HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Ivonne Berrios-Miami DDA Annual Report and letters packetANNUAL REPORT
Downtown Development Authority
of the City of Miami
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) DI.4 ,
on 05/22/2025 . City Clerk
ICI
17642 Submittal-Ivonne Berrios-Miami DDA Annual Report and letters packet
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) DI.4
on 05/22/2025 . City Clerk
The Downtown Development Authority
of the City of Miami (Miami DDA)
is an independent agency of the City of Miami
funded by a special tax levy on properties
within its district boundaries.
The agency is governed by a 15 member
Board of Directors, which includes three public
appointees and 12 downtown property owners,
business owners, and/or residents.
The Board of Directors sets policy direction, which
is implemented by a multi -disciplinary team under
the oversight of the CEO/Executive Director.
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Leadership, Advocacy & Operations
The Leadership, Advocacy, and Operations Team of the Miami DDA manages the daily operations in
finances, human resources, and strategy. It ensures compliance with various regulations as a governmental
agency. The Team also advocates at all government levels — local, state, and federal - ensuring
Downtown Miami is at the forefront, meeting stakeholders needs and driving funding allocations
for projects and programs.
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$1M
appropriation request for
Downtown Flagler Street
Construction Project: Phase E
$700k
Reimbursemnt ARPA
Funds Business Assistance
$400k
Appropriation request for
Judge Leifman's Involuntary
Outpatient Services (IOS)
Demonstration Project
The FY2023-2024 Budget
was approved unanimously by
the City of Miami Commission and
the Miami DDA Board of Directors
focusing on business and
economic development, small business
assistance, homelessness initiatives,
safety and sanitation.
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$27.7
$24.6
$22.6
$20.6
$18.8
15.1
111
$16.7
1
111
1
111
$19.5
1
111
1
111
1
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$22.6
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1
III
1
III
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
— $26B
— $24B
— $22B
- $20B
- $18B
- $16B
$14B
$12B
- $10B
— $8B
$6B
$4B
$2B
— $0
Leadership, Advocacy & Operations
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Business Development + Marketing
The Business Development Team focuses on the recruitment of new -to -market businesses, growth of our existing business
ecosystem, and bolstering our talent base. With an emphasis on technology, finance, and entertainment industries, we
provide services to companies, and their representatives, that assist them both before and after their arrival. This includes
incentives packages, research assistance, joint presentations, permit expediting, talent recruitment, introductions to key
stakeholders, exposure, and more.
The Team drives awareness of Downtown Miami's unique lifestyle, vibrant events, and business opportunities. Through
cohesive branding, active social media, media mentions, and our website, we connect residents, businesses, and visitors to
all things Downtown.
We continue positioning Downtown Miami as a global destination, showcasing its growth in finance, tech, real estate, and
the emerging fashion and music industries. Our community grant programs and partnerships within the arts and culture
scene further enhance the diversity and vibrancy of our urban core.
In collaboration with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, we attract national and international visitors,
reinforcing Downtown Miami's reputation as the Business and Cultural Center of the Americas.
$125k
Retail Grants Awarded
Designed to enhance street -level activity, the
Miami DDA's Retail Grant supports in -demand
ground -floor businesses such as retail, dining,
and entertainment by offering financial incentives
to retailers, restaurants, and service providers,
making Downtown Miami more accessible and
engaging for residents, visitors, and stakeholders.
Startup Grants
The Miami DDA's Startup Grant provides funding
to tech -driven, high -growth potential startups
looking to establish a presence in Downtown
Miami, helping early -stage companies launch and
grow within the district's vibrant entrepreneurial
ecosystem. This program helps build Miami's
innovation ecosystem by fostering new ideas in
collaboration with co -working spaces and venture
capital networks.
Meraki Grand Opening
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43Ok
Mid -Size Grants Awarded
The Miami DDA's Mid -Size Business Grant supports
companies with fewer than 50 employees, helping
them expand or relocate to Downtown Miami.
It aims to strengthen the local economy by
encouraging growth among mid -sized businesses
that add diversity and resilience to Downtown
Miami's business landscape. With a focus on
stability and job growth, this program awards
funding to help businesses establish a long-term
presence in the district.
"We have been a part of the Downtown Miami community
since 2016, and we are excited to welcome back our
patrons and invite new diners to enjoy our
authentic menu and new cocktails.
The grant we received from the Miami DDA helped us
keep our team on staff while we prepared to reopen,
and we're grateful for the support we've received."
-- Alex Karavias, co-founder of Meraki Hospitality Group
along with partner and Executive Chef Gianni Kotsos.
Business Development
Sponsored Events — Startup Nightmare 2024
Business Networkers — Marketwatch 2024
Roundtable Events — Electrify Miami
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The Miami DDA hosts and sponsors a variety of
business events throughout the year to support
networking, industry insights, and collaboration
within Downtown Miami's vibrant business
community. From our Business Networking Events,
like Marketwatch in early 2024, where professionals
connect and share market trends, to our targeted
Industry Roundtables hosted at our offices, which
foster in-depth discussions among leaders in sectors
like technology, finance, and hospitality —each
event is designed to drive innovation and growth.
Additionally, our sponsored events, such as Startup
Nightmare 2024, champion the entrepreneurial spirit
by showcasing emerging businesses and providing
platforms for exposure and funding. Through
these diverse events, Miami DDA is committed
to enhancing business connections, knowledge -
sharing, and supporting Downtown Miami's role as
a hub for opportunity and economic advancement.
Business Incentive grant recipient PUIG USA Perfume, Inc.
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BellaVida Grand Opening
Business Development
Small Business
The Miami DDA is committed to supporting its local
small business community. To support downtown
business owners, the Miami DDA activates numerous
programs designed to address their immediate needs
and long-term goals.
The Miami DDA's Small Business Team directly
supports the small business community by developing
and administering grant programs, providing guidance
to accessing needed capital, permitting, and
licensing assistance, site -selection support, training
and educational courses, networking events, and
resource recommendations.
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Facade Improvement Grant Program
1 1 IAM I DDA
FlAgier Small Business
rive omusaagsl rI[FIIir!.
$85k
Funds disbursed through
the Flagler Recovery Grant
Program.
Flagler Recovery Grant Program
$35k
For Small Business
Improvements
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The Miami DDA has been dedicated to supporting
our small business community by forging strategic
partnerships with Miami -Dade County, the City
of Miami, Elevate D5, Prospera, and the Bayside
Foundation, Bizhack Academy and others. Through
these collaborations, we provided essential Flagler
Recovery Grant funds to businesses impacted by
ongoing construction, and hosted a variety of
workshops and networking events tailored to the
unique needs of small businesses. These efforts
reflect the Miami DDA's commitment to empowering
local businesses with the resources, financial aid, and
connections they need to thrive in our community.
$150k
For Permitting and Small
Business Assistance
Small Business
Permit Clinic
The Miami DDA staff has been hosting City of
Miami staff (Building, Code Enforcement, Fire,
Planning, Zoning) and Miami -Dade County staff
(DERM and WASP) to assist businesses that are
having issues with CU's, BTR's, and other code
enforcement issues related to the buildings they
have current leases with.
The group has gone above and beyond, also helping
people/businesses fill out applications, complete
due diligence on potential locations, troubleshoot
problems, and schedule inspections. Thus far,
the group has assisted five hundred and seventy
three (573) different businesses/individuals, and
have been able to obtain ninety-one (91) new
CU's and BTR's.
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Permit Clinic session at the Miami DDA Flagler office
The Downtown Building Permit Clinic takes place
every Thursday, from 9am-2pm in the Flagler Office
at 166 E Flagler St.
75
Permit Clinic
Sessions
573 Businesses
Assisted
Certificates of Use &
Business tax receipts issued
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City of Miami Building
City of Miami Code Enforcement
City of Miami Fire Marshall
City of Miami Zoning
City of Miami Planning Department
Miami -Dade County DERM
Miami -Dade County WASD
Permit Clinic Report
Small Business
Marketing
Miami Rising at PAMM
133k
Followers across all
social media
platforms
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$200k
Marketing Strategy
UFC 299
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Holiday Lighting Event IONE - New Year's Day Celebration
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Downtown Miami is a global hub for arts, culture, entertainment, music, and fashion, offering vibrant
experiences that bring the community together. The Miami DDA supports this cultural richness by encouraging
collaborations among artists, performers, and the thriving downtown culinary scene, driving economic growth
and benefiting the district. Iconic venues like the Adrienne Arsht Center, Kaseya Center, and Bayfront Park
host programs that feature emerging talent, world-renowned performers, and diverse music events. These
activations —ranging from family -friendly gatherings to artistic and culinary showcases —energize Downtown
Miami, solidifying its place as a dynamic cultural and economic destination.
$470k
Awarded in grants and
sponsorships
Marketing
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Quality Of Life + Enhanced Services
As our population grows, the Miami DDA works closely with key stakeholders and our fellow residents to ensure
The safe and clean streets are the foundation of a vibrant Downtown. The Miami DDA's Quality Of Life +Enhanced
Services Teams are proudly committed to improve public safety, cleanliness, and collaborate in the efforts to
reduce chronic homelessness. The programs include: the Downtown Enhancement Team (DET), CRA Enhancement
Team, DWNTWN Ambassadors, NEAT Team, Pit Stop Program and the Special Vending District. The Miami DDA
collaborates with the City of Miami, Miami -Dade County NEAT Streets Miami, OMNI Community Redevelopment
Agency, Bayfront Park, Miami Parking Authority, Camillus House, Lotus House, Chapman Partnership and
Hermanos de la Calle. Through these collaborative initiatives Downtown is cleaner, safer and more welcoming
for all stakeholders.
This year, the teams continue their efforts in promoting cleanliness and safety for our Downtown residents and
visitors. The safety and well-being of the Downtown community is our number one priority.
In partnership with the City of Miami Police Department, the Miami DDA supports increased patrols to address
issues relating to quality of life and the installation of security cameras and license plate readers within the Miami
DDA District. These cameras will provided an additional level of safety as they are monitored through the Real
Time Crime Center 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
DWNTWN Ambassadors
+301K
Hospitality
assistance
8K
Homeless outreach
interactions
7K
Safety Walks
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$840K
Security
5K
Shrubs installed
DWNTWN Enhancement Team & NEAT Team
+1.9M
Gallons of trash removed from
the Downtown District (Brickell,
CBD, Arts & Entertainment)
+9K
Graffiti instances
removed from
public structures
212
Sidewalks pressure
washed in the CBD
Quality Of Life
Pit Stop Progarm
The Downtown Enhancement Team (DET)
maintainsfive FREE public restroom locations
within the urban core. A partnership between
the Miami DDA, Camillus House, and the
City of Miami provides this convenient
service to residents, businesses, and visitors
to Downtown Miami.
Locations:
Bayfront Park: 100 Chopin Plaza
Maurice Ferre Park: 1075 Biscayne Blvd.
Government Center: 111 NW 1 St.
Third Street Station: S.Miami Ave. & SE 3 St.
Underline: SW 8 St. and SW 1 Ave.
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Pit Stop at the Underline
Enhanced Services Team Members
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Quality Of Life
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Urban Planning
As our population grows, the Miami DDA works closely with key stakeholders and our fellow residents to ensure
that we are creating a reliable and interconnected urban core that promotes equitable mobility for pedestrians,
bicycles and transit, and creates people places that are safe and inviting. Projects that promote these goals
include the Baywalk & Riverwalk, Biscayne Green, Flagler Beautification, the Downtown Mobility Network
and the Underline.
Currently, the Miami DDA's Downtown Miami Master Plan 2050 is under a RFQ solicitation process, marking
the first step toward engaging the right professionals to guide the plan's development. The Plan focuses on
the Central Business District (CBD) and the Flagler District within the CBD.
$150k
Public Realm
Improvements
Olympia Theater
$200K
Flagler Street
Activations
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$900K
Downtown Miami
Circulator
Olympia Theater
Urban Umbrella Scaffolding
Miami DDA partnered with City staff and Urban
Umbrella to replace the scaffolding around the
Olympia Theater. The new design includes solar
LED lighting and security cameras, enhancing
safety and appearance.
Urban Planning
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14K
Passengers Since
November 2023
Downtown Circulator
14,200 passengers rode the free Downtown Circulator
in less than a year since November 2023, the Miami
DDA has partnered with Freebee to offer a fixed -
route circulator service to provide connectivity for
our workers, residents, students, shoppers, diners and
visitors from MPA parking garages and surface parking
lots to their work, homes, retail outlets, restaurants,
bars, entertainment and cultural institutions. In
2024-25, we are exploring expanding the service to
Brickell and The Art & Entertaiment District.
Downtown FreeBee Circulator
Downtown Dog Spot Art Columns By Emmo Calderon
Downtown Dog Spot
County Commissioner (D5) and Miami DDA Vice Chair
Eileen Higgins spearheaded the Downtown Dog Spot:
a new space for dogs to play and socialize in Miami's
urban core! It is located underneath the 1st Street
Metromover Station. Miami DDA staff assisted with
coordination, security, maintenance, and Metromover
columns wrap artwork and installation.
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Downtown Dog Spot Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Urban Planning
Since
Ott
Bike line Planters Along E lst Ave and Miami Ave
Downtown Micromobility Network:
Landscape Planters
completing the Downtown Micromobility
Network in 2022, the Miami DDA has collaborated
with County DTPW and District 5 staff to design and
implement landscape planters in the bike lane buffer
zones. These planters deter illegal vehicle use and
enhance cyclist and pedestrian safety.
In August 2024,
Miami
DDA, the
Downtown
Enhancement Team (DET), and NEAT Streets
Miami -Dade installed 69 planters along E 1st Ave
and Miami Ave, with 101 more planned for County
and City corridors.
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69
Planters along
E 1st Ave and Miami Ave
Planting by Jose Palacio and Neal Schafers
Miami Riverwalk Cleanup Fund check presentation
Downtown 3D Development Pipeline Interactive Map
$25K
Donated to the
Miami Riverwalk Cleanup Fund
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Miami Riverwalk
Cleanup
Miami DDA donated $25,000 to the Miami
Riverwalk Cleanup Fund to support the Miami River
Commission's efforts in maintaining and promoting
the Riverwalk within the Miami DDA district.
Downtown 3D Development Pipeline
Interactive Map/Website
In collaboration with CyberCity 3D, the Miami DDA is set to launch acloud-based 3D
Development Pipeline Interactive Map/Website that will provide users the ability
to navigate Downtown Miami area in a state-of-the-art, virtual 3D environment.
Miami DDA staff, the Board of Directors, our stakeholders, developers, commercial
real estate, potential clients and media sources will all have the ability to explore
what is existing, under construction, proposed and approved, and utilize this data
to sell and market Downtown Miami.
Urban Planning
Downtown Miami Tri-Rail Link Inaguration Celebration
Downton Miami Tri-Rail Link
Miami DDA contributed $1.26 million to the
Downtown Miami Tri-Rail Link, which opened
in January 2024. The 9-mile extension connects
Broward and Palm Beach counties to Brightline's
MiamiCentral station, enhancing transit options for
South Florida commuters.
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$1.2M
Contribution for the
Downtown Miami Tri-Rail Link
Urban Planning
2023-2024 Miami DDA Board of Directors
Manolo Reyes
Chairman
Commissioner, District 4,
City of Miami
Eileen Higgins
Vice -Chairwoman
Commissioner, District 5,
Miami -Dade County
Suzanne M. Amaducci
Bilzin Sumberg
Alicia Cervera Lamadrid
Cervera Real Estate
T. Spencer Crowley III
Akerman
Jarred Diamond
The HEAT Group/FTX Arena
Martu Freeman -Parker
M.E.F. Productions LLC
Patrick Goddard
Brightline
Arva Suzanne Graham Gibson
Arva G. Consulting, LLC
Amal Solh Kabbani
Publicis Groupe, SA
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Nicolas Katz
Skate Free, Inc.
Maryam Laguna Borrego
Miami Dade College
Jose Mallea
Biscayne Bay Brewing Company
Gary Ressler
Tilia Family of Companies
Melissa Tapanes Llahues
Bercow Radell Fernandez Larkin + Tapanes
Executive Staff.
Christina Crespi
CEO & Executive Director
Submitted into the public
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on 05/22/2025 . City Clerk
The Downtown Development Authority
of the City of Miami (Miami DDA)
is an independent agency of the City of Miami
funded by a special tax levy on properties
within its district boundaries.
The agency is governed by a 15 member
Board of Directors, which includes three public
appointees and 12 downtown property owners,
business owners, and/or residents.
The Board of Directors sets policy direction, which
is implemented by a multi -disciplinary team under
the oversight of the CEO/Executive Director.
Facts
About the
Miami
Downtown
Development
Authority
ABOUT THE AGENCY
The Miami Downtown Development
Authority (DDA), an independent
agency of the City of Miami, is the
driving force behind maintaining
the economic health and vitality of
Downtown Miami.
Led by a board of Downtown residents,
property owners and business owners,
the organization's key priorities include
enhancing quality of life for residents,
creating a welcoming environment for
businesses, advocating for smart urban
planning and attracting visitors.
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FACTS ABOUT THE MIAMI DDA'S BUDGET
The Miami DDA serves the needs of our Downtown residents, business
owners and visitors. Afew examples of initiatives funded by the Miami DDA
include:
• Public Safety: Funding up to 650 hours/month of off -duty police and a
camera network (21 cameras, 8 license plate readers in the CBD) with
plans to expand into Brickell and the Arts & Entertainment District.
• Clean & Safe Streets: Downtown Enhancement Team —staffed
by formerly homeless individuals —keeps public areas clean and
maintained (see Quality of Life report).
• Hospitality & Security: Downtown Ambassadors offer info, assist
visitors, and support Miami PD as extra eyes and ears.
• Homeless Outreach: Offer grants to add shelter options and services.
• Mobility Improvements: Over 23,000 riders have used the Miami
DDA Freebee Downtown Circulator; Brickell Circulator in planning
(RFP pending).
• Community Activations: Launching Downtown Creative Collaborator
Grants (July 1) to support arts & culture and hosting events like
Holiday Village.
• Business Support: Business Incentive Grants to attract needed
businesses and free Permit Clinic has supported over 700 businesses.
• Public Spaces: Advocating for safe and active Baywalk & Riverwalk
connections, including funding projects like the 1-395 Baywalk
Pedestrian & Bikeway Bridge.
• Data & Resources: Tools like the 3D Development Pipeline Map help
inform development, policy, and investment decisions.
WHO DOES THE MIAMI DDA SERVE
The Miami DDA serves the many residents, investors, business owners and visitors that make up our unique Downtown
Miami ecosystem, from the Arts & Entertainment District, through the Central Business District and Brickell. Whether
it's a small business owner who needs assistance getting a permit to open their new shop, or a family looking for free
and engaging activities to do with their kids right in their neighborhood, the Miami DDA's efforts and programming are
designed to serve all who call Downtown Miami home.
I d n trying completa process
for hatwo beemonths. In lessto than five
e minutes
the [Permit Clinic] team helped me
connect with the right people and move
forward effortlessly. Thank you again for
this invaluable resource."
- Stephanie Carvajalino,
Brickell resident
cc
They've assisted inc with issues with
my permits, help with garbage, and all
sorts of issues that surround downtown.
Honestly, without them,l don't believe
that we'd still be around after 47 years."
- Eddie Lirio, owner of
Manolo & Rene Grill
IIIMIAMIDDA
we're looking to expand our business
1'm very happy to have
found Miami DDA's Permit Clinic, as
into a new space. We're very, very
appreciative of all the hard work."
- Alex Karavias, co-owner of Meraki
Greek Bistro
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
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Enhanced Services Report
April 2025
Downtown Enhancement Team (DET)
• Collected Grand Total of 4,501 (55 gallon) garbage bags
• Trimmed and maintained 124 blocks of overgrown weeds and encroachment
• Assisted MPD Detail with 2 special clean-ups in neglected corners & homeless encampments
• Removed 20 instances of illegal dumping
• Power washed 22 blocks in the CBD
• 1,125 instances of graffiti were removed from public property
Enhanced Services Coordinator Community Engagement
• Engaged with 43 Homeless Individuals; 17 documented and entered into HIMS System;
• 19 referred to Hermanos De La Calle
• 17 encampment assistance by Miami Police Department
• 39 Business Contacts
Downtown Ambassadors
• 26,889 Hospitality assists / 504 Safety Walks
• 175 Motor Assists / 2,063 Business Contacts
• 37 Incidents/Interactions with City of Miami Police Dept. or Fire Rescue
Quality of Life -
• 4 Street/MOT signs / 2 Traffic Signals reported to M DC PW
• Reported 7 instances of illegal dumping to City of Miami Solid Waste for collection
• 5 Cart inspections conducted in the Downtown Miami Special Vending District
• 14 lighting issues were reported to FPL/City of Miami & Miami -Dade County
• 111,254 uses to date at Pit Stop (FY 24-25);
restrooms have been used 903,883 times since inception
FIROS I 1
•
SC11=1�iCl=
May 21, 2025
Commissioner Joe Carollo, District 3
City of Miami Commission, City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
Dear Commissioner Carollo,
Submitted into the public
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on 05/22/2025 . City Clerk
On behalf of the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (Frost Science), I am writing to
highlight our ongoing partnership with the Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the
DDA's vital contributions to our institution. Since opening our doors in 2017, Frost Science has proudly
served as an active member of the DDA's Arts, Culture & Entertainment Committee. We have also
been the grateful recipient of annual funding that directly supports programming for Downtown Miami
residents and visitors alike.
Through DDA support, we've been able to host impactful events that enrich our community and align
with our mission to inspire and connect people to the wonders of science and the natural world. This
includes:
• World Ocean Day, held each June, where attendees learn from scientists about marine life
and environmental issues such as plastic pollution. Thanks to the DDA's support, this event
connects residents to local conservation organizations and fosters a deeper understanding of
our role in protecting the ocean.
• Spooky Science Monster Mash, our annual Halloween event, which provides families with a
safe, educational, and fun space to celebrate the holiday while engaging with science through
hands-on activities and themed programming.
• nightLAB, an after-hours experience that invites adults to explore the museum and engage
with science in an interactive, social setting.
Frost Science is centrally located in the Arts & Entertainment District, and our programming serves as a
vital cultural and educational resource for the growing population of Downtown Miami. The DDA's
continued investment in cultural institutions like ours directly enhances quality of life, strengthens
community ties, and supports the long-term success of our city's urban core.
Sincerely,
Dr. Douglas A. Roberts
President & CEO
droberts@frostscience.org
PHILLIP & PATRICIA FROST IMIUSI_UI\'l OF SCIEI\ICE
1101 Biscayne Boulevard. Miami, FL 33132 1305-434-9600
Submitted into the public
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May 21, 2025
Miami City Commission
Miami, Florida
Dear Honorable City Commissioners,
I am writing to express my strong support for the Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and to urge you to reject any
proposal to eliminate this vital organization. As the owner of three commercial properties totaling over 80,000 square feet on East
Flagler Street, I've seen firsthand the DDA's invaluable role in strengthening our downtown community.
The DDA has been an active and responsive partner to both me and my tenants. From helping new businesses navigate permitting, to
providing access to crucial grants during Flagler's reconstruction, their team —especially Christina Crespi, Elvira Manon, MJ Green,
Carlos Garcia, Myrna Ace, and Wanda Mendez —has gone above and beyond. Their efforts have not only supported tenant success,
but also made it easier to operate as a landlord downtown.
Beyond individual support, the DDA provides essential services that improve quality of life —enhanced police presence, daily sidewalk
cleaning, graffiti removal, public space maintenance, and homeless outreach. Their initiatives directly impact the safety, cleanliness,
and vitality of the district. My tenants consistently note that customers feel safer and more welcome downtown today.
The DDA has also driven economic activity by offering business incentives, organizing cultural events, and activating public spaces.
These efforts boost foot traffic, attract investment, and support local entrepreneurs. The Flagler Street Beautification Project is just one
example of their long-term vision —transforming our urban core into a dynamic, walkable destination.
As a stakeholder and taxpayer, I can attest that the DDA is efficient, accountable, and highly impactful. Eliminating it would be short-
sighted and detrimental to the progress we've made. I urge you to protect the future of Downtown Miami by continuing to support the
DDA.
Thank you for your time and service.
Sincerely,
Cody Lavy
(917) 414 4161
codvCc�slgmontrea I. com
Property Owner, Flagler Street (Downtown Miami)
3500 DE MAISONNEUVE BLVD. W.
SUITE 1650, TOWER 2
MONTREAL, QC H3Z 3C1
T. 514.256.5050
May 21, 2025
Dear Mayor and City Commissioners:
brightline.
Submitted into the public
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on 05/22/2025 . City Clerk
On behalf of Brightline, I am writing to express our strong support for the Miami
Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA) and to urge the City Commission to
continue its backing of this vital organization that has played a key role in
transforming downtown Miami into a vibrant urban center.
With Brightline's flagship station located in the heart of downtown Miami, our
business has been both a beneficiary and contributor to downtown Miami's
remarkable renaissance. Since establishing our MiamiCentral station as a major
transportation hub connecting downtown to Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton,
West Palm Beach, and Orlando, we have witnessed firsthand how the Miami DDA's
strategic initiatives have enhanced the appeal, accessibility, and economic vitality
of the downtown area.
We particularly commend the Miami DDA for its exceptional work in:
• Bringing family -friendly and cultural activations to the urban core
• Welcoming new and needed businesses with Business Incentive Grants and
supporting more than 700 businesses to -date with the free Permit Clinic
• Improving connectivity and mobility throughout downtown, which
complements Brightline's mission of providing efficient, sustainable
transportation options
• Beautifying public spaces and streetscapes, creating a more welcoming
environment for residents, workers, and visitors
• Supporting mixed -use development that brings more residents, businesses,
and amenities to the urban core
• Implementing safety initiatives that make downtown Miami more secure and
inviting at all hours
350 NW 1st Avenue, Suite 200, Miami, FL 33128
GoBrightline.com 1 Office: 305-521-4801
brightline.
Submitted into the public
record for item(s) DI.4
on 05/22/2025 . City Clerk
• Coordinating special events and programming that activate public spaces
and showcase downtown's unique character
The Miami DDA's urban enhancement initiatives have made a tremendous
difference with the millions of guests who ride our train each year. Our passengers
disembark at MiamiCentral into a downtown that is increasingly walkable, vibrant,
and full of opportunities for work, dining, shopping, entertainment and cultural
pursuits —exactly the type of urban environment that supports transit -oriented
development and sustainable transportation choices.
We respectfully urge the Miami City Commission to continue its support for the
Miami DDA and its important work.
Brightline looks forward to continuing our productive partnership with the Miami DDA
as we collectively build a more connected, sustainable, and dynamic downtown
Miami.
All the best,
Patrick Goddard CEO of Brightline Florida
350 NW 1st Avenue, Suite 200, Miami, FL 33128
GoBrightline.com I Office: 305-521-4801