Miami-Dade Housing Committee Meeting – March 10, 2026

The Housing Committee of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners met on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 12:30 PM in Commission Chambers. Chairwoman Marleine Bastien presided. The committee considered eight items, including an ordinance to require public meetings for housing projects, funding awards for affordable housing, extensions for infill housing developments, and a contract for Section 8 voucher services. Public testimony was heard on two items. Key actions included forwarding several resolutions to the full board, deferring one ordinance for further amendment, and correcting a scrivener’s error on a previously approved item.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2A–2D: Unanimously forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) with favorable recommendations (4–0). These authorizations provide amended deeds and extensions for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami, BAC Funding Corporation, and Soaring to Achieve Results Systematically Development Center / Prometropolis Housing Development to construct and sell single-family homes through the Infill Housing Program.
• Item 3A: Forwarded 4–0, authorizing a fourth commitment extension of $5,780,000 in Documentary Stamp Surtax funds to New Urban Development, LLC for the View 29 development.
• Item 6A: Approved 4–0, approving the Clerk’s summary of minutes for the December 9, 2025 and February 3, 2026 Housing Committee meetings.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Item 1G1 (Ordinance requiring public meetings for housing projects):
  • Erica Scott (Miami Homes for All/Greater Miami Housing Alliance) expressed support and suggested requiring a minimum of three community meetings, adequate advertising, accessible scheduling with hybrid options, and inclusion of affordable unit counts in community benefits statements.
  • Reverend Shirlene Stevens (Ebenezer United Methodist Church) supported the ordinance, citing unmet promises to Liberty Square residents and the need for accountable public participation.
  • Geneva Claus (PACT) supported the item, emphasizing a minimum of three meetings, developer-paid advertising costs, evening and hybrid options, and accountability.
  • Khalila Abdullah (PACT) echoed support for three meetings, one hybrid, clear posting, and developer-covered costs.
  • Bianca Montenegro supported the item, calling for a minimum of three meetings, hybrid options, clear accountability, and developer funding.
  • Philippe Cardella (PACT) supported the item, reiterating the need for accessible meetings, county website notice, and developer payment.
  • Arlette Adams (Annie Coleman 14 Resident Council) supported the item and stressed oversight and accountability for promised benefits.
  • Several additional supporters were recognized without speaking.
• On Item 3B (Section 8 Housing Voucher Services contract):
  • Katie Gore (President, Quadel Consulting) spoke in support, sharing her personal experience with homelessness and emphasizing her company’s commitment to efficient program administration.
  • Renita Holmes (Waiver Women in Public Housing) spoke generally about economic opportunity for women in public housing, Section 3 compliance, and the need for monitoring and protection of women in the industry.

Discussion Items

• Item 1G1 – Ordinance Requiring Public Meetings for Housing Projects (Deferred): Commissioner Lopez pulled the item to propose amendments based on public testimony. She advocated for a minimum of three meetings, virtual options, phased over the project lifecycle (including before the RFP), and with costs borne by the developer. Commissioner Regalado shared her experience incorporating similar meetings into RFPs, noting that HUD already requires meetings for certain developments. Nathan Kogan (Housing and Community Development) advised caution about “unsolicited” applications and potential NIMBY backlash, but supported the concept. After discussion, the committee attempted to amend via consensus, but the prime sponsor (Sen. Rene Garcia) was not present and his staff did not accept the amendment. The item was deferred 4–0 to the next committee meeting; Commissioner Bermudez requested a cost estimate for the meetings before final action.
• Item 2E – Correction to Gallery at SOMI Parc Resolution: Commissioner Regalado requested reconsideration of consent item 2E (which had already been forwarded) to correct a scrivener’s error. The sentence on page five incorrectly stated “25%” and was changed to “20%”. The committee voted to reconsider, then approved the item as amended (4–0).
• Item 3B – Section 8 Voucher Services Contract: Commissioner Lopez raised concerns that some elderly residents in project-based Section 8 buildings must travel downtown to renew vouchers while others can renew on site. She asked for a mandate requiring on-site renewal in such buildings. Nathan Kogan explained that the issue is with property management, not the Section 8 contractor, and that the county is bringing the project-based voucher component in-house. Commissioner Regalado suggested a policy threshold (e.g., 10 vouchers) to require on-site renewal, noting potential burdens on small landlords. The committee directed staff to inventory project-based locations and report back on a feasible solution. The item was then forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation (4–0).

Key Outcomes

• Item 1G1: Deferred 4–0 to the next committee meeting. Staff was directed to provide a cost analysis of required public meetings, and the sponsor (Sen. Garcia) will work with committee members and staff on amendments.
• Item 1G2: Forwarded 4–0, authorizing up to $81,396,700 in Documentary Stamp Surtax/SHIP funds, $715,000 in HOME CHDO funds, and $50,000 in HOME CHDO Operating funds for FY 2025 RFA awards.
• Item 1G3: Forwarded 4–0, approving the FY 2025-26 Public Housing Capital Fund Program Plan for submission to HUD.
• Item 2E: Corrected and readopted 4–0, changing a percentage from 25% to 20%.
• Item 3A (View 29 extension): Forwarded 4–0.
• Item 3B (Quadel Contract): Forwarded 4–0, with staff directed to inventory project-based Section 8 voucher renewal practices and report back to the committee.
• Legislative Request: Commissioner Lopez announced she will submit a legislative request to codify on-site renewal requirements for project-based Section 8 vouchers, based on committee discussion.
• Items Advanced to BCC: The committee voted to advance Items 1G2, 1G3, 3A, 3B, and 2E to the next BCC meeting. Item 1G1 (deferred) was not included.