Building Miami: Economic Development, Opportunity, & Innovation

The Miami model for innovation driving progress.

FEATURED CONTENT:
Learn how the County is shaping Miami’s future in our latest interview with Francesca de Quesada Covey, Miami-Dade County’s Chief of Innovation and Economic Development Officer.

"We do it in a Miami way."
– Francesca de Quesada Covey

This powerful declaration isn’t just a slogan—it’s the heartbeat of Miami-Dade County’s dynamic transformation. At the center of this change is Francesca de Quesada Covey, Miami-Dade County’s Chief of Innovation and Economic Development Officer.

As a daughter of Cuban immigrants, de Quesada Covey was driven by a relentless desire to create opportunities and solve complex challenges.

Her career has been anything but conventional. From her early days in Washington, where she contributed to policy at the White House, to her groundbreaking work at Facebook scaling products for underserved communities, she gathered a wealth of experience that now fuels her leadership in local government. Reflecting on her journey in our latest Opportunity Miami Interview, she candidly admitted, “I never thought that I would work in local government,” but she does because of the leadership and vision of Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

That unexpected twist has blossomed into a story of transformation—a journey that turned challenges into stepping stones for the greater good. Watch or listen to her interview now.

A Vision Anchored in Purpose

Today, as the Chief Innovation and Economic Development Officer for Miami-Dade County, de Quesada Covey works in an organization with a $12 billion budget and a dedicated workforce of approximately 25,000 employees. “I love my job because I think it is about problem-solving for Miami-Dade County,” she explained. Her strategy is built on three fundamental pillars:

• Economic Development: Attracting high-value business investments to drive sustainable growth.

• Economic Opportunity: Creating pathways, such as a groundbreaking scholarship program, enabling high school graduates to pursue an Associate’s degree.

• Economic Innovation: Embracing new ideas and technologies that foster efficiency and progress.

These pillars form a blueprint not just for economic success but for a resilient, thriving community. These pillars are all underpinned by the priorities of Mayor Levine Cava, “which is to increase trust in government and the quality of life for our residents.”

Reimagining Urban Life

Quesada Covey's innovative vision goes beyond numbers and statistics. She sees the work that the Miami-Dade County government does as an integrated, holistic effort to improve the quality of life of all residents. One of her most compelling insights is how she views the challenge of affordable housing: “When we think about affordable housing, we really look at it as a pyramid: on one side is housing, on the other is transportation, and on the other is good jobs.” This approach ensures that families have more than just a place to live—they have the means to thrive.

A perfect example of this integrated strategy is the county’s overhaul of its public transit system—the first update in 40 years. The year-long redesign effort launched by the Department of Transportation and Public Works has transformed daily commutes and increased ridership by 10%, making Miami-Dade’s bus system the 10th largest in the nation. By optimizing routes and harnessing data, the County team has turned what was once a routine ride into an experience that underscores the county’s commitment to efficiency and community care.

Innovation in Unity

Her work extends even further. As a co-founder of the Miami-Dade Innovation Authority, de Quesada Covey is championing a culture of entrepreneurship that invests in startups solving municipal challenges. With support from major partners like the Knight Foundation and Ken Griffin, the Innovation Authority has already funded eleven companies and launched public challenges that spark innovative solutions within the community.

Every initiative under her leadership is a chapter in a larger story of transformation. Whether modernizing infrastructure, expanding access to education, or reinventing public transportation, her work is a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose.

A Call to Embrace the Future

In her first year with Mayor Levine Cava’s administration, de Quesada Covey successfully secured a Tech Hub designation from the Department of Commerce and now serves as the Regional Innovation Officer for the quad-county initiative led by Miami-Dade County.

Her leadership reminds us that innovation isn’t just about technology or business—it’s about people. It’s about building a future where every resident has the opportunity to succeed, where challenges are met with bold solutions, and where the spirit of Miami shines through in every decision.

Stay tuned because with leaders like her, the chapters of Miami’s story continue to unfold in the most exciting ways imaginable.

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~ Opportunity Miami