Miami-Dade County selected to host 2024 NACTO Designing Cities Conference

Miami-Dade County has been selected as the host location for the 2024 Designing Cities Conference to be held from May 7 - 10, 2024. The conference is a renowned gathering of experts, policymakers, and transportation leaders, focusing on innovative and sustainable urban mobility solutions. It serves as a platform for collaborative dialogue and knowledge sharing among cities and counties aiming to create inclusive, safe, and sustainable urban transport systems.

“We are thrilled that Miami-Dade County has been chosen to host the 2024 NACTO Designing Cities conference,” stated Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Accessible communities and reliable public transit connect residents to more than just their destinations – but also to opportunity. I look forward to sharing and collaborating with other cities, as well as showcasing the innovation Miami-Dade is known for.”

Miami-Dade County was chosen for its commitment to transportation innovation and best practices, making it an ideal location for the conference. Operating the 15^th largest public transit system in the U.S., the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) oversees the nation’s 4^th largest traffic signal system and maintains over 9,000 miles of roadway infrastructure. The county has been at the forefront of pioneering effective and inclusive transit and transportation solutions, and strategies to enhance urban mobility and access for all its residents.

“Miami-Dade County is making significant strides towards achieving world-class mobility,” said Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III, Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization. “NACTO choosing to host the 2024 Designing Cities Conference in the most populous county in the state of Florida proves that we embody both the challenges and solutions to get us all moving safely, efficiently, and comfortably.”

Miami-Dade County will highlight its groundbreaking projects, including its SMART Program, which includes the South Dade TransitWay, where bus rapid transit will be used with emissions-free buses; the Better Bus project; Metro Connect; some exciting quick-build projects around pedestrian and cycling safety and micro-freight solutions that will be unveiled during the gathering.

“I’ve always advocated for transportation that bridges equity gaps, ensuring every resident truly has access to affordable housing, quality education, healthcare, well-paying jobs, and the arts,” conveyed the Honorable Eileen Higgins, Chair of the Transportation, Mobility, Planning Committee; District 5 Commissioner; and the 2023 American Public Transportation Association Board Member of the Year. “Miami-Dade hosting the 2024 NACTO Conference signifies the global acknowledgment of our leadership in the realm of sustainable and innovative transportation. We are eager to welcome leaders from throughout North America and beyond to engage in meaningful and productive conversations about the future of mobility.”

In the lead-up to NACTO, Miami-Dade County will place a special emphasis on its quick-build program. This approach aligns with the county’s objective of quickly enhancing safety and mobility in key areas. Existing quick builds include the Venetian Causeway armadillo separated bicycle lanes, Miami Shores 98 St. Pineapple Street, and Rickenbacker Safety Improvements, among others.

“In Miami-Dade, our lofty vision is to become the world’s best provider of transportation options,” expressed Eulois Cleckley, Director, and CEO of the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works. “Having the honor of hosting the 2024 NACTO Conference advances this vision, inviting global collaboration. We look forward to the insights and innovations that will emerge, amplifying our commitment to a well-connected, sustainable, safe, and equitable future for our communities through expanded transportation and mobility solutions for all.”

The county and DTPW hope to hold several community conversations and activations in the months leading up to NACTO.

For more on DTPW services, visit miamidade.gov/transit or download the GO Miami-Dade Transit app. Stay connected and follow DTPW on social media on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. 

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