Miami-Dade County’s Regulatory & Economic Resources Planning Division: Best EDI Workplace Award

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY'S REGULATORY & ECONOMIC RESOURCES PLANNING DIVISION

This year, we are proud to recognize Miami-Dade County’s Regulatory & Economic Resources Planning Division as one of the recipients of the Best EDI Workplace Award. This accolade reflects the division's exemplary commitment to fostering an environment where equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are not just valued but are integral to its operations and impact.

The division boasts a dynamic team of 26 full-time employees, showcasing a rich tapestry of backgrounds, ethnicities, nationalities, and genders. Its workforce is a near-even split between male and female employees and includes representation from historically excluded communities, such as Black/African American, Latino/Hispanic, Asian American, and LGBTQ+ communities, with nearly half of the staff originating from outside the mainland U.S. This diversity is mirrored in its management, underlining the division's dedication to EDI at all levels.

Miami-Dade County's hiring practices underscore its commitment to EDI, with policies that ensure non-discrimination and require diverse and gender-balanced interview panels. Additionally, these practices prioritize providing veterans' preference, further enhancing the inclusivity of the hiring process.

The division's dedication extends beyond its workforce, as evidenced by its proactive approach to embedding EDI principles in its work. A significant initiative began in January 2021, when the division focused its historic preservation program on equity. This endeavor started with an audit of county-designated historic sites to assess the diversity of the designations. The findings highlighted a stark underrepresentation of the county's Latin heritage in designated sites, leading to a broader examination of equity in planning and zoning.

This audit spurred a comprehensive investigation into the historical inequities of planning and zoning policies, resulting in the expansion of the division's equity training beyond historic preservation to encompass broader planning and zoning issues. The division has identified key areas for targeted improvement, including affordable housing, gentrification and displacement, and community development, among others. It has also proposed several innovative programs and plans, such as Cultural Equity Planning & Mapping and an Equitable Development Scorecard, aimed at addressing these critical issues.

Miami-Dade County RER Planning Division's efforts have been further demonstrated through the organization and participation in over ten EDI training sessions, ranging from internal staff development to external engagements at local, statewide, and national levels.

The division's comprehensive approach to EDI not only sets a benchmark for public policymaking but also creates a roadmap for tangible progress and inclusivity in community planning and development. Miami-Dade County’s Regulatory & Economic Resources Planning Division exemplifies how dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion can reshape public service and significantly impact the communities it serves, making it a deserving recipient of the Best EDI Workplace Award.