Miami-Dade County, Florida – Harry Hoffman and Miguel Murphy are two new members of The Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) that joined in an effort to improve the public transportation and higher education sectors of Miami-Dade County. They bring a lot of expertise and a shared dedication to these important sectors.
Appointed by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez to represent District 11, Harry Hoffman has an outstanding history spanning over three decades in government, education, and financial sectors. Hoffman, a former president of Homestead Campus of Miami Dade College, has been instrumental in starting several community projects and academic activities. His extensive expertise is expected to be very helpful for the CITT, particularly in addressing issues with public transportation, which he sees as a driver of social mobility and economic development.
“Citizens who wish to improve themselves and the lives of their families can only do so with better maintenance and expansion of transportation. Serving on the CITT allows me to bring both my academic expertise and personal commitment to improving transit for all residents,” Hoffman said in a news release. “I am eager to work on solutions that will make public transportation more accessible, sustainable, and reliable for our community.”
Miguel Murphy, selected by Chairman of the Miami-Dade County’s Board of County Commissioners, Oliver G. Gilbert, III, to represent District 1, is equally passionate about enriching the local transit system. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Student Engagement and Community Partnerships at Miami Dade College, Murphy has a rich history of involvement in various educational roles and is a dedicated user of the county’s transit systems, commuting regularly via Metrobus, Metrorail, Metromover, and Tri-Rail.
Murphy expressed his aspirations for the CITT role.
“Miami-Dade County deserves a transportation system that works for everyone—one that enhances economic mobility, reduces commute times, and is environmentally conscious,” Murphy said. “As a member of the CITT, I’m committed to ensuring that our transportation network can meet the challenges of today and the future.”
These seasoned education and transit advocates added to the CITT highlight the Trust’s continuous dedication to create a more integrated and effective transportation system in Miami-Dade County. The Executive Director of the CITT, Javier A. Betancourt, stressed the importance of their selections.
“Both Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Murphy understand the critical intersection of transportation, education, and economic development, and are eager to advance initiatives that create more interconnected and thriving communities in our County,” Betancourt said.
The CITT, a 15-member volunteer board, is critical in overseeing the allocation of funds from the half-penny transportation surtax. These funds are directed toward a range of initiatives, including expanding bus and rail lines, upgrading infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians, and strengthening ties to enable simpler countywide travel.
The CITT is seeking to cover extra openings for seats in Miami-Dade County districts 9, 10, and 12 right now. Details about the application process may be found on the CITT’s website under the “Member Recruitment” category for those interested in helping the county with its transit and educational development.
Read also: Cameras on school buses result in thousands of traffic citations in Miami-Dade County
Further proving the Trust’s commitment to create an accessible and fair transportation system across Miami-Dade, residents can visit the CITT website to learn more about continuous projects and initiatives under the People’s Transportation Plan.