Miami City Commission Meeting - April 23, 2026

The City of Miami Commission convened on April 23, 2026, for a full-day meeting that included recognitions, extensive public comment, and deliberation on numerous resolutions. Key items included the renewal of the Ultra Music Festival license, allocation of the Public Benefits Trust Fund, and a proposed public safety bond. Several items were deferred or withdrawn.

Recognitions

• April was recognized as Child Abuse Awareness Month. The Commission honored the team (Miami PD, DCF, school system) that rescued a six-year-old child wandering the streets.
• Monty Trainer, a prominent figure in Coconut Grove, was presented with a key to the city.

Procedural Items

• The city attorney and clerk read rules of procedure. The agenda was set after several items were withdrawn or deferred (RE3 to May 14, RE6, RE12, RE13 withdrawn; PZ3 indefinitely deferred; others noted).

Consent Calendar

• CA1–CA5 passed unanimously (CA1 required 4/5 vote).
• PH1–PH7 passed as amended: PH5 amended, PH6 amended per substitution memo dated April 17, 2026, PH7 approved as introduced.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ace Theater (PH7): Speakers supported allocating Miami for Everyone funds to restore the historic theater in Coconut Grove. Denise Wallace (97) and her daughter Dr. Denise Wallace spoke about its cultural significance. Representatives from GRACE and Coconut Grove Ministry Alliance urged approval.
• Public Benefits Trust Fund (RE10): Residents from District 2 (John Dolson, David Porter, Kiana Cherry) supported allocating funds for affordable housing and park improvements in West Grove/Coconut Grove, emphasizing equity. Commissioner King noted District 2 is a donor district but has needs. Some critics questioned past spending.
• Public Safety Bond (RE17): Multiple police and fire union representatives (Glena Perez, Walter Lewis, Alexander Cadness, etc.) described deplorable working conditions (mold, leaking roofs, broken bathrooms) and urged approval. Several residents (Elvis Cruz, Christopher Lunding, Thomas Kennedy) opposed, citing lack of detail, need for audit of existing funds ($400M Forever Bond), and high cost ($450M). The item was later deferred.
• Election Changes (RE5/RE18): Speakers supported moving to even-year elections (citing Coral Gables vote) and smaller districts. Mel Meinhart urged deferral, arguing RE18 conditioned reform on extending terms. Stronger Miami petition with 21,000 signatures referenced.
• Ultra Music Festival (RE8): Residents from downtown (Kristen Browdy, Jans Kopach, James Torres, Laura Okamura, Adam Cervera) requested deferral for genuine community input and noise mitigation, citing a lawsuit filed the previous day. Supporters (Paul Campbell, Charlie Ratner, Kelly Angel, Dave Dobler, Fernando Wiener, etc.) emphasized economic impact, global brand, job creation, and sustainability achievements (500,000+ pounds waste diverted).
• Street Naming (RE7): Elvis Cruz and Maria Gonzalez opposed naming NE 14th Terrace after former commissioner Angel Gonzalez, citing his criminal record (voter fraud, corruption). A later speaker defended his legacy. The item passed on consent.
• Traffic Management Presentation: Josioffer Diaz (Miami-Dade Transportation) presented the Advanced Traffic Management System (upgrading 3,000+ traffic signals) and Vision Zero ($44M program). Full synchronization for Miami expected by 2029. Commissioners asked about AI capabilities and specific corridors.
• Riverwalk & Parks (RE11, RE10): Miami River Commission chairman supported funding for riverwalk completion and Flagler worker's cottage restoration.
• Developer Agreement (RE16): Juan Carlos Planas and Rob Piper alleged that the final executed agreement differed from the commission-approved version and urged investigation or cancellation.
• Street Improvements (FR2): Builders Association and residents requested deferral, arguing the formula lacked legal justification and fairness.
• Affordable Housing: Chaplain Stanley Young urged attention to homelessness and shelter needs.

Discussion Items

• RE8 (Ultra Music Festival): Commissioner Pardo detailed extensive outreach (town halls, surveys, building manager meetings). Ultra agreed to restructure the license as four five-year terms with a 45-day commission review window before each renewal, additional low-frequency sound limit (97 dB with 1 dB margin), 28-day park restoration (down from 38), perimeter fencing, two annual community meetings, ban on using Maurice Ferre parking lot, and a dog park area. Approved as amended (unanimous).
• RE10 (Public Benefits Trust Fund): Heated debate on distribution. Commissioner Gabella expressed frustration with the ad-hoc process and demanded an equitable formula going forward. The commission approved a distribution of $13 million to District 3 (Pardo), $3 million to District 4 (Escalona), $1.5 million to District 5 (Rosato), and $1.5 million to District 1 (Gabella). A separate resolution for the D1 and D5 shares also passed. District 2 was not included. The City Manager was directed to develop a transparent method and identify all discretionary funds.
• RE11 (Pump Station): Approved for Edgewater flooding relief (unanimous).
• RE14 (Allocation): Amended to $3 million and passed (unanimous).
• RE16 (Developer Agreement): Commissioner Gabella raised concerns that the final agreement differed from the commission's 2020 vote. He requested the Inspector General investigate. The item passed with that directive.
• FR2 (Street Improvements Threshold): Commissioners debated fairness for property owners. Proposed to remove homestead exemption from the ordinance. Deferred to June 11, 2026, for staff analysis and legal review.
• RE17 (Public Safety Bond): Deferred to May 14, 2026, at Mayor Higgins’ request.
• RE5/RE18 (Election Changes): Deferred to May 14, 2026, for consolidation and to allow the city attorney to present options on terms.

Key Outcomes

• RE8 Approved: Ultra Music Festival license renewed as amended (unanimous).
• RE10 and associated resolution approved: $13M (D3), $3M (D4), $1.5M (D5), $1.5M (D1) from Public Benefits Trust Fund.
• RE17 Deferred: Bond referendum postponed to May 14.
• RE5/RE18 Deferred: Election charter amendments postponed to May 14.
• FR2 Deferred: Street improvement ordinance postponed to June 11.
• FR1 and FR3 approved (Human Services Department creation, Flagler district sidewalk cafes) on first reading.
• PZ items: PZ1, PZ2, PZ4 approved as amended; PZ3 indefinitely deferred.
• Pocket item: Fireworks display waiver for Inter Miami CF games approved (unanimous).
• Boards/Committees: DC1 appointments approved; AC2 denied (union failed to provide required six candidate names); BC3 appointment approved.
• Investigation: Inspector General requested to examine changes in RE16 developer agreement.
• Staff Direction: City Manager to develop equitable distribution formula for impact/fee funds and identify all discretionary fund balances.

Additional Business

• The meeting recessed at noon for Omni and SE Overtown/Park West CRA meetings, then reconvened. An attorney-client session on pending litigation (Joe Carroyo v. City of Miami) was held from approximately 3:10 PM to 4:10 PM.
• The meeting concluded after approving the pocket item and adjourning.