Inside the Partnership for Miami’s Brighter Future.
Written by: Riley Kaminer
Those who’ve collected dusty copies of Time Magazine over the years wouldn’t recognize the Miami on the cover of its November 1981 issue. Lined with images of fights, protests, and armed patrol boats, it asks if South Florida has become a “Paradise Lost?” At that time, crime and economic hardship were tearing Miami apart.
43 years on, the opposite is true. “It’s gone from Paradise Lost to a choice destination that’s on the brink of achieving truly global status,” said Raul Moas, President of the Partnership for Miami, a new nonprofit composed of top business leaders focused on building the future of the Magic City.
This isn’t the stereotypical Miami image of a flashy Rolex, an unbuttoned shirt, and a boardroom in an ocean-fronted skyscraper. According to Raul, the Partnership for Miami comprises passionate leaders committed to ensuring that Miami’s growth benefits all residents. He explained, “we believe that a successful, vibrant, thriving Miami is one that works for every Miamian.”
True to form, this partnership came together organically over the past year. It began with casual conversations among friends and colleagues who all shared a similar dream for Miami. “We started by inviting peers and were intentional about representing various industries,” he said. The group wanted to ensure that every sector had a voice and drew inspiration from similar initiatives in cities like New York and Washington, D.C.
What makes Miami unique, Raul pointed out, is its malleability. Unlike older, more established cities, Miami is still evolving. This presents a fantastic opportunity for change. “Miami is a place of choice,” Raul emphasized. People from all over the world are flocking here, and with that influx comes challenges but also major opportunities.
It’s clear that luxury housing developments in areas like Brickell benefit a small percentage of residents. Raul noted that while construction is booming, the goal is to make housing attainable for everyone, especially those earning less than the average income. “We need to create workforce housing that places people close to jobs and learning institutions,” he stressed.
This closeness is key because of those issues with getting around the city – rush hour or otherwise. However, with the recent arrival of Brightline downtown and improvements to the bus network, there’s momentum when it comes to public transport, which residents stuck in their cars are crying out for. “We need to accelerate that,” Raul insisted. The Partnership wants to see completed priority corridors and a
comprehensive vision for Miami’s future transit system.
Someone looking around at the problems accompanying Miami’s growth might repeat that wry adage, “this is why we can’t have nice things.” But, as Raul declares, “we can do hard things and have nice things.” Its transformation, he believes, is a testament to Miami’s resilience and the spirit of its people. With their exceptional board assembled that includes Ken Griffin, Orlando Bravo and Dan Sundheim, the Partnership for Miami is about bringing people together to create a city that works for everyone.
