Larisa Svechin, Mayor, City of Sunny Isles Beach

June 2026 — Invest: sat down with Larisa Svechin, mayor of Sunny Isles Beach, to discuss how the city is managing growth in a geographically compact, luxury coastal market, while prioritizing safety, infrastructure resilience, and a highly targeted approach to tourism and economic development. “The character of a city is not only about branding, but about how residents experience it every day. Being deliberate is how we manage that balance,” Svechin added.

How does the city balance growth and development with the need to preserve its unique character?

Sunny Isles Beach is geographically small, so every decision has the potential to change the character of the city. It is not just major developments. Even changes in height, scale, or amenities can have a meaningful impact.

You can see that with projects that alter the skyline. The Veradero project, for example, will significantly change how the city looks. That kind of transformation requires a thoughtful approach.

We do welcome development because it signals that the market is healthy and that people are purchasing second and third homes again. But we approach it deliberately. That means extensive conversations with developers and stakeholders well before projects come before the commission.

A good example is the Bentley project. We recently had the largest concrete pour in U.S. history for that development. For that to happen successfully, we worked closely with the developer, ensured approvals were thoughtful, and prioritized communication. Residents were informed early, neighboring properties were engaged, and expectations were managed.

Large-scale construction is disruptive. Cement trucks, traffic, and noise all affect daily life. That matters. The character of a city is not only about branding, but about how residents experience it every day. Being deliberate is how we manage that balance.

Are there any initiatives aimed at fostering local business growth?

Development naturally supports local businesses because new residents and visitors create demand. That said, one of our challenges is that we have large commercial property owners whose decisions we cannot always influence, particularly when it comes to upgrading older retail assets.

Because of that, we focus on making it easier for businesses to open and succeed. One change we implemented is a more formal ribbon-cutting process. City officials attend, photos are taken, and businesses receive exposure. It may seem small, but it sends a clear signal that the city is engaged and supportive.

Permitting is another critical area. For small businesses, time is money. Every day a business is not open, especially with high rents, is a financial burden. We work to make the permitting process as efficient and predictable as possible, so businesses understand early on that we are pro-business and willing to partner with them.

We are also intentional about the types of businesses we support. Sunny Isles Beach benefits from more places that appeal to professionals in their 30s and 40s, not nightlife-focused venues, but quality dining and social spaces that fit the character of the city. Businesses that contribute to that environment receive strong city support.

How is the city addressing housing demand and affordability?

Affordable housing is not a priority within our comprehensive plan, largely because of our size and market realities. We are a high-end oceanfront community with limited land, and we do not have public parcels where affordable housing could realistically be developed.

Even when affordable units are required through variances, what qualifies as “affordable” in Sunny Isles Beach is still expensive. This is similar to other luxury coastal communities.

That said, when developers or organizations focused on affordable housing approach the city, I help connect them with neighboring municipalities that have more land and flexibility. I maintain strong relationships with other mayors across the county and try to facilitate opportunities where those projects can succeed. That kind of regional cooperation matters.

What improvements are being made in transportation, infrastructure, and pedestrian mobility?

Because Sunny Isles Beach is under two square miles, traditional internal public transit does not make much sense unless it connects to surrounding areas. In many cases, waiting for a ride would take longer than walking.

Instead, we operate a robust system of small, jitney-style buses. They are free, frequent, and designed for residents who rely on them most, including seniors and students. We invested in technology so riders can track buses through an app, and the system has meaningfully reduced traffic congestion.

Scooters are another evolving issue. They initially helped reduce car usage, but their movement onto sidewalks created safety concerns for pedestrians. We are now evaluating stricter regulations and potential limitations in certain areas, made possible by recent changes in state legislation.

Pedestrian comfort is also a priority. We invest heavily in shade trees to encourage walking, but we are realistic about the challenges of a tropical climate. Infrastructure investment extends beyond mobility. We are completing underground utility work to improve resilience during storms and hurricanes.

Flood mitigation is a major focus. Addressing water issues requires significant investment, often in the tens of millions of dollars. We are nearing completion of our pump stations, have portable pumps available, and have invested in specialized public safety equipment to ensure emergency access during severe weather.

How does the city maintain its position as a top tourism destination?

We are selective about the type of tourism we want to attract. Sunny Isles Beach focuses on a specific, high-end demographic, and we work closely with private operators who deliver that experience.

Our role as a city is to support those businesses by minimizing disruptions and ensuring operations run smoothly. Permitting, infrastructure coordination, and rapid response all contribute to maintaining a seamless guest experience. Visitors should feel like everything simply works.

We do not actively advertise as a city, because our hospitality partners and regional organizations already do that effectively. One shift we are monitoring is a reduction in some international tourism, particularly from South America and Eastern Europe, driven by broader federal concerns. At the same time, we are seeing increased domestic tourism from across the United States, which aligns well with our positioning.

What is your vision for the city over the next few years?

One priority is completing development on the east side of the city, which has been the most disruptive for residents. Once completed, the focus shifts to ensuring those buildings are occupied and contributing to the local economy.

Sustainability matters. Even in a luxury market, a city cannot thrive if large portions of its housing stock remain vacant. Employment, service demand, and community vitality all depend on balanced occupancy.

More broadly, Sunny Isles Beach is a family-friendly city with clearly defined values. We are not a nightlife destination, but we offer Michelin-starred dining and sophisticated experiences. The goal is to be welcoming to diverse cultures without trying to appeal to everyone.

Safety is central to that vision. We want residents, visitors, and professionals to feel comfortable walking at night, enjoying public spaces, and raising families here. To support that, we implemented autonomous drone technology for law enforcement. These tools allow us to monitor restricted areas and respond quickly when necessary.

I feel like the city needs to feel like everyone’s house. When people treat the city with respect, it becomes safer and more welcoming for everyone.

What is the key to attracting young professionals to Sunny Isles Beach?

One area worth emphasizing is attracting young professionals. This is often framed solely around affordability, but it is also about job opportunities and expectations. As higher-wage employers move into and near the city, that changes what is possible.

At the same time, expectations need to be realistic. Sharing housing or starting in smaller units has always been part of early career life. Sunny Isles Beach can be a place where people start, grow professionally, and eventually build long-term roots.