress for our community. services, from medical detox to ongoing support. I had the
pleasure of meeting their chef, who emphasized the crucial
role of proper nutrition in the recovery process.
Going Away? work they do to make a difference in so many lives. For

I look forward to continuing to support the important
more information, visit hanleyfoundation.org.
If you require assistance, please contact our office at

(561) 355-2204 or email Mwoodward@pbcgov.org.

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