Miami-Dade Intergovernmental and Economic Impact Committee Meeting - February 4, 2026

The Intergovernmental and Economic Impact Committee, chaired by Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis (District 6), met on February 4, 2026, at 10:30 AM in Commission Chambers. The committee considered a range of items including a FIFA World Cup economic impact update, University of Miami lease amendments, a South Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) designation, and a resolution to fund the Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery. The mental health center item was deferred to the next committee meeting after extensive debate over funding sustainability.

Consent Calendar

• Item 2B (Resolution 252452): Appointments to the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust Board of Trustees – forwarded to the BCC with a favorable recommendation (5-0).
• Item 2C–2I (Resolutions 260133–260139): Lease amendments with the University of Miami for county-owned properties, extending terms to 2134 – forwarded to the February 18, 2026 BCC meeting (5-0).
• Item 3B (Resolution 260085): Additional expenditure authority for cloud solutions contract – forwarded with favorable recommendation (5-0).
• Item 3C (Resolution 260093): Change order for the Integrated Command and Communications Center (IC3) – amended to remove reservation of rights and reduce total to $37,450,743.53, then forwarded to the February 18 BCC meeting.
• Item 3D (Resolution 260067): Non-competitive purchase for security guard services – forwarded with favorable recommendation (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Judge Steve Leifman urged support for the mental health center, stating that Miami-Dade spends $414 million annually to warehouse about 3,000 people with mental illness in jail, and the center would be the first-of-its-kind solution in the U.S. He emphasized that the project is funded by ARPA and opioid settlement dollars, not county general funds.
• Former Commissioner Sally Heyman echoed support, calling the center a proven entity that saves lives and money.
• Paul Singerman (Chair, Miami Foundation for Mental Health) stated the foundation is ready to raise operational funds for the center once opened.
• Geneva Claus (PACT member) shared personal experience helping a friend with schizophrenia cycle through jail and homelessness, and asked the committee to support the center.
• Dr. David Newman (PACT) claimed the center would save over $32 million annually and criticized the county for spending $7.2 million per year maintaining the empty building.
• Philip Cardella (PACT) urged continuation of the county’s legacy on mental health.
• Bernard Clark (educator) called the center a “no-brainer” for community safety.
• Commander Eldis Diaz (Miami Police Department) explained that police spend thousands of labor hours responding to the same individuals with mental health issues, and the center would provide a better long-term solution.
• Rachel Prestepino shared a personal need for such a facility after a friend’s suicide attempt.
• Ella Fi (social worker) described the lack of effective diversion programs and wraparound care, stating the center is needed to save money, decrease crime, and support residents.
• Mary Barry (PACT) asked for a favorable vote.
• Stephen Dutton read a letter from a constituent and urged support for the center.

Discussion Items

• Item 1F2 – FIFA 2026 Economic Impact Update: Alina Hudak (President & CEO, Miami Host Committee) presented. She reported that of the $21 million in county funding, $3.8 million has been spent on the FAM Festival, volunteer program, transportation, and marketing. The host committee has secured a partnership with Royal Caribbean and is negotiating four more. Transportation and public safety plans are being developed with county departments. Commissioner Cohen Higgins requested that activations be spread countywide. The item was presented with no vote.
• Item 2C – University of Miami Lease Amendment: Senator Garcia questioned the community benefits of the lease extension. Carlos Migoya (CEO, Jackson Health) and a UM representative affirmed that the partnership ensures quality care for all residents, including the uninsured and underinsured. The item was forwarded to the BCC.
• Item 2J – South Miami CRA Designation: Commissioner Cohen Higgins asked about the composition of the CRA board. Mayor Javier Fernandez (South Miami) clarified it would follow the standard administrative order with municipal elected officials and a county representative. Commissioner Regalado noted the CRA is narrowly focused on infrastructure, has a 1.5% administrative cost cap (after year five), and is modeled after the Midtown CRA. The item was forwarded to the BCC (5-0).

Key Outcomes

• Item 2A (Resolution 252453): Investment policy amendment – deferred to March 11, 2026 (5-0).
• Item 3A (Resolution 250513 substitute) – Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery: Deferred to the next committee meeting. The substitute resolution reduced the proposed contract term to two years as a pilot program, funded by opioid settlement dollars and other sources. Commissioners expressed concern over the lack of written funding commitments from the City of Miami and Miami Beach for years 3–4, the absence of articulated savings from the corrections department, and the need for a sustainable funding plan. Commissioner Cohen Higgins noted that corrections officials stated removing 75 individuals would not yield direct savings. Commissioner Lopez cited upcoming property tax reform as a risk to future funding. Judge Leifman and Director Burgos offered to provide additional data and briefings. The committee instructed the administration to return with more detailed financial information, including Medicaid billing potential and other cost offsets.
• Item 1F1 (Discussion on state bills): Deferred to the next committee.
• All other items (2B, 2C–2I, 3B, 3C, 3D): Forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners with favorable recommendations.