Linked and Livable Miami

To build a healthier, happier, and more connected downtown Miami.

Miami is a special place with natural beauty and year-round sunshine housing a young, diverse, and dynamic population. Those are assets few cities across the world possess. With so much potential, and with so much projected growth over the next twenty years, Miami is at a crossroads.

Throughout four days of public engagement events, we connected with 496 community members and collected over 3,000 ideas. ( I moved this up) We analyzed key streets and parks in the downtown to help us understand how the neighbourhood was working for people of all ages and abilities. In collaboration with community partners we identified four “quick win” areas the downtown could focus on if wants to turn the page and move forward in a bold new direction:

Over one week in Miami, we identified four areas Miami needs to focus on if it too wants to turn the page and move forward in a bold new direction:

Walkability

A connected network of wide, comfortable, shaded sidewalks with benches and bus shelters will give local businesses a leg-up by allowing patios and lounges.
Complete the Baywalk: Completing the Baywalk network is an absolute no-brainer and should be a priority for city and county governments alike.
Walk and bike to SMART transit: Walking and cycling connections to transit stops must be part of the SMART Plan planning process to meaningfully reduce congestion levels. Safe and enjoyable walking and cycling infrastructure should be built before the SMART plan’s implementation.
Miami’s Own Vision Zero: A Vision Zero approach to Miami’s streets that views traffic collisions as preventable occurrences is key. Miami-Dade County is one of the five most deadly counties in the country to walk and ride a bike. A safe pedestrian and cycling environment is about more than mobility, it’s a basic human right.

Livability

The cities with the best quality of life are those where people can sleep at home and live outside. High-quality parks and public spaces are the greatest drivers in building a livable city that attracts top talent. That means Miami needs to invest in ensuring every resident has a park within a ten-minute walk of their home, and then ensure that those parks are activated with innovative programming for people of all ages.

A city that spends leisure time outside sees local businesses and new enterprises thrive. Miami must take responsibility and create the conditions necessary for residents to live outside 52 weeks of the year.

Prioritize underserved communities

Walkability and livability are not just for the wealthy, middle-aged, or able-bodied. The young, the elderly, the economically disadvantaged, and systemically marginalized communities have the right to safe, enjoyable streets and public spaces. Decision-makers and civic leaders must work to ensure their needs are reflected in decision-making that affects their quality of life. Creating top-notch parks, sidewalks, bike lanes, plazas, bus stops, bus shelters and clean, safe and reliable public transit is not just about economic opportunity, tourism, or public health. It’s about ensuring the most vulnerable have access to everything they need to enjoy healthy, happy lives.

Sense of urgency

Walkability and livability are not just for the wealthy, middle-aged, or able-bodied. The young, the elderly and the economically disadvantaged are the most vulnerable in our society. Decision makers and civic leaders must become guardian angels of these groups and ensure their needs are reflected on all occasions. Creating top-notch parks, sidewalks, bike lanes, plazas, bus stops, bus shelters and clean, safe and reliable public transit is not just about economic opportunity, tourism, or public health. It’s about ensuring the most vulnerable have access to everything they need to enjoy healthy, happy lives.