Fort Myers magazine 108604 SWFL brochure - web | Page 73

long-term community success. This includes efforts to support efficient government, transportation options, access to jobs and education, and a focus on balancing and preserving the assets that set Lee County apart. This approach to decision-making promotes continuous improvement through balancing and managing economic, social, and environmental resources. Just four months later, the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx travelled to Lee County to announce a $10.5 million dollar grant to implement the Lee Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Complete Streets Initiative, which aims to increase safety, accessibility, and economic development by creating a connected multi-modal transportation system. The project builds upon years of unprecedented collaboration across organizational and jurisdictional boundaries to plan, design, and build a safer, more livable community. Of the 585 applications requesting more than $9 billion in funds for this competitive grant, Lee stood out as one of just 52 funded projects in 37 states. Why Lee County? Feedback from officials indicates a community- wide, concerted effort to redefine our future as one that enhances our greatest assets and a commitment to community sustainability made Lee stand out. These examples of extraordinary investment illustrate the positive returns and rewards associated w it h fo c u s i n g on qu a l it y of life. Smart business decisions require u ndersta nd i ng t he i nterconnec ted ness of our assets and defining a course for continuous improvement w it h that understanding in mind. Lee County is using this philosophy to attain a competitive edge and hedge against future challenges. The goal moving forward is to leverage these achievements in order to promote long-term resiliency, making Lee a great place to live, learn, work, and play. www.en-site.com sustainable creative design planning | landscape architecture | urban design engineering | sustainability 2401 first street, suite 201 | fort myers, fl 33901 | 239.226.0024 www.fortmyers.org 71