Miami City Commission Meeting – September 24, 2026

The Miami City Commission met on September 24, 2026, beginning at approximately 9:35 a.m. and concluding after a lunch recess and attorney-client session. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including a proclamation recognizing September as Hunger Action Month, public comments on the proposed Allapattah CRA and the Silver Court Trailer Park relocation, approval of several resolutions, discussion on parks maintenance, a pilot program for speed bumps, an update from the Inspector General, the impact of proposed Amendment 3 on city finances, a new master joint use agreement with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the Downtown Development Authority police contract, and a dispute over the process for recognizing former Police Chief Manny Morales.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously, with Commissioner King requesting and receiving a bifurcation of item CA8, which also passed unanimously. Agendas included routine approvals and unanimous actions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Feeding South Florida Recognition: Commissioner Rosado and Mayor Higgins honored Feeding South Florida for its work during Hunger Action Month. The organization reported serving over 1.7 million individuals annually, including 553,000 in Miami-Dade County.
• Allapattah CRA Support: Numerous speakers, including Stephanie Olgeen, Elvis Cruz, Miriam Urra, Shirley Fuentes, and others, expressed strong support for the Allapattah CRA, arguing that the community needs investment in infrastructure, affordable housing, and public spaces. Several speakers noted that the county has not acted in a timely manner on the city's November 2025 request for delegation of power.
• Silver Court Trailer Park: Multiple residents of Silver Court Trailer Park, including Norma Raquel Sadix, Jennifer Perez, and others, pleaded for an increase in the SHIP program's $10,000 relocation assistance limit. They cited emotional and financial strain, health impacts, and the approaching September 30 eviction deadline. Commissioner Rosado pledged to work with them and noted that nearly 90% of residents have already accepted some relocation assistance.
• Parks and Micromobility: Alan Kasparis spoke about the loss of green space in Brickell, including Southside Park and Morris Brickell Park being used for luxury condo sales. Vanessa Conde supported RE5 (Margaret Pace Park) and FR2 (micromobility regulations), citing safety concerns with scooters on sidewalks. Elvis Cruz requested amendments to the covenant for Maimo Bay Apartments, including free parking and legal standing for neighbors.
• Other: Father Menendez spoke in favor of the CRA and a cultural center. James Torres demanded accountability regarding the city's treatment of the Downtown Neighbors Alliance. Several speakers supported or opposed various items.

Discussion Items

• D3 – Investment in Parks: Commissioner Pardo raised concerns about deferred maintenance and staffing shortages in city parks. The City Manager noted a review process for staffing and confirmed that over $3 million has been allocated for HVAC improvements in parks citywide. The OCI director agreed to include parks in ongoing facility assessments.
• D4 – Master Joint Use Agreement with Schools: Commissioner Rosado reported that the agreement with Miami-Dade County Public Schools is finalized and awaiting execution. The Parks Department has already identified 15 school sites for after-hours community use. The agreement will provide access to over 50 school fields at no cost to the city.
• D5 – Impact of Amendment 3: Budget Director Mo Vie presented an analysis showing that Amendment 3, if passed, would reduce the city's taxable value by $3.8 billion in the first year, resulting in a revenue loss of about $25 million (at 95% collection). The second year loss would be approximately $18.5 million. The amendment restricts expenditures to public safety, education, infrastructure, natural resources, local bonds, employee retirement, and government operations, potentially forcing the city to raise fees or cut services such as solid waste. Commissioner Gabella noted that solid waste fees might triple if the amendment passes.
• D6 – DDA Police Contract: Commissioner Pardo discussed the Downtown Development Authority's $2 million police contract, noting that $600,000 went unspent and that a federal grant for foot and bike patrols was underutilized. He praised new police leadership for improvements and announced that a revised contract will be presented to the DDA board in October after meetings with all commissioners.
• D7 – Proclamations and Recognition: Commissioner King requested that the city recognize former Police Chief Manny Morales for his 33 years of service with a key to the city and a proclamation. Mayor Higgins objected, citing concerns that the key to the city should not go to employees and that Chief Morales may be planning to run against Commissioner Rosado. Commissioner King argued that the mayor does not have sole authority over proclamations. The city attorney cited charter language giving the mayor ceremonial roles but also noted a code amendment allowing any commissioner to be a signatory. Commissioner Gabella expressed reluctance due to a personal incident involving a leaked police report about a family member. Commissioner King insisted on recognition at the next commission meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Allapattah CRA Funding (RE4): Passed unanimously with an amendment reducing initial funding from $8 million to $3.5 million, subject to available surplus funds and repayment from future CRA revenues. The city will also seek $3.5 million for District 5 (Liberty City) upon direction from Commissioner King.
• Traffic Control Unit (RE6): Passed unanimously. The city will establish a dedicated traffic control unit, with the police chief working with commissioners on intersection priorities.
• Farmers' Markets in Parks (FR1): Passed unanimously. Establishes a park use approval process for farmers' markets, building on a successful pilot at Margaret Pace Park.
• Micromobility Regulations (FR2): Passed unanimously on first reading. Prohibits operation of electric bikes and scooters on sidewalks, sets a minimum age of 16, requires helmets for children, and includes a $100 civil citation. An educational campaign will precede enforcement. The city will work with the county to include scooters in the civil citation program for juveniles.
• Inspector General Update: Inspector General Antonio Diaz reported that the office has 11 of 25 staff, developed standard operating procedures, and is handling 19 matters. The funding mechanism (Inspector General contract fee) is being implemented. Commissioner Pardo reiterated the commitment to double the initial $2 million budget to $4 million.
• Speed Bump Pilot Program (Discussion Item): The Department of Resilience and Public Works will launch a pilot program using a more cost-effective speed bump design, using city forces for installation. The program will follow all traffic study requirements.
• PZ3 and PZ4 (Maimo Bay Apartments zoning): Deferred to the October 8 meeting after Commissioner King requested additional enforcement provisions for the covenant, including higher penalties.
• Proclamation for Chief Morales: The issue remains unresolved. Commissioner King intends to proceed with a proclamation and key to the city at the next meeting, despite the mayor's opposition. The city attorney will research the legal authority.
• Silver Court Trailer Park: The SHIP program amendment (PH1) was approved as submitted, providing up to $10,000 per household for relocation. Commissioner Rosado will seek additional funding from the property owner, but resident attorneys asked to cancel a scheduled meeting. The administration will report back after state approval of the SHIP plan.