2015 Urban Affairs Association Conference

This session will focus on the formation of Miami Thrives - a place-based change “community of practice” (CoP). Community groups throughout Miami are engaged in neighborhood “place-based” change and community development efforts often in isolation and disconnected from similar efforts just a few miles away. Miami Thrives is attempting to break down these geographic and professional silos to maximize shared learning and action. Practitioners representing organizations from different sectors (community development, education, public health, government, human services) around south Florida are coming together in a learning community to share their on-the-ground learning, to learn about innovative approaches, and to provide mutual support and joint action. The session will feature speakers and stories from the local communities of Overtown, Liberty City, the 79th Street corridor, East Little Havana, Miami Gardens, and Homestead/Florida City.