Businesses are hoping the redevelopment activities in Downtown Miami will create a thriving commercial center. Until then, they are just trying to stay afloat.
"Despite the dirty streets and crime in downtown Miami, there are a handful of hidden gems trying to create a new beginning for the area.
It's no easy task for these small retailers and restaurants, who are in essence pioneers in an area just starting to see the signs of urban redevelopment.
They're hoping to get in on the ground floor as the thousands of new condominiums bring residents who will turn Miami into a true 24-hour city. Yet it's still unclear when these new residents will materialize.
In the meantime, these businesses are trying to develop a community and a following among the people who already live and work downtown. The challenge: building a profitable business at a time when the area is in transition."
"City leaders are vowing to make improving downtown a priority. A team of workers is cleaning the streets, paid for by the Miami Downtown Development Authority. The DDA also plans to hire a cadre of ''ambassadors'' to patrol the area with walkie-talkies, providing information and security, starting this fall.
Hoping to lure more national retailers, the DDA pitched the Miami story in May to retailers and restaurants with a booth at the International Council of Shopping Centers trade show in Las Vegas.
''I think you can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel,'' said Miami Mayor Manny Diaz said."
FULL STORY: Business pioneers take a chance on downtown Miami

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie