Key Takeaways from the November Trustee Luncheon & Alvah Chapman Awards

The November Trustee Luncheon, centered on the theme Miami: Past, Present, and Future, offered a powerful reflection on Miami’s incredible transformation – a story of reinvention that resonates deeply with everyone who calls this city home. Held alongside the prestigious Alvah H. Chapman, Jr. Award of Excellence, the event celebrated our city’s past achievements while honoring the individuals and organizations shaping its future. 

Miami’s story is one of resilience. Downtown, once marked by homelessness, a declining business core, and a city struggling to find its way, is now a vibrant center of commerce, culture, and nearly nonstop activity. This remarkable evolution was brought to light by speakers who have been integral to Miami's journey: Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County; Manny Diaz, former City of Miami Mayor (2001-2009); and Neisen Kasdin, former Miami Beach Mayor (1997-2001). Their stories underscored the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and bold action in creating a brighter future.

A central theme of the discussion was transportation, with both Manny Diaz and Daniella Levine Cava addressing its critical role in Miami's future. Diaz reminded the audience of a fundamental truth: "Do you know what the number one barrier to escaping poverty in America is? Transportation. If you can't get to your job, you can't work." He stressed that these deep-rooted issues require investment in solutions to ensure Miami remains a competitive city. Without improvements in transportation infrastructure, people will increasingly look elsewhere to call home.

Daniella Levine Cava echoed this sentiment, noting transportation's transformative power. She highlighted Miami-Dade County's ongoing investment in transit, pointing to a 6% increase in transit ridership since the pandemic as evidence of progress. Furthermore, she discussed the revision of bus routes to increase frequency and reliability, alongside the upcoming South Dade Transit Way, which will save commuters at least 20 minutes on their journey from South Dade to downtown. This project is a direct solution to the region's economic development and congestion challenges.

Neisen Kasdin remained optimistic about the future, noting that while Miami may not have the transit other cities have, addressing those gaps is essential for long-term success. He urged the need for community leaders who make decisions - the Alvah Chapman way - to solve these problems with the limited resources we have. Together, these leaders stressed that Miami's future hinges on improving transit and ensuring an inclusive city for everyone.

As we reflect on Miami's evolution, it is clear that transportation is integral to ensuring the city's continued growth is sustainable and accessible for all. Looking ahead, it's crucial to focus on the actions we take today to create a future that benefits everyone who lives, works, and invests in our great city.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to this year’s Alvah H. Chapman honorees who embody the spirit of leadership and advocacy. Their contributions serve as an inspiration to all, and we look forward to seeing how their continued efforts will shape the future of Miami for generations to come.

Outstanding Individual: Judge Steve Leifman
Outstanding Organization: Miami Book Fair
Outstanding Young Leader: Christina Crespi