[mechanesthesia]

I might be a little late to the discussion, but I wanted to add my 2 cents.

I agree that tourism and real estate are pretty much the only industries that Miami has, and they are not really viable for economic growth. People are actually getting "Hospitality & Tourism" degrees to work in as a front desk agent at a hotel getting paid just a little over minimum wage! And when they finally get promoted to management, they just get a few dollars more. People who have studied other subjects are right now being screwed due to the unemployment rate, the economy, and the lack of industry. We need good jobs and good industries that will make people want to move here because of it. Not just a "vacation home." Yes, a lot of wealthy people are buying homes in Miami... And they'll stay there for 2 weeks in a year, and you'll never see them. That's what a lot of these condos are, vacation homes from people who do not contribute to the economy or industry. They don't work here or shop here or eat here. It's no wonder there is a lack of actual "stuff" in downtown compared to any other downtown or compared to a "regular" neighborhood like Hialeah, South Miami, Kendall, etc. It's because people don't actually "live" there. They just work there or vacation there.

Things are changing though. The whole healthcare push is great. With the new UM building in downtown and the proposed FIU "Medical City" [which I haven't heard of lately], those are beneficial changes that will create jobs and and industry for ourselves which will attract people for more than just a few weeks vacation. And better yet, it's something that's actually focused on the people that actually live here, instead of the tourists that are here temporarily. Also, the recent housing bubble bursting, causing the prices to fall in downtown is causing more "regular" people to move there, instead of snowbirds, which is a positive change for a more "liveable" downtown.

But we need more than just healthcare. It's ludicrous that some people are actually considering moving out of Miami just so they can get a job in their field, because all there is here is tourism.

Also, I agree that education is definitely needed. We are a joke compared to the rest of the country in terms of education.