• public safety
• neighborhood
• transportation
• recreation and culture
• health and human services
• economic development
• general government

With less money to travel, more residents have been taking vacations closer to home. Local delights like Metrozoo, the Performing Arts Center, and our libraries, parks, museums, beaches and marinas make a Miami-Dade “staycation” blissfully affordable.

• Keeping our history alive and accessible. In 2008, 153,495 people visited Vizcaya Museum & Gardens -- an increase of 7 percent over the previous year. This national historic landmark is open 364 days each year and offers performances, art programs and tours for families, architecture enthusiasts and history buffs.

• Laptops and tapes and books, oh my! Miami-Dade County libraries have experienced a 25 percent surge in visits over the last decade. That’s because of the vast array of programs and services -- books, tapes, CDs, computer classes, Teen Zone, Toddler Storytime and more -- for every age. Four new library libraries opened in 2008. Additional projects include renovations at six branches and land acquisitions for two new libraries.

• Bravo! for the arts. Resident approval ratings of theaters, museums and arts centers increased 6 points from 2005 to 2008. Discount programs like Culture Shock and Golden Ticket have broadened cultural opportunities for audiences young and old. Culture Shock Miami ticket sales jumped 84 percent from 2007 to 2008.

• Growing our greenways. Miami-Dade County is committed to cultivating our green spaces and through initiatives such as the Open Space Master Plan, we're doing just that. Satisfaction with green space near your home is up 5 points in 2008 to 54 percent.