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Mayors in the region take note: Miami Mayor Francis Suarez is killing it in the business relocation game.
More than 15 companies have moved or announced moves to Miami in the last three months, in either expansions or new headquarters locations. Coming mostly from Silicon Valley and New York, and mostly for the well-known reasons — taxes, weather and a more business-friendly approach statewide to the pandemic — the list is notable. It includes new offices for Blackstone Group and Goldman Sachs. In addition, Japanese investing giant SoftBank recently committed $100 million in funds for Miami area tech companies.
While many of these businesses were looking to escape other places anyway, Suarez has championed the city with vigor. A big example stems from early December, a few hours after Silicon Valley venture capitalist Delian Asparouhov tweeted out this note to his 36,200 followers: “ok guys, hear me out, what if we move Silicon Valley to Miami?” Suarez tweeted back: “How can I help?”
How can I help has since become a rallying cry for Suarez, a Republican elected in 2017 in what’s considered a non-partisan election. Suarez tweets that phrase often now, and in some unexpected places. On Jan. 25, after Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted about the positive benefits of going for a walk, Suarez said Cook is always welcome to go for a walk in Miami. “Would love to have you over to Miami City Hall for a cafecito,” Suarez tweeted back. The mayor’s helpful disposition also garnered some national business press in late January, with profiles in The New York Times and Inc. magazine, among other publications.
As evidenced by other moves all across the state, many people and businesses are coming to Florida with our without help from Suarez. But Suarez’s wear-it-on-his-sleeve passion in economic development for Miami, and desire to eliminate obstacles, is certainly something a teachable moment for mayors in the region, and rest of Florida.
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