A DESTINATION WITH MOMENTUM “Miami Beach has an incredible vibe,” says Mayor Meiner. “When people come here for the first time, they pick up on it. But it’s also a family-friendly city where residents can raise their kids.” With over $100 million invested into renovating Lincoln Road, Miami Beach’s iconic pedestrian mall, and initiatives such as job creation incentive programs and business improvement districts, the city is seeing an influx of capital and businesses. “High-end restaurants from New York are looking to open chains here because they know they will be booked every night,” says Mayor Meiner. The city is streamlining the permitting process to encourage business growth further and ensure entrepreneurs can establish themselves efficiently. A consulting firm has been engaged to help revamp permitting operations, making Miami Beach a more business-friendly environment. Additionally, the Miami Beach Economic Development Department and the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce play critical roles in attracting and retaining businesses. INFRASTRUCTURE AND HOSPITALITY DEVELOPMENTS Outdated infrastructure is a concern, but Miami Beach is tackling it head-on. “Our infrastructure is aging, and we have several critical projects underway,” Mayor Meiner notes. Projects such as First Street and the Venetian Bridge improvements and recent upgrades on 41st Street are aimed at modernizing the city’s water and transportation systems. Additionally, upgrades to aging water mains and sewage lines are in progress to prevent future disruptions. The Convention Center Hotel project is another milestone in Miami Beach’s expansion. Approved by the city commission, this development will cater to the growing number of tourists and business travelers, solidifying Miami Beach as a premier conference and event destination. The hotel will be strategically positioned to complement the existing convention center, providing much-needed accommodations for events, including internationally recognized events such as Art Basel and eMerge Americas conference. 77 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 03 MIAMI BEACH, FL
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