Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Meeting Summary - February 18, 2026

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners convened on February 18, 2026, for a lengthy session dominated by a debate over the future of the Urban Development Boundary (UDB), the development of a new Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facility, and a proposed naming rights sponsorship for a park along The Underline. Commissioners received a critical update on pending state legislation, approved several ordinances on first reading, and processed numerous routine consent items.

Consent Calendar

The board approved a slate of routine items, including district discretionary fund allocations and numerous departmental resolutions. Key approved contracts and agreements included:

• A $130.3 million grant agreement with the FTA for transit funding.
• A $1.8 million local agency program agreement with FDOT for planning the widening of Hialeah Gardens Boulevard.
• A $19.7 million construction contract for bridge rehabilitation at Miami International Airport.
• A $21.7 million contract for the Zoo Miami Animal Hospital replacement.
• Various conveyances of property interests for road purposes.
• A $122.2 million contract for a new electrical distribution building at the North District Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Waste-to-Energy Facility: The majority of public speakers voiced strong opposition to the proposed WTE facility. Speakers raised concerns over rising costs (with the capital cost noted at $2.3 billion), the environmental impact of toxic byproducts like dioxins and PFAS, the financial burden on ratepayers, and the placement of the facility in marginalized communities. Several speakers urged the county to pursue a zero-waste plan instead. One speaker presented data indicating that 82% of online discussion around the incinerator was negative.
• Urban Development Boundary/Wetlands: Speakers spoke in favor of maintaining the UDB and protecting wetlands, arguing they are a 'boundary, not a suggestion' and crucial for safeguarding the drinking water aquifer.

Discussion Items

• Mayoral Veto of Kelly Tractor Application: The board considered a mayoral veto of a Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) text amendment for a Kelly Tractor Company development. Mayor Levine Cava argued the project improperly sought to expand the Urban Development Boundary (UDB) via a text amendment rather than a full application, threatening wetlands, the aquifer, and established growth policies. Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez moved to reconsider the item, stating the applicant would work with staff to address the concerns raised in the veto.

  This sparked extensive debate. Commissioner Gilbert criticized what he saw as the administration's inconsistency, noting the county had itself proposed building a waste-to-energy facility outside the UDB. Commissioner Regalado highlighted the complexities of the wetlands covenant tied to the land. Commissioner Cohen Higgins questioned the administration's claim that they didn't recommend the text amendment process, as the applicant's attorney stated they were instructed to use it. The board voted to reconsider the vetoed item and defer it to the March 19 CDMP meeting to allow for negotiations. The board also directed the administration to ask the state for a 180-day timeline extension.

• Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Facility: Chairman Rodriguez presented a motion directing the administration to formally begin negotiations on an interim agreement with the consortium of Florida Power & Light (FPL) and FCC Environmental Services.

  Amendments: Commissioner Regalado requested parameters for the negotiations, specifically ensuring that the county would not be responsible for the consortium's due diligence costs if the deal fell through. Commissioner Rodriguez accepted an amendment codifying this protection. He also added a policy that the county will not pay any ongoing, perpetual royalty or tipping fees for the acquisition of any interest in privately owned land for the facility site.

  Board Expectations: Commissioners expressed a strong desire for the consortium to return in April with a 'menu of options' showing hard capital and lifecycle costs for different configurations—including the core waste-to-energy plant and a la carte ancillary facilities for waste diversion. The motion passed as amended.

• The Underline (Chewy Bark Park Naming Rights): Commissioner Regalado brought forward a resolution to name a portion of the Underline linear park 'Chewy Bark Park' for a three-year period in exchange for a $500,000 sponsorship from the pet supply company.

  Commissioner Gilbert and others raised significant concerns about equity. They argued the county had invested heavily in the Underline's infrastructure, while sponsorship proceeds were being used to benefit the park and the City of Coral Gables, rather than being widely shared to address disparities in underserved districts that lack similar amenities. Commissioner Regalado defended the sponsorship as a crucial step for the Underline to achieve self-sufficiency and offered to lead a countywide vision plan to replicate the model. The item was deferred to the next board meeting to allow for the submission of the full sponsorship agreement with Chewy and more detailed project documentation.

• 2026 State Legislative Session Update: Commissioner Vicki Lopez provided a comprehensive update on the current session, warning of severe potential impacts on the county.

  Property Tax Reform: Several bills are advancing, including a phase-out of property taxes, which would devastate county revenue. Sovereign Immunity: Bills raising damage caps could cost the county $32-37 million annually. Local Business Tax: Repeal of the local business tax represents a $14 million recurring hit. DEI Bill (SB 1134): A broadly defined ban on funding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives could threaten funding for community advocacy boards, CBOs (e.g., Hispanic Chamber, Girl Scouts), and health programs. Transportation: The Senate budget lacks funding for Tri-Rail and the Northeast Corridor.

  Commissioners and the Mayor emphasized the need to aggressively communicate the dire service cuts these bills would necessitate.

Key Outcomes

• Kelly Tractor Veto: The motion to reconsider the Mayoral veto was passed (the agenda notes the final tally as 9-4). The item will be re-advertised for the March 19, 2026 CDMP meeting. The administration was directed to request a 180-day extension from the state.
• Waste-to-Energy Facility: The board passed a motion directing the administration to negotiate an interim agreement with the FPL/FCC consortium. A policy was established prohibiting perpetual royalty payments for land. The consortium's initial due diligence must be at no cost to the county. A full report is expected by April 2026.
• The Underline (Chewy Bark Park): The naming rights resolution was deferred to a future board meeting.
• Ordinances (First Reading): The board approved on first reading (12-1) ordinances requiring public meetings for housing projects (4A), creating a Solid Waste Advisory Board (4B), modifying noise regulations for audio devices (4C Sub), implementing sea turtle nesting protections (4D), and establishing two special taxing districts (4E, 4F).
• Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Regulations (11A12): An item directing a study of FOG regulations was amended to require the administration to return with a plan for immediate relief and a workshop for impacted small businesses. The item was co-prime sponsored by Chairman Rodriguez and passed.
• Food & Nutrition for All Collaborative (11A15): A resolution urging state funding was amended to include support for Farm Share and passed.
• Appointments: Lauren Parra was formally confirmed as the Director of the reorganized Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM).
• Traffic Control Pool (8P5): An item to increase a prequalification pool for traffic control and street lighting from $5 million to $24.7 million was scrutinized. The administration explained the pool's initial low estimate was a starting point to determine actual spending rates. The item passed.
• Other Motions: The board approved extensions and scope modifications for several housing and development projects, including Landmark Holdings (due diligence extension) and Overtown Trust Fund uses. Appointments were made to the Military Affairs Board, Elder Affairs Advisory Board, Planning Advisory Board, Commission on Disability Issues, and Commission on Human Rights.