Miami's Construction Boom

Projects will double the tax budget of one of the nation's poorest cities, but the jump in taxes is not a net gain.

1 minute read

January 20, 2005, 6:00 AM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


Miami has 233 mixed-used projects in process, which will bring more than 66,000 new residential units to or or near downtown. If all are completed, the City's tax rolls would increase to over $40 billion by 2006, from $22.0 billion today. The city is forecasting that virtually everything currently in the pipeline will be completed. "At this point, there is no evidence of city projects slowing down," Mayor Diaz said. The jump in taxes is not a net gain. Costs rise with growth. "As the city becomes denser," Larry Spring, city budget and strategic planning chief said, "additional expenses on police and firefighters are necessary."

Thanks to Silvia Vargas

Wednesday, January 19, 2005 in Miami Today

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A painted bus lane in NYC.

NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades

The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.

September 21 - NYC Streetsblog

A woman looks at a utility bill.

'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide

Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.

September 21 - Smart Cities Dive

A person scuba diving in a coral reef off Guam.

Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies

International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.

September 21 - Grist