Miami-Dade Transportation Committee Meeting on July 14, 2026

The Miami-Dade Transportation Committee met on July 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM to discuss the FY 2026-27 budget, consider several ordinances and resolutions, and hold public hearings. The committee also voted on multiple agenda items, forwarding most to the full Board of County Commissioners (BCC) with favorable recommendations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public approached the podium during the reasonable opportunity to be heard period.

Discussion Items

• FY 2026-27 Budget Presentation: Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) Director Stacey Miller presented an overview of the department's budget, highlighting a $2.2 billion budget and 4,241 employees. She noted a $100 million funding shortfall for FY 2027 (a term Chairman Gilbert objected to, arguing public transit is designed to be subsidized), a $1 billion infrastructure backlog, a 20% workforce vacancy rate, and aging technology. Commissioner Gilbert stressed the need to change terminology and have honest conversations about the system's funding model, especially in light of potential property tax reform. Commissioner Regalado raised concerns about service cuts, the reliance on the Transit Increment District (TID) fund, and the need for new revenue sources such as charging for the Metro Mover, eliminating Bay Link, and revisiting the Rapid Transit Zone (RTZ) to incentivize development. Commissioner Bermudez emphasized the importance of metrics and addressing traffic issues in western areas. Commissioner Bastien called for proactive discussions and better contract oversight.
• 1G1 – Passenger Motor Carrier Ordinance: The committee amended the ordinance to allow municipal circulator vehicles to operate until 20 model years of age and removed the 350,000-mile requirement, addressing concerns from the City of Miami about older trolleys. The amendment was offered by Commissioner Milian Orbis (not present) via a friendly amendment read by the attorney. The ordinance then passed unanimously.
• 1G2 – Rapid Transit System Development Zone Expansion: The committee held a public hearing and voted 4-0 to forward the ordinance expanding the Smart Corridor Subzone to include private property near SW 30 Avenue and SW 28 Lane to the BCC with a favorable recommendation.
• 1G3 – Amendment to Five-Year Implementation Plan: The committee held a public hearing and voted 4-0 to approve an amendment to retroactively include the purchase of 40-foot buses for I-95 Phase I and II projects. The item was requested to be waived to the July 21 BCC meeting, with a memo to be drafted explaining the urgency.
• 3K – Underline Phase 3 CEI Services: The committee voted 3-1 (with Chairman Gilbert dissenting) to forward the resolution authorizing a supplemental agreement for construction engineering and inspection services for The Underline Phase 3 to the BCC.
• Other Agenda Items: The committee forwarded resolutions including interlocal agreements with Key Biscayne (micromobility), North Miami (on-demand transit), and Doral (on-demand transit); roadway improvement contracts; professional services agreements; and a maintenance map. All were passed with favorable recommendations, most by 4-0 votes. The balanced agenda (excluding 3K) was approved unanimously; 3K passed 3-1.

Key Outcomes

• 1G1 Amended and Passed: Ordinance relating to passenger motor carrier vehicles was amended to address municipality concerns and passed unanimously (4-0).
• 1G2 Forwarded to BCC: Ordinance expanding the Smart Corridor Subzone was forwarded with a favorable recommendation (4-0).
• 1G3 Approved and Requested Waiver: Resolution amending the People’s Transportation Plan was approved (4-0); staff will draft a memo to waive it to the July 21 BCC meeting.
• 3K Forwarded to BCC: Resolution authorizing supplemental agreement for The Underline Phase 3 was forwarded with a 3-1 vote (Gilbert dissenting).
• All Other Items Forwarded: Numerous resolutions were forwarded to the BCC with favorable recommendations.
• Budget Discussion: No formal action was taken on the budget, but committee members directed the administration to develop a comprehensive plan for transit sustainability, including exploring new revenue sources and addressing the TID fund’s annual raiding.
• Meeting Minutes Approved: The Clerk’s summary of minutes for May 12 and June 9, 2026 meetings was approved (4-0).