In Episode 214 of The Practice Podcast, Jeff Bast and Brett Amron welcome Patrice Gillespie Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Underline Miami, for an inspiring conversation about urban planning, community development, leadership, and the creation of public spaces that bring people together.
Patrice shares her journey from growing up in Ohio to building a career in transportation, urban planning, and public service before ultimately helping lead one of Miami’s most transformative civic projects. Drawing on leadership experiences across the country, she discusses how thoughtful planning can strengthen communities, improve quality of life, and shape the future of growing cities.
The conversation explores the vision behind The Underline, Miami’s 10-mile linear park and multimodal trail that is redefining how residents experience the city. Patrice explains how founder Meg Daly’s idea, inspired by a bicycle accident, evolved into a project that connects neighborhoods, encourages active transportation, expands green space, and creates opportunities for people to gather, exercise, and engage with their community.
Patrice also discusses how The Underline extends beyond infrastructure by serving as a catalyst for community impact. From free public programming and volunteer opportunities to partnerships that create employment and housing opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness, she explains how collaboration and thoughtful design can address real challenges while creating lasting benefits for the people who call Miami home.
Throughout the episode, Patrice reinforces a central idea that has guided both her career and The Underline’s mission: building stronger cities begins with investing in people, creating meaningful connections, and designing places where communities can thrive.
Key Topics:
• Patrice Gillespie Smith’s career in urban planning and public leadership
• The vision and evolution of The Underline
• Community-focused urban design
• Multimodal transportation and pedestrian safety
• Expanding green space in Miami
• Public engagement and community programming
• Partnerships addressing homelessness through workforce development
• Creating healthier, more connected communities
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