New Face for South Miami

The Creation of the South Miami Community Redevelopment Agency

The South Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (SMCRA) was established on September 9, 1999 by both the City of South Miami and Miami-Dade County Commissions as a result of the need for a comprehensive redevelopment effort in an existing slum and blighted community area, in order to improve the quality of life for all residents of this area and in turn, improve quality of life for all residents of the City of South Miami.

The existing boundaries of the Community Redevelopment area (SMCRA area) are Sunset Drive on the South, SW 62nd Street on the North, SW 62nd Avenue on the West, and Red Road on the East. Redevelopment decisions are guided by the SMCRA Board which consists of the South Miami City Commission and two SMCRA residents. Fundings for redevelopment projects are obtained through the process of the Tax  Increment Financing. Through this process, any increases in the City  and County tax base directly resulting from redevelopment in the SMCRA area, are set aside and re-used for additional redevelopment.

Each year, the SMCRA’s annual budget is approved by both the City of South Miami and by Miami-Dade County.  Then, the fundings are allocated for different initiatives such as land acquisition; affordable housing development; street and infrastructure improvements; and park improvements. The redevelopment programs include affordable home purchase assistance; business start-Up assistance; housing rehabilitation; annual scholarship award; business façade rehabilitation; and youth job training among others.