Miami-Dade Policy Council Meeting - December 8, 2025

On December 8, 2025, the Miami-Dade Policy Council convened with Chairman Anthony Rodriguez presiding. Commissioners present included Marleine Bastien, Danielle Cohen Higgins, Sen. René García, and Natalie Milian Orbis. The council addressed several ordinances and resolutions, including a contentious discussion on truck parking regulations, and forwarded or approved all items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Samantha Garcia (representing Luis Prieto of Coastline Trucking) expressed support for the CDMP amendment (Item 2A), stating that small businesses like theirs have suffered citations due to inability to meet the 10-acre minimum for truck parking. She requested flexibility to obtain proper permits.
• A representative of small businesses (unspecified name) argued that the measure does not seek to expand industrial areas but rather to allow existing small businesses to comply with regulations without undue burden. They urged support, framing it as a bridge between regulation and real life.
• A speaker at 1745 West Okeechobee Road (small business owner) described a nearly five-year effort to reduce the minimum acreage requirement from 10 acres, noting that large corporations can operate freely on the same land they own. They argued that the technical requirement disadvantages community-based businesses.
• Nicholas Rodriguez (attorney for 12351 Holdings and Ace Truck Parking, representing owners of over 144 acres in the Northwest Truck Parking Area) opposed the resolution. He stated that his clients invested tens of millions based on the current regulatory framework (established in 2020) and that this is the second or third time small operators are asking for a subsidized path to legalization, undermining the existing policy. He requested the item be laid on the table indefinitely.
• William Coro expressed opposition, arguing that the resolution would allow big companies to continue dominating and that small businesses have been denied opportunity.

Discussion Items

• Item 2A: Resolution directing CDMP amendment for commercial vehicle storage flexibility (Prime Sponsor: Sen. René García). Sen. García offered an amendment that: (1) adds a requirement for the CDMP application to include authorization for additional commercial vehicle storage within a half mile of Chrome Avenue between Kendall Drive and SW 184th Street; (2) directs evaluation of all vacant county-owned properties for suitability; (3) ceases enforcement for one year against property owners for violations that would be legalized by the CDMP application, including seeking a stay of civil actions for penalties or liens. The amendment was moved and seconded. During debate, Commissioner Cohen Higgins expressed confusion about what flexibility the item actually provides if it does not reduce the 10-acre minimum. The County Planning Director confirmed the item does not reduce the 10-acre requirement, but rather asks the administration to study and recommend flexibility (e.g., allowing separate parcels under one LLC to count toward the acreage). Commissioner Bastien voiced concerns about truck parking issues in her district but felt reassured that the item would return for full board review. The item passed as amended unanimously.

• Item 1G1: Ordinance creating the Dr. Antonio Jorge Social and Economic Development Council and Trust Fund. Public hearing held with no speakers. Passed unanimously (5-0).

• Item 1G2: Ordinance revising attendance requirements for advisory boards. Withdrawn unanimously (5-0) with supplements also withdrawn.

• Item 1G3: Ordinance requiring the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to implement annual Washington D.C. fly-ins. Public hearing, passed unanimously (5-0) after a scrivener's error correction.

• Item 1G4: Ordinance establishing Youth Engagement Program internship. Public hearing, passed unanimously (5-0).

• Item 2B: Resolution requiring printed budget books for commissioners within 30 days of adoption. Passed unanimously (5-0).

• Item 2C: Resolution authorizing extension of crosswalk provisions with constitutional offices and collective bargaining agents. Passed unanimously (5-0).

• Item 6A: Approval of Clerk’s summary of minutes for October 16, 2025 Policy Council meeting. Approved unanimously (5-0).

Key Outcomes

• Item 2A was passed as amended (5-0), directing the County Mayor to file a CDMP application for truck parking flexibility and to evaluate county-owned properties. Enforcement of certain CDMP and code violations is suspended for one year.
• All other items (1G1, 1G3, 1G4, 2B, 2C, 6A) were approved unanimously (5-0). Item 1G2 was withdrawn.
• Sen. García committed to holding a sunshine meeting to discuss details before the final CDMP application comes to the full Board.