Miami-Dade Housing Committee Meeting - July 14, 2026

The Miami-Dade Housing Committee met on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 12:30 PM in Commission Chambers, chaired by Commissioner Marleine Bastien. The committee considered several items including a controversial affordable housing development on Metrorail right-of-way, budget presentations from three departments, and routine approvals. The meeting included a moment of silence for victims of the Venezuela earthquake.

Consent Calendar

• The committee approved the agenda (with corrections) and the remainder of the consent calendar unanimously (5-0), including the approval of Clerk's minutes for April 14, May 12, and June 9, 2026.
• Item 2A (Resolution authorizing receipt and expenditure of $62,512,577 in HUD Continuum of Care funds) was forwarded to the full Board of County Commissioners with a favorable recommendation as corrected.
• Item 2B (Resolution approving bifurcation of the Jackson Medical Towers Redevelopment Lease Agreement with estimated cumulative rental revenue of $534,923,191) was forwarded with a favorable recommendation (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

• Item 3A (Resolution for development agreement with Pine Development, LLC on Metrorail right-of-way): This item sparked extensive debate. The proposed development would lease county-owned property for 99 years, with projected revenue of approximately $21 million in development fees and rental income, to build 36 workforce housing units at 120% Area Median Income (AMI). Commissioners raised multiple concerns:
  • Commissioner Regalado noted that the City of Hialeah has long-standing plans for a "High Line" project on the same property, and the current development agreement includes no contribution to that project. She questioned the lack of community benefits and the price point ($163,440 for a family of four at 120% AMI), calling it "not compelling" and "offensive" given that this is a transit asset being given away for free.
  • Commissioner Bermudez stated that the new Hialeah Mayor, Brian Calvo, had not been contacted by the county administration, despite previous discussions with the prior administration. He requested a courtesy meeting with the new mayor before moving forward.
  • Commissioner Lopez argued that the county's definition of "affordable" (60-140% AMI) is misleading and disserves residents, as most essential workers cannot afford units at 120% AMI. She supported the deferral.
  • Chair Bastien noted that she has sponsored legislation to reassess the AMI definitions, calling the current system a "disconnect." She also expressed frustration that teachers and police officers cannot afford to live in the county.
  • Deputy Director Clarence Brown (Housing) clarified that the property is not a HUD-funded project and that the developer could potentially seek surtax funding, which is not HUD funding. Director Stacey Miller (Transportation) acknowledged the need to speak with the new Hialeah administration.
• The committee voted unanimously to defer the item to the October 14, 2026 meeting to allow time for discussions with the City of Hialeah, a review of community benefits, and potential reevaluation of the project's affordability.

Key Outcomes

• Item 3A was deferred to October 14, 2026 (5-0).
• Items 2A and 2B were forwarded to the full Board of County Commissioners for the July 21, 2026 meeting.
• The committee heard budget presentations from three departments:
  • Community Services Department (Director Kathy Virgos): Highlighted a continuum of care for families, older adults, and vulnerable populations. Key issues include funding reductions, aging infrastructure, and need for technology modernization. The department earned a five-year reaccreditation.
  • Department of Public Housing and Community Development (Deputy Director Clarence Brown): Reported over 15,000 housing units in the pipeline, third in the nation for RAD redevelopment, 2,200 beneficiaries from the condo special assessment program (nearly $60 million distributed). Key issues include potential Section 8 funding shortfall, end of emergency housing vouchers affecting 37 individuals, and the transfer of 357 Miami Beach assets. Priority is technology to streamline processes.
  • Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust (Executive Director Vicky Millet): Reported $43 million in projected food and beverage tax proceeds, a $63 million federal portfolio, and management of 2,500 shelter beds daily. Key statistics: 1 in 4 new homeless entrants is a senior (55+), 28% year-over-year increase in homeless seniors, 526 reports fielded via the homeless reporting tool, and ongoing challenges from state anti-camping laws. The trust is partnering with Jackson Health System and investing $2.4 million in a new mental health center.
• The committee recognized three college interns working in the Chair's office.