Building Forward
A new wave of entrepreneurs and institutions are partnering to foster resilience and position Miami as a leader in sustainable economic growth.
A Future-Proof City
When people think about Miami, environmental resilience doesn’t always come to mind. Rising sea levels, multiplying hurricanes, extreme weather conditions – these are all realities that affect all residents of Miami-Dade County. But it is precisely because Southern Florida is so vulnerable to climate change that the region has become one of the hubs of environmental innovation.
$10B
Regional Annual Spending On Sustainable Economy
Through the South Florida Anchor Alliance, Miami-Dade County is benefitting from $10B of annual spending on a more equitable and inclusive local economy that supports small businesses and green enterprises.
$1.1B
Output from Green Industries
In 2019, green industries in Miami generated around $1.1 billion in output, demonstrating the economic potential of sustainable practices and innovations within the city.
$330M
Local Government Spending on Green Economy
The local government is leading the charge with its Climate Action Strategy, spending $330M a year in industries that are part of the green economy, which includes 11.47 miles of bike lanes, 5.95 miles of paved trails, and 40,000 jobs targeted to be “greened.”
$263M
ClimateTech Investments
In 2023, Miami’s ClimateTech sector secured a record $263 million across 31 deals, showcasing the city’s growing role as a leader in innovative solutions for climate resilience.
A Resilient Future
Miami is emerging as a leader in the blue and green economy, setting an example for innovative solutions that tackle climate change. Miamians are acutely aware of current and future climate challenges, as the region continues to adapt to extreme heat, rising sea levels, and hurricanes. Decades of experiencing the impacts of a warming planet have driven Miami to make resilience a priority. Alongside sustainable practices, the county has a comprehensive disaster management program, preparing for hurricanes, floods, heat waves, cyberattacks, and nuclear events. With robust evacuation plans, emergency shelters, and debris removal strategies, Miami demonstrates a proactive approach to community safety and recovery, fostering resilience through continuous training and innovation. From water management to renewable energy and marine conservation, Miami shows how proactive strategies can tackle today’s pressing environmental and safety issues.
Thriving Sustainable Economy
Miami is rapidly emerging as a hub for the blue and green economy, leveraging its coastal resources and environmental initiatives to drive sustainable growth. From marine biotechnology to renewable energy, the city is fostering innovation in eco-friendly industries.
Local Government Programs
The ClimateReady Tech Hub is expected to create 23,000 jobs with an average salary of $83,000, adding $41 billion to the regional GDP. In addition, the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department has invested over $1 billion in water conservation projects, including advanced water treatment technologies and leakage reduction programs.
Green Infrastructure
Miami-Dade County boasts more than 260 parks across 12,825 acres, and promotes green building practices with over 1,000 LEED-certified buildings, supporting energy efficiency and sustainable construction methods. Moreover, in the last few years, the county has expanded its bike-sharing program, with over 2,000 bikes available at more than 160+ stations.
Green Jobs
Miami’s blue and green economy accounts for 80,000 jobs, offering superb labor conditions and above-average wages (65% of green workers have median wages greater than the living wage).
Marine Protection
Miami’s Biscayne National Park, covering 172,000 acres, is dedicated to preserving marine ecosystems and biodiversity, including coral reefs and seagrass beds. Higher-education initiatives, including Miami-Dade County’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program, and the University of Miami’s Johnson Marine Conservation Center are two such programs committed to the protection and rehabilitation of Miami’s marine ecosystem.
Climate Tech
Climate Tech was the startup sector with the most activity in 2023 in Miami, securing a record $263M across 31 deals. ClimateTrade, Blue Frontier, Renco, and Carbon Limit are some of the leading names in the green economy not only in Miami but globally.
International Conferences
Miami’s exciting melting pot of ideas, projects, and solutions to the climate crisis partly derives from the increasing number of international conferences held in Miami that put climate change in focus, including Aspen Ideas, Smart City Expo Miami, Hidden Worlds, and CoMotion.
Climate Action Strategy
The Miami-Dade County Climate Action Strategy (CAS) sets ambitious targets to build a resilient economy while addressing environmental challenges. Through initiatives like reimagining transportation, enhancing building efficiency, and increasing renewable energy, Miami-Dade is creating a robust, sustainable economy adaptable to climate risks
How can we help?
Whether you are looking to relocate or expand, we can help. Contact our world-class economic development team to learn more.