Christina Crespi, Executive Director, Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

In an interview with Invest:, Christina Crespi, executive director and CEO of the Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA), highlighted the organization’s milestones in supporting growth, improving quality of life, fostering cultural vibrancy, addressing economic challenges, and shaping Miami’s future development and vision.

What significant milestones has the Miami’s Downtown Development Authority accomplished in supporting the region’s growth?

The pandemic brought an influx of people and businesses to Miami, with our business incentive program recruiting 30 to 40 businesses in the past few years.

Last year, we paused the program to reassess the business landscape, focusing on Flagler Street and the central business district. With significant progress in Flagler Street’s construction — four to five blocks now complete — we revamped the program to target ground-floor retail. Businesses signing a ground-floor lease in areas like Brickell or the Arts & Entertainment District are eligible for a $50,000 grant if they sign within a year. In just one year, 18 businesses utilized this program, with eight of them already having opened storefronts and offices. 

The program also supports office spaces, offering up to $50,000 over three years to businesses with 10 or more employees earning a set percentage of the area median income. Additionally, we’ve re-engaged startups by collaborating with Venture Miami and the city of Miami to offer grants for startups in co-working spaces, strengthening talent development and attraction.

What initiatives are in place to improve the quality of life for both businesses and residents?

Downtown Miami has seen remarkable growth over the last decade. With nearly 150,000 residents, it is now the fourth-largest municipality in South Florida, generating over $30 billion in tax revenue.

To support businesses and residents, we launched the Permit Clinic on Flagler Street, open Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., to simplify the permitting process. We’ve also addressed cleanliness concerns through a program employing 65 formerly homeless individuals, paying them a living wage for tasks like garbage pickup and graffiti removal. This year, we added 20 employees and increased wages, helping individuals rebuild their lives while benefiting the community.

To enhance arts and culture, we modified laws to allow bars and restaurants to cluster together. Pre-pandemic, over 30 new venues opened; despite setbacks, 20 more have launched. Additionally, we’ve awarded 74 arts and culture grants for street music, dance, and art collaborations, creating a vibrant atmosphere for residents and visitors.

What is the potential impact on Miami’s real estate and business landscape from potential economic headwinds?

We’re conducting studies on office and residential markets and demographic trends. These will guide investment and recruitment strategies for us and our partners.

Miami’s skyline showcases our success with iconic projects like the Waldorf Astoria and Baccarat Residences, but we recognize affordability challenges. While traditionally outside the DDA’s scope, our updated master plan, due in 2025, will address affordability alongside infrastructure needs.

Mobility remains key. We partnered with Miami-Dade County to expand Southside Elementary into a mixed-use development with a middle school and teacher housing, allowing educators to live near their work. Transportation improvements include Tri-Rail’s downtown extension, funded in part by the DDA, and the MetroMover. Freebee, our free on-demand transport, has seen more than 19,000 riders to date and is expanding to Brickell.

These efforts aim to enhance the downtown Miami’s accessibility and livability while attracting businesses and residents.

How is the DDA leveraging the region’s diversity to foster a dynamic business and cultural environment?

The DDA serves as a catalyst, engaging diverse voices through open meetings and community outreach. We host events celebrating Miami’s cultural and economic strengths, recently focusing on fashion and music. During the Latin Grammys, we connected entertainment professionals with Miami’s business ecosystem, targeting middle management to build lasting industry ties.

We also collaborate with international consulates — from Mexico, Canada, France, and more — to showcase Miami as a prime destination for living, working, and doing business. Downtown tours highlight its opportunities and lifestyle to global audiences.

Major events like the UFC and Latin Grammys elevate Miami’s profile. The UFC brought millions of fans downtown this year and will return, while the Latin Grammys have drawn attendees from over 60 countries. Miami’s momentum as a global cultural hub continues to enrich its economy and highlight its vibrant diversity.

What future developments do you see shaping the area over the next few years?

Miami Worldcenter, a 27-acre transformation of former parking lots, represents a $6 billion investment and is now 90% occupied. This mixed-use project includes condos, hotels, retail, and entertainment, featuring two Michelin-starred restaurants and downtown’s first bowling alley, Lucky Strike. It has spurred additional investments, such as Whole Foods and Publix, fostering a car-free urban lifestyle.

Brickell City Centre, now fully occupied, remains a hub for commerce and lifestyle. Together, these developments are redefining downtown Miami as a vibrant, walkable destination.

What will be the top priorities for the Miami DDA over the next few years?

Infrastructure and resilience remain top priorities. A key project is the Baywalk, a five-mile pedestrian and cycling path linking Brickell, Downtown, and Edgewater, with only one connection left to complete. This project is vital for improving waterfront accessibility and mobility.

A highlight will be the pedestrian bridge connecting the Pérez Art Museum to the former Miami Herald site. This stunning feature will let visitors walk along the bay beneath the Signature Bridge, adding a “wow” factor to downtown.

Complementary projects include the Underline, a linear park under the Metrorail, and the Underdeck, another park beneath the highway. These initiatives will connect communities and provide public spaces for events and recreation.

Mobility is another focus. Projects like Tri-Rail’s downtown extension and the Freebee service, offering free on-demand transportation, aim to make Miami more accessible, walkable, and community-friendly.

What is your vision for Miami over the next decade, and what role will the DDA play in achieving it?

My vision for Miami over the next 10 years emphasizes connectivity, sustainability, and livability. Improved mobility is key. Linking Miami Beach to downtown, expanding water taxis like Sydney’s, and exploring options like Uber’s helicopter services are part of that vision.

While the skyline will keep evolving with stunning developments, the focus must also be on essential infrastructure: more schools, efficient transportation, and accessible public spaces. Ensuring Miami remains a place where future generations can live, work, and thrive is a legacy I aim to leave.

By March, the 3D Development Pipeline will launch, allowing users to explore Miami’s skyline in 3D. This tool will display details about buildings, including occupancy, leasing, and available space, helping investors and residents understand Miami’s offerings.

Miami’s rapid growth brings tremendous opportunities, with the private and public sectors aligning efforts to ensure a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive decade ahead.