Miami City Commission Meeting – April 9, 2026

The Miami City Commission convened on April 9, 2026, at approximately 9:45 AM EDT (13:45 UTC) after technical delays. The meeting began with a Fit City Challenge recognition for staff, an invocation by Pastor Garth Dotton, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The commission addressed a full agenda including consent calendar items, public hearings, zoning amendments, and a contentious debate over the allocation of the Public Benefits Trust Fund. Several items were deferred to the April 23, 2026 meeting, including major funding requests for affordable housing and teacher housing.

Consent Calendar

• CA1–CA5 approved unanimously, with CA3 amended per a substitution memo dated April 8, 2026.
• PH1–PH14 approved as a block, with PH3 amended (reducing the amount from $162,896.61 to $162,000) and PH13 corrected for a typo on the map.
• RE1–RE3, RE5–RE7, RE9–RE10, RE12, RE14–RE16 approved in a block. RE4 was previously deferred to April 23, and RE11 was deferred to April 23 contingent on SR4.
• SR2, SR3, SR5 (second reading) and SR4 (reverted to first reading) approved as a block.
• FR1–FR7 (first reading) approved, with FR1 amended to change the quorum to a majority of board members.
• EC1, EC3 appointments approved. PI1 (code enforcement board appointment of Moshi Malka) approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Julius Adias (resident) spoke in strong support of the Ludlam Trail development (RE13), highlighting the need for affordable teacher housing near major corridors.
• Larissa Stewart Aguirre (chair, Miami River Commission) supported the Allapattah CRA, cleanup of Wagner Seabolt Creek, funding for Fort Dallas Park, and the creation of the Willie Gortway.
• Chaplain Stanley Young (resident) urged continued focus on housing for the homeless and formerly incarcerated, and requested a meeting with the mayor and city manager.
• Elvis Cruz (resident) opposed PZ1, arguing the city already has excessive zoning density and lacks infrastructure, and asked to exclude historic districts and NCDs.
• Terrell Fritz (Flagler BID director, resident) supported the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), noting that homesteaded residents contribute under 9% of the DDA budget and that the DDA is the only mechanism to address downtown as a whole.
• Henrietta Schwartz (resident) supported RE8 (park improvements and affordable housing in District 2) and opposed PZ1, asking for NCDs to be excluded. She criticized the lack of community input on PZ1.
• Debbie Dolson (resident) supported RE8 for affordable housing in West Grove and park improvements, and opposed PZ1 for NCDs.
• Andy (resident) supported RE8, opposed PZ1, and advocated for a nine-district commission to improve neighborhood representation.
• John Dolson (resident) supported RE8, opposed PZ1, and echoed the call for nine districts.
• Reynold Martin (president, Grove Rights and Community Equity) supported RE8 and opposed PZ1, asking for NCD protection.
• Kyle Hazelwood (downtown resident) supported the DDA (DI4) and RE8 for park and affordable housing investments.
• Ailette Rodriguez Diaz (Miami-Dade County Public Schools) supported RE13 for affordable workforce housing for teachers, with on-site educational space.
• Marlene Irvin (resident) supported RE8 and opposed PZ1 unless NCDs are excluded and affordable housing is required.
• State Representative Alex Rizzo supported RE13, urging quick action on teacher housing.
• Antonio Devine (resident) supported RE13 but expressed traffic concerns near the proposed site (425 units).
• Carolyn Donaldson (vice chair, GRACE) supported RE8 and opposed PZ1 without NCD protections.
• Janine Pickens (Overtown resident, small business owner) requested a small business microgrant pilot program for Overtown.
• Paris Wallace (resident) supported RE8 and opposed PZ1, calling for a master plan.
• Joseph Solzberg (attorney, resident) shared his family's history with the DDA and urged continued support.
• Liliana Coyaso (attorney) read a letter from School Board Member Joseph S. Geller supporting the DDA and its role in expanding Southside Preparatory Academy and teacher housing.
• Camilo Mejia (Catalyst Miami) supported DI1 (GSA site) and RE13, emphasizing community participation.
• Mules Cleckley (CEO, The Underline) supported RE13 for teacher housing and connectivity.
• Angela Romusco (legislative aide to County Commissioner) supported RE13.
• Geneva Claus (PACT) supported RE13 but urged that AMI calculations reflect actual teacher salaries and that workforce housing be truly affordable.
• Andre Barnes (Miami Police Athletic League) thanked the commission for support and noted CDBG funds for youth programs.
• Robert Crapsy (resident) opposed PZ1, citing a previous loophole that allowed a 123-foot tower near his home, and argued that the amendment bypassed public scrutiny.
• Kathy O Santos (Transit Alliance Miami) supported RE13 for teacher housing and Ludlam Trail, highlighting transit connections.
• Melody Torrance (resident, PACT member) supported RE13, sharing that her son, a teacher, had to leave Miami due to high housing costs.
• Jose Sagarabe (resident) supported RE13, noting the positive impact on the area and teachers.
• Jamila Stevens (Coconut Grove Homeowners and Tennis Association) supported RE8 and opposed PZ1 unless NCDs are removed.
• Chris Rubb (Dade Heritage Trust) supported the DDA and RE8, and advocated for preserving naturally occurring affordable housing.
• Alisa Margulis (resident) opposed PZ1 for NCDs, supported RE8, and thanked Commissioner Rosado for RE12 (senior benefits).
• Maria Marchieva (LADD Miami) supported the DDA for arts programs.
• Jeff Taylor (resident) supported RE8 and asked to exclude NCDs from PZ1.
• Mark Burns (Coconut Grove BID) read a statement from Monty Trainer supporting RE8.
• Monica Baelisan (resident) presented a petition opposing PZ1 in Coconut Grove.
• Melissa Tapinez (DDA board member) highlighted the DDA's role as developer of the downtown DRI and its remaining credits.
• Cliff Losh (South Bay Shore Condo Association) supported RE8 and opposed PZ1, arguing it does not provide affordable housing.
• James Torres (Downtown Neighbors Alliance) criticized the DDA for lack of transparency and accountability, alleging retaliation and high staff salaries.
• Julio Robina (former mayor, former state rep) supported RE13 and reminded the commission about the December 31, 2026 deadline for condo structural integrity reports.
• Billy Corbin (resident) criticized the city for spending on outside counsel and losing lawsuits, and thanked Chair King for allowing public to say commissioner names.
• Christian Melina (resident) read a letter from former County Commissioner Rebecca Sosa supporting RE13.

Discussion Items

• DI1 – GSA Site Unsolicited Proposals: Commissioner Gabella reported that the city received three unsolicited proposals, none meeting the city's needs. The administration is drafting an RFP to solicit competitive bids for redevelopment of the GSA site, including new facilities for motor pool, solid waste, parks, and affordable housing (1,000–2,500 units). The commission agreed to proceed with the RFP.
• DI2 – 2025 Finance Committee Report: Finance Director Muni Radanial presented the annual report, noting the committee reviewed the Motorola lease-purchase agreement and compliance with investment policies. No questions.
• DI3 – Fast Cleaning Solutions for Miami River Commission: Brett Babo (Managing Director, Miami River Commission) presented a proposal to deploy nine bacterial management water cleaning machines and three water quality testing devices in Wagner Creek at a cost of $360,000 for one year. Test results showed an 82% reduction in E. coli and 76% reduction in enterococci bacteria during a one-year free trial. The city manager agreed to meet with the company to explore funding.
• DI4 – Downtown Development Authority (DDA): Commissioner Escalona requested answers to questions about the DDA. Executive Director Christina Crespi provided responses via Zoom. Commissioner Rosado noted a previous meeting cancellation and a sunshine meeting that went forward despite his unavailability. Crespi invited commissioners to the next DDA board meeting and to neighborhood walks. The item was informational.
• DI5 – Permitting Improvements: Commissioner Rosado proposed three initiatives: (1) monthly virtual permitting Q&A sessions with the city manager and department heads, (2) creation of a permitting ombudsman with a dedicated phone and email, and (3) a dedicated person for affordable housing permits. Mayor Higgins cautioned against taking staff away from work, noting recent improvements in the permitting system and the upcoming Oracle system. She suggested letting the administration continue its work for six months before reassessing.

Key Outcomes

• RE8 (Public Benefits Trust Fund – District 2): Commissioner Pardo's request for $15 million for affordable housing and park improvements was deferred to April 23, 2026, after a lengthy debate over equitable distribution of the fund. The commission directed the city manager to propose legislation for a more equitable allocation formula. Vote: 3–2 (Commissioners King, Gabella, Escalona voted to defer; Rosado and Pardo voted no).
• RE13 (Public Benefits Trust Fund – Teacher Housing and Ludlam Trail): Commissioner Rosado's request for $4.8 million for teacher housing and Ludlam Trail development was deferred to April 23, 2026, contingent on a workshop to educate commissioners on all available city funds. Vote: unanimous.
• PZ1 (Transfer of Development Density Program): Approved as amended to exclude Neighborhood Conservation Districts (NCDs). The ordinance modifies the affordable and attainable mixed-income transfer of development density program. Vote: unanimous (as part of the consent block after amendment).
• SR1 withdrawn. RE4 and BC2 deferred to April 23. RE11 deferred to April 23.
• PI2 (Fireworks waiver for Mandarin Hotel implosion) approved unanimously.
• The commission recessed for the Southeast Overtown Park West CRA and Virginia Key Beach Trust meetings, resumed for discussion items, and adjourned after the pocket item.