Community Empowerment Initiatives

What is EMPOWER60?

Originally launched as a four-week academy in each of the City of Miami’s five commission districts, EMPOWER60 is designed for residents aged 60 and older to learn best practices for engaging with local government. The program helps participants strengthen connections with their neighborhoods, better understand local government operations, and increase awareness of available services.

Today, EMPOWER60 has been streamlined into a four-hour course, focusing on developing individual civic engagement plans. Topics include public safety, neighborhood beautification, development and growth, education and economic opportunity, arts and recreation, and effective government services.

Upon completion, participants are invited to a virtual City Commission meeting, recognized for their achievements, and have the opportunity to put their newly learned skills into practice.

To learn more, email humanservices@miamigov.com

Accelerate Change Together is a City of Miami initiative supported by Urban Health Partnerships and the CDC, focused on improving health outcomes within the LGBTQ+ community. This effort strengthens the community’s ability to collaborate, plan, and carry out strategies that help address key health and quality-of-life challenges, working toward a stronger and healthier Miami for all residents.

ACCELERATE CHANGE TOGETHER

Inclusive Arts Miami (IAM)
In our unwavering commitment to equitable opportunities, we proudly unveil the latest subdivision of our Equitable Initiatives, Inclusive Arts Miami.

The Arts Initiatives were born out of a vision to enhance the quality of life for all Miami residents. We believe that art has the extraordinary power to unite, uplift, and inspire, transcending boundaries and backgrounds. Our objective is to make arts accessible to all, guaranteeing that artistic and cultural opportunities are within reach for every individual in our community.

Our mission is to enrich the lives of our residents and foster inclusive opportunities for our community to engage in the vibrant world of arts and culture. With a special focus on empowering emerging local artists and generating positive socioeconomic change in our most vulnerable populations, we're committed to transforming Miami into a thriving hub of creativity.

Leading the Way in Equity
The Department of Human Services stands at the forefront of addressing disparities in human and social services. We are the bridge that connects individuals with the resources they need to thrive. Our unwavering pursuit of equity and inclusion drives us to champion change, working tirelessly to uplift our community.

Creating a Positive Socioeconomic Impact

Art has the unique ability to transform not only individual lives but also entire communities. We envision vibrant neighborhoods, enriched with the beauty of art, revitalized and rejuvenated through creative expression. Through strategic interventions and innovative collaborations, we aim to create new artistic circuits within our city, making art accessible to all.

Empowering Emerging Local Artists
We are staunch advocates for our local emerging artists. Through the Arts Initiatives, we are dedicated to promoting the available resources and opportunities that will enable our talented artists to flourish. By offering mentorship, platforms for exhibition, and avenues for growth, we empower the artists who are the heartbeat of our cultural landscape.

“Together, with our community, partners, and the Arts Initiatives, we are crafting a more vibrant, equitable, and culturally enriched Miami. Join us on this transformative journey as we paint a brighter future, one brushstroke at a time.”

Age-Friendly Initiative (AFI)

The City of Miami is proud to champion the Age-Friendly Initiative (AFI), a collaborative effort focused on creating a community where residents of all ages, especially older adults, can stay active, engaged, and healthy — living with dignity, enjoyment, and purpose.

Through AFI, the City of Miami is committed to fostering an environment that supports healthy aging, civic participation, and vibrant community connections. We recognize that an age-friendly city is one that grows and adapts alongside its residents, ensuring that the needs of an evolving population are met with thoughtful planning, expanded services, and inclusive opportunities.

Our efforts center on strengthening accessibility to transportation, housing, social activities, health services, and volunteer opportunities — all of which empower older adults to remain connected and engaged. We also encourage civic engagement, recognizing that the voice, experience, and leadership of our older residents are essential to shaping Miami’s future. By actively involving residents in decision-making and program development, we are building a stronger, more resilient city for all generations.

As we continue to grow, the City of Miami remains dedicated to leading by example, working to ensure that our community remains a welcoming place for residents of all ages to thrive.

Take the City of Miami Age-Friendly Survey:

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LGBTQ+ Advisory Board

The City of Miami’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board serves as a vital bridge between the community and City leadership, working to promote a welcoming, safe, and thriving environment for all residents and visitors. The Board’s mission is to provide ongoing insight and thoughtful recommendations to the City Commission, supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life for LGBTQ+ individuals across Miami.

Through regular assessments and open dialogue, the Advisory Board ensures that the voices of underrepresented individuals and communities are heard and considered in the City’s planning and decision-making processes. With a focus on fostering civic engagement, advancing community priorities, and supporting inclusive access to services, the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board plays a critical role in helping Miami grow as a dynamic and vibrant city for everyone.

LGBTQ+ ADVISORY BOARD