The vision of the Urban Environment League for Miami-Dade County is to promote a safe, clean, vibrant, sustainable community guided by the public’s interest and governed by a Master Plan. We see preserved natural resources, increased density in urban areas with sufficient existing infrastructure and along mass transportation corridors within the urban development boundary. We seek more greenways, water access, pedestrian friendly parks, improved historic neighborhoods and landmarks still recognizable and protected. Our richly diverse communities have unique neighborhoods that should have South Florida-sensitive architecture and quality housing, affordable to all. Improved public communications will encourage a better educated citizenry and democratic processes which lead to greater political integrity practiced by accountable politicians who enforce zoning and building codes.
The UEL works with others to achieve our vision. We seek to engage the public - students and residents of all ages - in the hard yet rewarding work of seeing our landscape truly reflect the rich social diversity of our region within a context that is sensitive to our ecology and proactive about finding solutions to our problems. The UEL has a proud ten year history of involvement in important local issues - from preserving Virginia Key and Bicentennial Park from thoughtless development to leading the struggle to preserve the Urban Development Boundary Line by working with other local organizations in forging a new constituency that is sensitive to environmental and equity issues, housing, and overall better planning.
Our Focus
- UEL will actively support the Hold the Line Campaign to stop the expansion of the Urban Development Boundary and protect the Everglades
- UEL strongly supports keeping public lands for public use
- UEL will sponsor a series of Community Forums (lunch and dinnertime programs) presenting current, provocative community issues wth diverse viewpoints.
- UEL will support increased public participation in government planning and policy-making
- UEL will monitor the hotel development on Watson Island to assure the project adheres to permitted guidelines approved by the City of Miami
- UEL advocates support for affordable, workforce, mixed-income housing opportunities and vibrant, cohesive, stable neighborhoods
- UEL calls for increased pubilc participation in plans for Virginia Key and Bicentennial Park, both of which can become extraordinary amenities for our City's residents and visitors
- UEL will continue to support improved growth management programs and rigorous community planning initiatives to set the vision, develop policies and formulate implementation program