Article written by Melissa Cancio
Top thinkers and researchers create The FIU + CCG | Miami Urban Future Initiative.
Imagine a group of like-minded individuals, top thinkers and researchers from across the region working to create a stronger, more inclusive economy. Dean Brian Shriner, Dr. Richard Florida, and Chris Caines are leading a new effort aimed at supporting a more inclusive and prosperous Miami.
The Miami Urban Future Initiative (MUFI) is a unique initiative currently housed at FIU’s Miami Beach campus. In an interview with Executive Director, Chris Caines, he explained its aims are to “provide data driven research around topics relating to affordability, innovation, entrepreneurship and talent in Miami.” The partnership is a collaboration between FIU CARTA, Dr. Richard Florida and the Creative Class Group, Mana Wynwood and Knight Foundation.
As Executive Director, Chris enjoys “being able to speak to community groups, elected officials, and others to understand where people perceive challenges and opportunities in Miami.” MUFI will provide data and research to help bring these groups together to understand Miami’s strengths and weaknesses for a more inclusive and prosperous city. He says that “as a neutral link MUFI can act as the bridge between the groups and constituencies.” If the opportunity is there, why not challenge peers to join the movement and foster a neutral space to better understand the data?
Joining FIU after serving as the Interim Miami Program Director of Knight Foundation, Chris is eager to lead this new initiative. In his first 90 days, he hopes to “establish and familiarize the community with what the Miami Urban Future Initiative (MUFI) is and what it could become.” With ambition, persistence and the goal to create a better Miami, Chris says, “We’re in it for the
long run here and hope to go beyond that.”
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