Board of Directors Prerequisites

The Downtown Development Authority of the City of Miami (Miami DDA), is empowered to advocate, facilitate, plan and execute public/private investment and implementation strategies that strengthen Downtown’s appeal as a livable city and center for commerce and culture.

The affairs of the Miami DDA shall be under the direct supervision and control of a Board of Directors (Board) consisting of 17 members nominated or appointed, and confirmed by the City Commission of the City of Miami (“City”) in the manner described in the Code of Ordinances of the City of Miami, Florida, as amended.

As a member of the Downtown Development Authority of the City of Miami’s (Miami DDA) Board of Directors (Board), you would be in a position to make a significant contribution to further the economic health and vitality of Downtown Miami. Your commitment and imaginative leadership will ascertain Downtown’s position as the business and cultural center of the Americas. Your time and talent will enable our organization to continually improve Downtown Miami as the most livable community in South Florida.

All members of the Board shall be individuals of outstanding reputation for integrity, responsibility, business ability, and acumen.

As part of becoming a Board member:

1. All Board members shall be individuals of outstanding reputation for integrity, responsibility and business ability and acumen. Except for the seats to be filled by the city commission, the board of county commissioners, or the cabinet of the state, all members shall represent at least one of the districts established by the authority from time to time; it being the intent of the authority that each district have a representative in the board.
2. Board members must either reside, work, or own (or be the designated representative of the owner of) a business or real property in the Downtown District.
3. As a governmental agency, the Miami DDA is required to follow the State of Florida Sunshine Law. Board members will be required to take an Ethics Course that will explain those regulations in detail.
4. Board members will be required to provide an annual financial disclosure statement on or before July 1st of each year.
5. All Board members shall serve for a term of four (4) years, expiring December 31, and may be reappointed for an additional term of four (4) years. It is the intent of the authority that no member shall serve for more than ten (10) years. Members shall continue to serve until their successors have been nominated and confirmed. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be for the unexpired term only.
6. Board members are there principally to help the organization more forward by listening, participating in discussion, providing advice, and advocating on behalf of the Miami DDA. As its ambassadors, Board members may be asked to be a spokesperson for the Miami DDA and Downtown Miami – whether it be for a media interview, panel or presentation.
7. Board members should ensure efficient Board/Staff collaboration, including prioritization of workplans and proactive interaction with Miami DDA Staff.
8. The Board of Directors designs and agrees on policy for the Downtown Master Plan and for the 3 to 5-year strategic plans.
9. The Board of Directors hires the Chief Executive Office/Executive Director (CEO/ED) of the Miami DDA to oversee the standing organization (Staff) and to execute Board policy.
10. The Board provides Miami DDA oversight (CEO/ED, legality, use of public funding, etc.)
11. The Board approves the Miami DDA millage and annual budget and ensures that the Miami DDA has enough resources to carry out its mission.
12. The Board approves the annual work plans for Departments and proposes/approves changes to the work plans when appropriate.
13. The Board proposes and approves the formation of taskforces; responsible for chairing taskforces.
14. Board members provide foresight, oversight, and insight and are key advocates in the Miami DDA’s mission, collaborating with staff to fulfill its role as advocate and influencer on behalf of the Miami DDA.
15. The Miami DDA is a working Board and members are strongly encouraged to attend all Board of Directors meetings. Unless otherwise agreed by a resolution of the Board, regular meetings of the Board shall be held once a month, at the office of the Authority, except for any month in which the City Commission is not in session (August). Written notice stating the place, day and hour of the regular meeting shall be noticed and published, as required by law, or at least seven (7) days before the date of the meeting.
16. Being absent from three (3) consecutive regular Board meetings or from four (4) regular Board meetings during a calendar year shall constitute good cause for removal.
17. In addition, Board members provide influence through their networks and expertise and may be appointed by the Chairman to serve on one of our Committees. These Committees provide input and inquiry through an advisory relation with the Miami DDA Departments led by their Directors.

Executive Committee

There shall be an Executive Committee, composed of members of the Board, appointed by the Chairperson of the Board. The Executive Committee must include the Chairperson of the Board, or his designee, and the Chairperson of all committees in effect. Executive Committee meetings will be held at the office of the Authority, at the discretion of the Chairperson of the Board. Written notice stating the place, day and hour of the Executive Committee meeting shall be provided to each member and published, as required by law, at least seven (7) days before the date of the meeting.

Finance Committee

There shall be a Finance Committee, composed of members of the board, appointed by the chairperson of the board. The Finance Committee shall oversee the financial affairs of the authority. The chairperson of the Finance Committee shall, when and as requested the board, render or caused to be rendered reports of the financial condition of the authority. Finance Committee meetings will be held at the office of the authority, at the discretion of the chairperson of the Finance Committee. Written notice stating the place, day and hour of the Finance Committee meeting shall be delivered to each member and published, as required by law, at least seven (7) days before the date of the meeting. 

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee shall notice and solicit Board vacancies to the general public to apply for the Board vacancy/vacancies. The Nominating Committee shall create and implement an application, which must be filled out and submitted to the Chair of the nominating committee, for the nominating committee’s consideration. The nominating committee may not consider any prospective candidates for a Board vacancy any earlier than fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of the notice for applications. In the event, there are no applications received, the Chair of the nominating committee shall go to City Clerk and request any names for individuals interested in serving on City boards for consideration. In the event, the City Clerk has no qualified prospective candidates to the Board, the nominating committee must select prospective candidates to the Board on its own initiative.

The quality of our services to the community is dependent upon a committed and involved Board of Directors.

Please submit your letter of interest and resume to: manon@miamidda.com no later than January 16, 2026.

Miami DDA Boundary Map