Miami Beach took center stage as more than 5,000 real estate, development, planning, and investment professionals gathered at the Miami Beach Convention Center for the 2026 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Fall Meeting. The national conference provided an opportunity to showcase the transformative projects, strategic partnerships, and continued investment shaping the city’s future.
Throughout the week, City of Miami Beach leaders participated in panel discussions, development tours, and industry gatherings highlighting the city’s approach to economic growth, workforce housing, public-private partnerships, and neighborhood revitalization.
Major Projects, Meaningful Partnerships
Public-private partnerships were a key focus of the conference, with Heather Shaw, Economic Development Assistant Director, represented the City during an October 28 discussion examining two major South Florida developments: the Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel and Miami Freedom Park. The panel brought together public and private sector leaders to explore the complexities of delivering large-scale projects and the role these partnerships play in generating economic activity and long-term community benefits.
Housing attainability was also in the spotlight as Economic Development Manager, Justin Karr, joined development and cultural partners for a discussion and tour of The Anamar at Collins Park. The workforce housing development reflects Miami Beach’s efforts to expand housing opportunities while supporting the employees and cultural institutions that contribute to the city’s economy. Participants toured the property, including residential accommodations for Miami City Ballet.
North Beach: A Decade of Vision, Investment, and Transformation
One of the conference’s highlights brought attendees directly into North Beach, where years of planning, community engagement, and public-private investment are translating into a new chapter of neighborhood revitalization.
On October 26, ULI participants explored development activity across North Beach, Surfside, and North Bay Village, concluding with a rooftop discussion at 72 Park featuring Economic Development Director Steven Anthony and founder/CEO of Lefferts, Mendy Chudaitov.
Anthony highlighted the momentum underway across Miami Beach, pointing to more than $14 billion in development projects citywide, including hospitality, residential, commercial, and mixed-use investments. He emphasized that North Beach’s transformation did not happen overnight. Its foundation was established through the 2016 North Beach Master Plan and subsequent zoning changes, informed by extensive community participation and a shared vision for the neighborhood’s future.
Today, that long-term planning is taking shape through new residential developments, neighborhood amenities, cultural investments, and improvements to public spaces.
The discussion highlighted several projects contributing to North Beach’s evolution, including the redevelopment of the Byron Carlyle Theater, the planned aquatic center, improvements along Ocean Terrace, and new dining and retail opportunities. Together, these investments are helping create a more vibrant, connected neighborhood where residents can live, work, shop, dine, and enjoy cultural experiences within walking distance.
Chudaitov shared a developer’s perspective on North Beach’s appeal, emphasizing its central location, accessibility, and potential to create a complete neighborhood experience rather than simply adding new buildings. He discussed the importance of integrating residential development with restaurants, retail, recreation, and community amenities that contribute to a distinctive sense of place.
For Anthony, preserving that sense of place remains central to the City’s vision. He described North Beach’s neighborhood atmosphere, walkability, and distinctive MiMo architecture as defining characteristics that set it apart from other areas of Miami Beach. As investment continues, the goal is to build on those qualities while maintaining the character that residents value.
The conversation also addressed the challenges that accompany growth, including transportation, parking, infrastructure, and the importance of balancing new development with residents’ needs.
Anthony highlighted the role of the North Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (NBCRA), administered by the City’s Economic Development Department, in supporting neighborhood revitalization and reinvestment. Beyond major development projects, the NBCRA offers incentive programs, including the Commercial Façade Improvement Program and Residential Property Improvement Program, which provide matching grants to eligible property owners for improvements that enhance the neighborhood’s appearance and vitality.
These initiatives reflect the City’s broader approach to revitalization, combining large-scale investment with targeted improvements that support existing businesses, property owners, and the character of North Beach.
Connecting Miami Beach with Industry Leaders
Steven Anthony also delivered welcome remarks at an October 28 ULI industry gathering at MILA, providing another opportunity to engage with real estate and development professionals visiting Miami Beach during the conference.
Beyond the individual discussions and tours, the ULI Fall Meeting offered a valuable platform to introduce national industry leaders and potential investors to the opportunities taking shape throughout the city.
From major hospitality developments and workforce housing to the continued revitalization of North Beach, Miami Beach’s participation highlighted the partnerships and investments supporting its economic future.
For the City’s Economic Development Department, the conference reinforced its ongoing commitment to attracting investment, supporting responsible growth, and building relationships that help Miami Beach remain a premier destination for business, development, and opportunity.
