Written by Genevieve Bowen on February 11, 2026
Calle Ocho’s business owners may soon be asked to invest in revitalizing their neighborhood through a new business improvement district, helping to restore a thriving commercial center in the historic corridor.
The Miami City Commission is to vote today (2/12) on whether to begin creating a business improvement district along Calle Ocho, also known as Southwest Eighth Street, in the heart of Little Havana. If a majority of affected property owners opt in, the special district would levy and collect additional assessments on participating properties to fund services and improvements to revive the area.
Calle Ocho is a cultural and economic hub famous for landmarks like Domino Park, the Tower Theater and even its own Walk of Fame. The corridor has long been a center of Cuban-American life, music, food and art, but in recent years it has faced challenges, including empty storefronts and declining foot traffic.
A business improvement district, or BID, is a special taxing district where a majority of affected property owners agree to levy and pay additional assessments on their properties. These funds pay for supplemental services and improvements beyond what the city normally provides, including enhanced cleaning and maintenance, public safety, streetscape upgrades, marketing and programs designed to attract new businesses and visitors.
Commissioner Rolando Escalona, who represents the area and is sponsoring the initiative, told Miami Today in a recent interview: “If you go through Eighth Street, you’re going to see that a lot of businesses are closing and many ‘for lease’ signs. That is because Eighth Street is dying. We’re going to create a program in which 51% of property owners have to agree to pay a little more in taxes, but that money is required by law to stay within Eighth Street.” He continued, “We’re going to have beautification initiatives, clean streets, pressure washing, painting, more businesses opening, art, culture and restaurants – bringing Little Havana and Eighth Street back to life.”
A Calle Ocho BID would collect assessments for up to 10 years, with all funds reinvested directly into the corridor. The process requires approval from a majority of property owners, in line with Florida law. By design, the BID would allow funds to be combined with grants, sponsorships and partnerships, maximizing reinvestment directly back into the corridor.
Miami has used BIDs in neighborhoods such as Wynwood, Coconut Grove and downtown’s Flagler District. City officials say these districts have helped increase safety, cleanliness and foot traffic while supporting local business retention and long-term property values.
If the commission approves starting the process, business owners along Calle Ocho will be asked if they want to participate in the special district. If a majority agree, the district will move forward, funding improvements to strengthen the corridor’s role as a vibrant hub of commerce and culture.
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