33rd Annual Leadership Study Mission

Tourism
An international destination, Miami is one of the nation’s most visited cities. Tourism is a major economic driver for Miami, with the city welcoming a record 28 million visitors in 2024 who generated $22 billion in spending and support.

Transit-Oriented Development
The City and County have worked to accelerate dense, mixed-use development near key transit corridors through zoning and permitting incentives, as well as public-private partnerships. They have created a potent toolkit for transit-oriented development that has resulted in several significant TOD projects. 

Arts & Culture
The arts in Miami are anchored by world-class museums, performing arts centers, thriving art galleries, and international art fairs. The city has embraced the arts as an important economic driver and central to the quality of life of its residents. 

Downtown Activation
Miami’s downtown and nearby districts are undergoing a noticeable transformation as new residential towers and an expanding nightlife scene are reshaping the area. These changes have prompted a stronger focus on public space activation, street–level vibrancy, and strategies to improve safety as more people live, work, and socialize in the urban core.

Childcare
Miami is a national model in childcare. The Children’s Trust is a voter-approved special taxing district, established by ballot measure in 2002, that serves as a dedicated funding source for children and families in Miami-Dade County.

Innovation & Economic Development
Miami’s economic development strategy is increasingly defined by its expanding innovation ecosystem, where growth in technology, climate resilience, fintech, health, and startups is reinforced by strong university partnerships, accelerators, and private capital.