OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Miami City Commission Meeting, March 12, 2026: Homelessness, Plastic Ban, and Bayfront Trust

Meeting Portal — Thursday, March 12, 2026
BodyMiami, Florida
SessionMeeting Portal
DateThursday, March 12, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:15

We can start having a seat.

0:18

We're gonna get going.

0:19

Uh, Chairwoman King is not feeling well today, unfortunately.

0:23

So I'll be filling in her shoes, not to the full extent of her shoes, but I will do my best.

0:32

Welcome to the City of Miami Commission meeting, March 12, 2026.

0:37

Procedures for the public comment will be explained by the city attorney shortly.

0:40

Procedures for the swearing in of parties for planning and zoning and quasi judicial items will be explained by the city attorney.

0:48

The members of the city commission appearing for this meeting are Rolando Escalona, Ralph Rafael Rosal, Chairwoman Christine King, myself, and the honorable Madam Mayor.

1:03

The meeting will begin and open with a prayer.

1:06

And Pastor Kenneth Washington from the Greater Israel Bethel Primitive Baptist Church.

1:14

Thank you, sir.

1:15

Shall we pray?

1:17

Eternal.

1:22

We thank you for this meeting today.

1:25

We pray our father that everything may be done decently and in order.

1:30

And we will be careful to give you all the honor and the praise for it is in your son's name.

1:35

We do ask it all for his sake.

1:37

Let everybody say amen.

1:43

And Commissioner Rosado, if you could lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:48

To the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands.

1:54

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

2:06

Yeah.

2:07

Mr.

2:08

City Attorney, can you please state the procedures to be followed during the meeting?

2:13

Yes, Mr.

2:13

Chair.

2:14

Thank you.

2:14

George Weisong City Attorney, City of Miami.

2:17

Detailed information about the processes, order of business, rules of procedure and scheduling or rescheduling of city commission meetings can be found in chapter 2, Article 2 of the City Code, a copy of which is available online at WW.municode.com.

2:28

Any person who is a lobbyist pursuant to chapter 2, Article 6 of the City Code must register with the City Clerk and comply with related city requirements for lobbyists before appearing before the city commission.

2:38

A person may not lobby a city official, board member, or staff member until registering.

2:42

A copy of the code section about lobbyists is available in the city in the city clerk's office or online at www.municode.com.

2:49

Any person making a presentation, formal request, or petition to the city commission concerning real property must make the disclosures required by the city code in writing.

2:57

A copy of the city code sections available at the Office of City Clerk or online at WW.Munico.com.

3:02

The City of Miami requires that anyone requesting action by the City Commission must disclose before the hearing.

3:08

Any consideration provided or committed to anyone for agreement to support or withhold objection to the requested action pursuant to City Code Section 2 8.

3:15

Any documents offered to the city commission that have not been provided seven days before the meeting as part of the agenda materials will be entered into the record at the city commission's discretion.

3:25

In accordance with section 2 33 F and G of the City Code, the agenda material for each item on the agenda is available during business hours at the city clerk's office and online 24 hours a day at W.

3:34

MiamiGov.com.

3:36

The meeting of the Miami City Commission is a limited public forum.

3:40

Any person may be heard by the City Commission through the chair for not more than two minutes on any proposition before the city commission unless modified by the chair.

3:47

Public comment will begin at approximately 9.15 a.m.

3:49

and remain open until public comment is closed by the chairperson.

3:52

Any person making offensive remarks or who becomes unruly in the commission chambers will be barred from further attending city commission meetings and may be subject to arrest.

4:00

No clapping, applauding, heckling, or verbal outbursts in support or opposition to a speaker or hit or his or her remarks shall be permitted.

4:07

No signs or placards shall be allowed in the commission chambers.

4:11

Persons exiting the commission chambers shall do so quietly.

4:14

Members of the public wishing to address the body may do so by submitting written comments via the online comment form.

4:20

Please visit www.miamegov.com forward slash meeting instructions for detailed instructions on how to provide public comment using the online public comment form.

4:29

The comments submitted through the comment form have been and will be distributed to the elected officials, their staff and city administration throughout the day so that the elected officials may consider the comments prior to taking any action.

4:38

Additionally, the online comment form will remain open during the meeting to accept comments and distribute to the elected officials or staff in the city administration up until the chairperson closes public comment.

4:47

Public comment may also be provided here live at City Hall at 3500 Pan American Drive, Miami, Florida, subject to any and all city rules as they may be amended.

4:55

If the proposition is being considered or rescheduled, the opportunity to be heard may be set at such later date before the city commission takes action on such proposition.

5:03

When addressing the city commission, the member of the public must first state their name, their address, and what item will be spoken about.

5:09

Any person with a disability requiring assistance, auxiliary aids and services for this meeting may notify the city clerk.

5:15

The city has provided different public comment methods to indicate among other things the public support, opposition, or neutrality on the items and topics to be discussed at the city commission meeting in compliance with section 286.01144 C Florida statutes.

5:28

The public has been given the opportunity to provide public comment during the meeting and within reasonable proximity and time before the meeting.

5:33

Please note.

5:34

Commissioners have generally been briefed by city staff and the city attorney's office on items on the agenda today.

5:39

Anyone wishing a verbatim record of an item considered at this meeting may request it at the Office of Communications or view it online at www.mygov.com.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████████24%
Public Engagement████████████████████20%
Mental Health Awareness████████8%
Historic Preservation███████7%
Youth Programs██████6%
Arts And Culture█████5%
Planning and Zoning█████5%
Homelessness████4%
Environmental Protection████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Miami City Commission Meeting, March 12, 2026

The Miami City Commission met on March 12, 2026, with Acting Chair Commissioner Rolando Escalona presiding in the absence of Chairwoman Christine King. The meeting covered a range of items including deferrals, public comments, resolutions, ordinances, and a discussion on the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery. Key votes were held on attorney fee recovery, traffic light synchronization, and the future of the Bayfront Park Management Trust. Commissioners also debated the fate of RE 16 (Maurice Ferré Park) and FR2 (repealing the ordinance to abolish the Bayfront Park Management Trust).

Consent Calendar

  • All consent agenda items (CA1–CA12) were passed by unanimous voice vote.
  • Public hearing items (PH1–PH3) were passed by unanimous voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Rick Madon (Biscayne Neighborhoods Association, Edgewater) expressed strong support for Margaret Pace Park improvements, the I-395 Baywalk Connector, traffic light synchronization, single-use plastic elimination, and the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery.
  • Marlene Barton (Thelma Gibson Health Initiative) supported RE9, a street naming co-designation for Reverend Theodore Gibson and Mrs. Thelma Gibson.
  • Keith Moore (Historical Research Group, Profiles in Black Miami) also supported RE9, noting the Gibsons' civil rights and community contributions.
  • Elisa Margulis (Coconut Grove) supported RE15 to eliminate single-use plastics, urging the city to learn from other cities' successes and unintended consequences.
  • Stephen Dutton (Downtown resident) recounted a personal tragedy—his partner was killed by a man with untreated mental illness—and urged support for the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery.
  • Dr. Anna Viamonte Ross (Camillus Health Concern, FIU) supported the partnership between Camillus Health Concern and the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery.
  • Orlando Gutierrez Bornet (Assembly for the Cuban Resistance) spoke on DI4, urging preparedness for a political transition in Cuba.
  • David Newman (Coconut Grove) expressed strong support for funding the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery, calling it a cost-saving, humane project.
  • Yamel Anderson Ruff (niece of Thelma Gibson) supported RE9, praising her aunt's character and community work.
  • Elaine Black and Prof. Sam Lattimore (Liberty City Trust) presented the trust's annual report and goals, including the upcoming opening of Yeager Plaza.
  • Dr. Tydra Anderson Rhodes (family representative) supported RE9, honoring her uncle and aunt's legacy of love and servant leadership.
  • Steve Warnick (Winwood Community Enhancement Association) supported PZ1 to allow text amendments in the NRD2 district, noting collaboration with the planning department and Chairwoman King's office.
  • Maggie Winchester Weiler (Ocean Conservancy) supported RE15, highlighting that single-use plastics are the most common items picked up in coastal cleanups.
  • Dave Dober (VolunteerCleanup.org) supported RE15, stating his organization has removed over 1.4 million pounds of trash from Biscayne Bay and noting that Ultra Music Festival has already cut single-use plastics by 91%.
  • Teresa Pinto (Peer Group) supported RE15, citing health impacts of plastics, which have been found in human brain, placenta, and seminal fluids.
  • Amanda DiPerna (Debris Free Oceans) supported RE15, noting that over 4,200 chemicals associated with plastics are harmful to health and the environment.
  • Maddie Kaufman (Debris Free Oceans) supported RE15, pointing to nearly 40 years of precedent from Berkeley to statewide bans, and noting Ultra Music Festival's elimination of 2.6 million single-use plastics.
  • Charles Gibson (grandson of Theodore and Thelma Gibson) supported RE9, thanking the commission.
  • Others spoke in support of FOCO, the Downtown Development Authority appointments, and the Arts and Entertainment Council.

Discussion Items

  • DI5 – Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery: Isabel Perez Marina (CEO, Advocate Program) presented the case for the center, describing a man named Sam who has been arrested 46 times and cycles through homelessness and jail. She detailed the 75-bed facility with an annual operating cost of approximately $10 million. Commission discussion included Commissioner Pardo noting a personal family experience with mental illness; Commissioner King urged compassion without partisanship; Commissioner Gabella emphasized the need for action and urged cooperation with the county. A directive was given to the city manager to prioritize collaboration to open the center.
  • DI3 – Traffic Light Synchronization: Commissioner Rosado requested an update on synchronizing traffic lights in Miami, noting Los Angeles as a model. Mayor Higgins noted that Miami-Dade County has funded a multi-year project to upgrade all signals to smart signals. A directive was given for an update at an April meeting.
  • DI4 – Transition in Cuba Planning: Commissioner Rosado requested an update on city plans for a possible political transition in Cuba. City Manager reported that the police and fire chiefs have updated action plans for mass migration and mass demonstrations, coordinating with federal, state, and local partners.

Key Outcomes

  • Directive on Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery: Commission directed the city manager to intensify collaboration with county and other partners to open the center.
  • RE7 – Recovery of Attorney Fees: Commission voted unanimously (5-0) to move forward with recovering attorney fees from a former commissioner, overruling the earlier deferral. City Attorney noted a prior $63 million judgment against the commissioner and that outside counsel would be required due to conflict of interest.
  • RE15 – Single-Use Plastics Resolution: Adopted unanimously (5-0) to phase out procurement and distribution of single-use plastics and polystyrene in city contracts and events.
  • RE16 – Maurice Ferré Park Separation from Bayfront Trust: Adopted as a withdrawal by a vote of 4-1 (Commissioner Pardo voting no), ending the effort to separate the park from the Bayfront Park Management Trust.
  • FR2 – Repeal of Ordinance Abolishing Bayfront Park Management Trust: Adopted by a vote of 4-1 (Commissioner Pardo voting no), effectively preserving the Bayfront Park Management Trust.
  • RE19: Adopted as amended (CRA-R-26-0010).
  • All other consent and regular agenda items were adopted by voice vote unless otherwise noted.

Boards & Committees Appointments

  • BC1 – Arts and Entertainment Council: Michelle McCoy appointed.
  • BC3 – Bayfront Park Management Trust: Re-appointments of Carlos Martell, Anamatos, Horacio Stuart Aguide.
  • BC4 – Climate Resilience Committee: Irella Bagay and Grant Muser appointed/re-appointed.
  • BC5 – Code Enforcement Board: Re-appointments of John Kunil and Juan Galan; Ulysses Arias appointed.
  • BC6 – Downtown Development Authority: Chris Hodgkins, Jose Bermudez, Curistina Palomo confirmed.
  • BC8 – Finance Committee: Munera Daniel reappointed.
  • BC10 – LGBTQ Advisory Board: Aaron Riffa appointed with a residency waiver.
  • BC12 – Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board: Lynette Cardok and Chris Collins appointed.

Planning & Zoning

  • PZ1 (Second Reading): Amendments to the Winnwood Norte NRD2 zoning district adopted by voice vote.
  • PZ2: Indefinitely deferred.

Ordinances

  • First Reading Ordinances: FR1, FR4 adopted by voice vote. FR2 (Bayfront Trust repeal) adopted 4-1. FR5 adopted as amended (threshold increased to $1.5 million). FR6 indefinitely deferred. FR3 withdrawn.
  • Second Reading Ordinances: SR1–SR5 adopted by voice vote, with SR5 amended to change the deadline for placing items on the agenda.

Meeting Transcript

We can start having a seat. We're gonna get going. Uh, Chairwoman King is not feeling well today, unfortunately. So I'll be filling in her shoes, not to the full extent of her shoes, but I will do my best. Welcome to the City of Miami Commission meeting, March 12, 2026. Procedures for the public comment will be explained by the city attorney shortly. Procedures for the swearing in of parties for planning and zoning and quasi judicial items will be explained by the city attorney. The members of the city commission appearing for this meeting are Rolando Escalona, Ralph Rafael Rosal, Chairwoman Christine King, myself, and the honorable Madam Mayor. The meeting will begin and open with a prayer. And Pastor Kenneth Washington from the Greater Israel Bethel Primitive Baptist Church. Thank you, sir. Shall we pray? Eternal. We thank you for this meeting today. We pray our father that everything may be done decently and in order. And we will be careful to give you all the honor and the praise for it is in your son's name. We do ask it all for his sake. Let everybody say amen. And Commissioner Rosado, if you could lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Yeah. Mr. City Attorney, can you please state the procedures to be followed during the meeting? Yes, Mr. Chair. Thank you. George Weisong City Attorney, City of Miami. Detailed information about the processes, order of business, rules of procedure and scheduling or rescheduling of city commission meetings can be found in chapter 2, Article 2 of the City Code, a copy of which is available online at WW.municode.com. Any person who is a lobbyist pursuant to chapter 2, Article 6 of the City Code must register with the City Clerk and comply with related city requirements for lobbyists before appearing before the city commission. A person may not lobby a city official, board member, or staff member until registering. A copy of the code section about lobbyists is available in the city in the city clerk's office or online at www.municode.com. Any person making a presentation, formal request, or petition to the city commission concerning real property must make the disclosures required by the city code in writing. A copy of the city code sections available at the Office of City Clerk or online at WW.Munico.com. The City of Miami requires that anyone requesting action by the City Commission must disclose before the hearing. Any consideration provided or committed to anyone for agreement to support or withhold objection to the requested action pursuant to City Code Section 2 8. Any documents offered to the city commission that have not been provided seven days before the meeting as part of the agenda materials will be entered into the record at the city commission's discretion. In accordance with section 2 33 F and G of the City Code, the agenda material for each item on the agenda is available during business hours at the city clerk's office and online 24 hours a day at W. MiamiGov.com. The meeting of the Miami City Commission is a limited public forum. Any person may be heard by the City Commission through the chair for not more than two minutes on any proposition before the city commission unless modified by the chair. Public comment will begin at approximately 9.15 a.m. and remain open until public comment is closed by the chairperson. Any person making offensive remarks or who becomes unruly in the commission chambers will be barred from further attending city commission meetings and may be subject to arrest. No clapping, applauding, heckling, or verbal outbursts in support or opposition to a speaker or hit or his or her remarks shall be permitted. No signs or placards shall be allowed in the commission chambers. Persons exiting the commission chambers shall do so quietly. Members of the public wishing to address the body may do so by submitting written comments via the online comment form. Please visit www.miamegov.com forward slash meeting instructions for detailed instructions on how to provide public comment using the online public comment form. The comments submitted through the comment form have been and will be distributed to the elected officials, their staff and city administration throughout the day so that the elected officials may consider the comments prior to taking any action.

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