South Florida Regional Planning Council Elects Miami-Dade County Commissioner Senator René García as 2026 Chair and Welcomes New Executive Committee - SFRPC

South Florida Regional Planning Council Elects Miami-Dade County Commissioner Senator René García as 2026 Chair and Welcomes New Executive Committee

Senator René García, Chairman, SFRPC

The SFRPC thanks Monroe County Mayor Michelle Lincoln, Immediate Past Chair, for her service and leadership as Chair, and many contributions to South Florida’s planning and policymaking efforts. During her tenure, the Council’s accomplishments included hosting a regional conference on Transit-Oriented Development and Affordable/Workforce Housing, advocating for the restoration of funding for the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority and New Starts, and completion of myriad economic analyses including an analysis of the Blue Ocean Economy. In addition, the Council secured funding for a Homestead Air Reserve Base Access Road Flooding Study, funding for brownfields cleanup and redevelopment, and continued assisting small businesses and supporting the construction of affordable housing through the Council’s revolving loan fund programs.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair and work alongside such dedicated Council members and staff. I am confident in the leadership Chair Senator René García will bring to the Council. His years of experience as an elected official including State Senator will be a strong asset as the South Florida Regional Planning Council builds on the progress we have made. I look forward to supporting the Council’s work in the year ahead,” said Monroe County Mayor and Immediate Past Chair Michelle Lincoln.

In his comments as newly elected chair, Chair Senator René García thanked Immediate Past Chair Lincoln and underscored the importance of regional planning and collaboration. “As Chair, I appreciate the leadership and steady guidance provided by Immediate Past Chair Michelle Lincoln. I look forward to building on that foundation as we work to ensure South Florida remains a thriving, sustainable region,” said Chair Senator René García.
As South Florida continues to navigate key issues in economic growth, regional transportation, affordable housing, and long-term infrastructure planning, the newly elected Executive Committee and Board is committed to leading the region with vision and dedication. The SFRPC looks forward to working closely with local governments, community leaders, and stakeholders to foster a stronger, more prosperous and resilient region. A complete list of the Council’s Board members can be found at: Council Members – SFRPC.

The South Florida Regional Planning Council is the largest of Florida’s ten regional planning councils. The Council serves three counties—Monroe, Miami-Dade, and Broward—70 municipalities and an estimated 4.9 million residents. The membership of the South Florida Regional Planning Council consists of county and municipal elected officials, gubernatorial appointees, and ex-officio members from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the South Florida Water Management District. The Council supports the region’s elected leaders and public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders through regional, collaborative planning and the development and implementation of programs and strategies which create a better future for Southeast Florida.