Under the bright lights of the Stephen P. Clark Center, members of the Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) gathered on July 23, 2025, to discuss the future of transportation in Miami-Dade County. The meeting, marked by a sense of optimism, highlighted key financial updates and community engagement efforts.

The session kicked off with a positive financial report, revealing that surtax collections in April had risen by 6% compared to the previous year. Year-to-date collections were also up nearly 5%, indicating a robust performance despite ongoing economic challenges. This encouraging news set a hopeful tone for the discussions that followed.

Chairman of the CITT took a moment to recognize the contributions of community members, particularly honoring Theo Caransales as the "Ambassador of the Quarter" for his dedicated volunteer service. This recognition underscores the trust's commitment to fostering community involvement and appreciation for those who support transportation initiatives.

However, the meeting also addressed ongoing challenges, including three long-standing vacancies on the trust for Districts 10 and 12. The leadership expressed a commitment to collaborating with county partners to fill these positions, ensuring that all areas of Miami-Dade County are adequately represented.

As the meeting progressed, members discussed the upcoming officer elections scheduled for September, reminding attendees to submit their financial disclosure forms by the deadline. The importance of community engagement was emphasized, with a call to action for members to promote the trust's podcast, aimed at increasing public awareness of transportation issues.

With no new business or citizen comments on the agenda, the meeting concluded on a positive note, with members looking forward to reconvening in September. As the summer recess approaches, the CITT remains focused on its mission to enhance transportation in Miami-Dade, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among its members.