Chamber

GREATER MIAMI CHAMBER PRESENTS WORKFORCE HOUSING FORUM

MIAMI, FL, May 2, 2008 – The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Workforce Housing Committee will present the “Forum on Attainable Living: Workforce Housing” on May 6 at 12:00 p.m. at the Hilton Miami Downtown, 1601 Biscayne Boulevard. The Greater Miami Chamber is convening this forum as a conduit for municipal leaders, the public and private sectors, and the community at-large to share experiences, learn from each other and collaborate on the issue of workforce housing in this community. 

 “The forum is a call to action so that as a community we can begin to develop solutions that address the needs of the workforce and employers, the competitiveness of our community, and quality of life,” said Michael Burnstine, chairman of the Greater Miami Chamber’s Workforce Housing Committee and vice-president of Lockton Companies, LLC.

Donald N. Upton, president, Fairfield Index, Inc. will moderate a panel discussion that includes Ned Murray, Ph.D. AICP, associate director, The Metropolitan Center of Florida International University; Philipp N. Ludwig, corporate director, Baptist Health South Florida; Michael D. Wohl, chairman, Terwilliger Center for Workforce Housing, ULI Southeast Florida/Caribbean District Council; and Hana Eskra, deputy director, Office of Community and Economic Development, Miami-Dade County.

Also as part of the forum, the Chamber will release the findings of its Miami-Dade County Housing Needs Assessment. The housing needs assessment, commissioned by the Greater Miami Chamber, conducted by The Metropolitan Center of Florida International University, and funded by the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation, provides the final piece in a series of housing needs assessments done for Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties – allowing for a comprehensive look at the need for workforce housing in Miami-Dade County and throughout South Florida. The study identifies and quantifies the gaps in housing needs in Miami-Dade County.

 “We are looking forward to the release of the findings of this study,” said Barry E. Johnson, president/CEO of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. “We need the best and most current knowledge as we build our analysis and recommend future housing policies and strategies regarding our local housing market.”

The lack of attainable housing for the workforce in our region is seriously affecting South Florida’s economy and quality of life. In 2006 the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce commissioned a member survey conducted by The Metropolitan Center at Florida International University which showed that affordability of workforce housing is affecting the way business functions. The findings of that survey concluded: nearly 60% of respondents indicated that the cost of housing has impacted their ability to recruit employees and 50% indicated that it has impacted their ability to retain existing employees.

Cost to attend the May 6 luncheon is $55 per Greater Miami Chamber member, $65 per nonmember, and $35 for municipal leaders – if paid in advance; $65 at the door. Price includes self-parking.

For information on the May 6 event and the Greater Miami Chamber’s Workforce Housing Committee, contact Marina Foglia at 305-577-5432 or advocacy@miamichamber.com.

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MEDIA NOTE:             This event is open to media coverage -- a complimentary press area will be provided. Members of the media covering the event are welcome for lunch at the Chamber's cost of $40 per person. Please confirm your attendance, contact Lorraine Reigosa at 305-577-5420 or Lauren Rivas at 305-577-5425 or communications@miamichamber.com.

The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce is an association of businesses and professions organized to create economic progress in Miami-Dade County. To carry out its mission, the Chamber serves as the voice of business enterprise and involves the private sector in community leadership. Since its inception in 1907 as the Miami Board of Trade, the organization – known today as the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce – has been widely recognized and respected for its record of economic development and community improvement throughout the years. With its rich legacy of leadership, the Chamber is positioned to build on its record as it continues to help build a greater Miami.