The Miami Downtown Development Selected as 2012 Public Sector Organization of the Year

The American Society for Public Administration South Florida Chapter Recognizes the Miami DDA for their Significant Contributions to Downtown Miami End Quote

Miami, FL (1888PressRelease) September 11, 2012 - The Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA) has been selected to receive the 2012 Public Sector Organization of the Year Award from the South Florida Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). This award is presented to a public agency that has made major contributions to the community and can be seen as a model of public service to those within and outside the industry.

"This recognition is a testament to how far downtown Miami has come with the DDA as a catalyst in this transformation," said Commissioner Marc D. Sarnoff, Miami DDA Chairman. "The board of the Miami DDA has worked diligently to ensure that Miami has the vibrant urban core downtown is today- with a bustling residential population, new public transportation options, and an active cultural scene."

The Miami DDA is making a measurable impact on Downtown Miami's quality of life, business environment, and enhanced status as an international destination. Among the agency's work, the DDA has shined the light on downtown's unprecedented growth through annual occupancy and demographic studies that have proven the area is no longer a ghost town but a burgeoning community. It has also served as a catalyst for the area's cultural renaissance through the creation of the arts and culture group and the DWNTWN Art Days events. In addition the DDA has launched successful programs to improve downtown Miami on the street level including the Downtown Enhancement Team, a partnership with Camillus House that employs homeless individuals while helping keep the streets clean; the Street Beautification Program, which has been responsible for the installation of decorative lighting and planters throughout downtown's major thoroughfares; and the Solid Shutter Removal & Facade Improvement Grant Program which provides grant funding for improvements to the exteriors of commercial properties in the area.

"Downtown Miami's population has grown by 80% in the last decade to more than 70,000 residents today," said Miami DDA Executive Director Alyce Robertson. "Not only is downtown a place where people want to work and live, it is also a culture and entertainment center that people from all over the world come to enjoy. We feel honored that ASPA is recognizing the DDA for our role in this resurgence."

The American Society for Public Administration is the largest and most prominent professional association for public administration. It is dedicated to advancing the art, science, teaching and practice of public and non-profit administration. ASPA supports more than 80 chapters and 25 special interest sections that provide unique opportunities for ASPA members to network and enhance their professional skills while working in public service or the nonprofit sector.

"ASPA seeks to make examples of organizations that are not only accountable to their constituents, but go above and beyond to proactively improve the communities they serve," said Charles Scurr, President of the South Florida Chapter of The American Society for Public Administration. "When we took note of the dramatic shift in downtown Miami and all the ways the Miami DDA was involved in realizing the improvements we see today, we knew they were the clear choice for this year's award."

ASPA will officially give the DDA the Public Sector of the Year Award during the ASPA South Florida Chapter 2012 Award Ceremony to be held on Thursday, September 13, at 6 pm, at Jungle Island. For more information on ASPA or the awards event, please visit: www.aspaonline.org/southfla.

The Miami DDA is an independent agency of the City of Miami funded by a special tax levy on properties in its district boundaries. It is governed by a 15-member Board comprised of three public appointees and 12 downtown property owners, residents and/or workers who are tasked with overseeing the direction of the agency and setting policy. The agency is committed to grow, strengthen and promote the economic health and vitality of downtown Miami. As an autonomous agency of the City of Miami, the Miami DDA advocates, facilitates, plans, and executes business development, planning and capital improvements, and marketing and communication strategies.

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