Miami City Commission Meeting – February 26, 2026

The City of Miami Commission met on February 26, 2026, beginning at approximately 12:30 PM (following a morning session that started at 9:15 AM for public comment). The meeting included routine approvals, several public hearings, a re-hearing of a settlement vote, and multiple planning and zoning items. Key topics included the relocation of city elections to even-numbered years, a contested street vacation, a racial discrimination settlement involving the police chief, and a succession plan for the police chief. The commission also went into a private attorney-client session (shade meeting) to discuss pending litigation in the Fuller case.

Consent Calendar

• CA1–CA5: Passed unanimously without discussion.
• PH1–PH2: Public hearings passed unanimously.
• RE1, RE3, RE4, RE5, RE7: Passed unanimously as part of the regular agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• PZ1 (Street Vacation): Elvis Cruz, Maria Lopez, Marie Eggens, and Deborah Sander opposed the vacation of NE 64th Terrace, citing excessive building size, traffic concerns, and lack of transparency. They noted that a January 28 community meeting had 40 votes to keep the street open versus 4 to close it. Deborah Sander questioned the value of the street and the fluctuating community benefit ($200,000 to $500,000 to $1 million).
• PZ7 (Affordable Housing on Church Properties): Elisa Margulis, Henrietta Schwarz, and others opposed the item, arguing it would allow oversized buildings and exploitation in the Coconut Grove historic district. Henrietta Schwarz thanked Commissioner Rosado for promising to exclude Coconut Grove NCDs.
• RE2 (Election Date Change): Orin Rosenthal (Supervisor of Elections) supported moving city elections to August/November but opposed separating the mayor's race from commission races. Rob Piper, Anna Sofia Pelees, and others urged comprehensive charter reform (Stronger Miami petition, 20,000 signatures). Several speakers (Gina Romero, Antonia Catalan, Gabriela Ibera, Haina Pantoja) supported the Stronger Miami package.
• RE6 (Settlement with Chief Morales): Billy Corbin criticized the city attorney's office and urged against settling, claiming the city has lost similar lawsuits. Christy Garcia and Jose Valdez (family of Evelyn Valdez, killed by police gunfire) spoke on DI1, demanding transparency and accountability.
• FR3 (Interfaith Council): Pastor Thompson supported the creation of an interfaith advisory council, but criticized the mayor's recent staff changes as tone-deaf.

Discussion Items

• RE2 – Election Date Change: Mayor Higgins proposed moving mayoral elections to even-numbered years (August primary, November general) to save money and increase turnout. Commissioner Pardo argued for a November primary (higher turnout). Commissioner Gabela questioned the need for more commissioners. The item was deferred to April 9, 2026, to allow further discussion.
• RE6 – Settlement with Chief Morales (Racial Discrimination Lawsuit): The item was re-considered after failing at the previous meeting. The city attorney advised that settling for $400,000 would save taxpayer money (litigation costs could exceed $1.2 million). Commissioner Rosado opposed, citing depositions alleging discrimination. Commissioner Gabela and Escalona initially supported settlement as a business decision but later voted with Rosado to reject. A motion to reconsider and settle was made by Chair King, seconded by Escalona, but failed 4-1 (only King in favor). The item was marked as “discussed” with no vote.
• DI1 – Police Chief Succession Plan: Commissioner Rosado raised the item. City Manager confirmed that a new police chief will be appointed before the three-month transition period preceding Chief Morales’ retirement in October 2026. The search will begin before July.
• PZ1 – Street Vacation (NE 64th Terrace): Commissioner King explained that the street is held in trust for the developer (not city-owned). She clarified that the developer will provide a $1 million community benefit and additional parking. Despite public opposition, the commission voted unanimously to approve the vacation.
• PZ8 – Appeal of Historic Preservation Board Roof Requirement: The city appealed a condition requiring clay tile roofs on an affordable housing project in Palm Grove. The commission voted unanimously to grant the appeal, allowing shingle roofs to reduce costs.
• FR1 – Whistleblower Complaint Ordinance: Deferred indefinitely to allow discussion with the Civil Service Board about redundancy.
• FR2 – Unsolicited Proposals: Passed unanimously with a substitution requiring notification to the district commissioner.
• FR3 – Interfaith Advisory Council: Passed unanimously.
• PZ5 – Auto-Related Commercial Regulations: Passed with amendments.
• PZ7 – Affordable Housing on Church Properties: Deferred to April 9, 2026, with direction to exclude Coconut Grove NCDs and to consider a fixed fee percentage.
• PZ2, PZ3, PZ4, PZ6: Deferred or withdrawn as noted by the city manager.
• Shade Meeting (Fuller Litigation): The commission held a private attorney-client session to discuss settlement strategies in the Fuller case (Case No. 23-CV-24251-FAM). The meeting reconvened after approximately one hour, with no public action taken.

Key Outcomes

• RE2 (Election Date): Deferred to April 9, 2026, for further debate on whether to use August or November primaries and whether to keep mayor and commission elections together.
• RE6 (Settlement with Chief Morales): Motion to settle failed 4-1. The case will proceed to trial. City attorney warned of potential costs exceeding $1.2 million.
• PZ1 (Street Vacation): Approved unanimously. The developer will provide $1 million for community traffic mitigation and parking improvements.
• PZ8 (Roof Appeal): Appeal granted unanimously; shingle roof permitted on affordable housing project.
• FR1 (Whistleblower): Deferred indefinitely.
• FR2, FR3: Passed unanimously.
• PZ5: Passed with amendments.
• PZ7: Deferred to April 9, 2026.
• DI1 (Police Chief Succession): City manager will appoint a new chief before July 2026, with a three-month transition before Chief Morales’ retirement.
• Consent Calendar, Public Hearings, and other regular items: All passed unanimously.
• Shade Meeting: Concluded with no public announcement of settlement or action.