Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Meeting – April 21, 2026
Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Meeting – April 21, 2026
The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners convened on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Commission Chambers. The meeting included special presentations, public testimony, discussion items on property tax reform and America 250, approval of numerous consent items, first and second reading ordinances, and a series of public hearings. The board acted on over 100 agenda items, with several votes recorded.
Special Presentations
- National Volunteer Month Proclamation: Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava recognized volunteers and community service programs, including Foster Grandparents and Senior Companion programs.
- Every Drop Counts Children's Poster Contest: Over 1,800 entries from 55 schools were submitted. Winners from each of the 13 commission districts were honored. A moment of silence was observed for last year's winner, Ryder Leib, who passed away in March.
- Chabad of Kendall & Pinecrest 30th Anniversary: Proclamation recognizing the Friendship Circle and Mitzvah Kitchen for three decades of service.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Stanley Young (500 NW 2nd Ave) urged accelerated affordable housing development and better utilization of vacant lots.
- Brenda Betancourt (33 SW 2nd Ave, Ste 901) questioned enforcement of loading zones for commercial trucks, asking for protections for other drivers.
- Mark Young (Jimmy Rice Center) spoke in support of item 5D, the co-designation of SW 162nd Ave as "Jimmy Ryce Avenue," honoring the 9-year-old abduction victim. Noted over 700 bloodhounds donated to law enforcement.
- Shera Castin Goldstein (volunteer) echoed support for the Jimmy Ryce designation, highlighting the lasting memorial maintained by neighbors.
- Javier Alban (Deputy City Attorney, City of Miami) expressed support for item 5H, the creation of Le Jeune Gardens Community Development District.
Consent Calendar
- Approved in a single vote (with specific items pulled for discussion):
- Numerous consent items from commissioners and departments, including allocations from district discretionary reserves, grant agreements, surplus property donations, and routine reports.
- Notable approvals: Resolution 3A1 approving the co-designation of NW 1st Ave as "Lovey Clayton Street" (Florida City).
- Resolution 3A16 substitute approving "Hermanos Garcia Way" in Miami.
- Multiple grant awards for parks and marina improvements (e.g., Pelican Harbor seawall, Bill Bird Marina restroom, Biscayne Trail segments).
- First reading ordinances (4A–4O, 14A1) adopted unanimously (12–0), including updates to rapid transit zone boundaries, creation of special taxing districts, fire code amendments, and infill housing initiative limits.
- Second reading ordinances (7A–7C) adopted 13–0: repeal of business tax receipt display requirement; creation of MIA advisory board; sea turtle nesting protections.
Discussion Items
- Property Tax Reform (Item 6A1): Commissioner Anthony Rodriguez led a discussion on potential state legislation eliminating or reducing homestead property taxes. Commissioner Vicki Lopez reported that eight House proposals died in the Senate, but the governor may call a special session. The board discussed analyzing impacts, especially on seniors and municipalities. Commissioner Raquel Regalado proposed amending existing state statutes to target relief to low-income seniors. The board directed the administration to prepare fiscal impact analyses.
- America 250 (Item 6B1): Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis updated the board on planning for the nation's 250th birthday. Highlights: Flags Across Miami-Dade program (over 1,000 flag requests in District 6 alone); $185,000 raised for July 4th celebration at Tropical Park; History Miami will host original founding documents; a countywide event calendar to be compiled. Commissioners suggested educational components and apartment-friendly flag displays.
- Waste-to-Energy Update (ad hoc): Chairman Rodriguez reported that negotiations with the selected joint venture are ongoing but not ready for an April 21 agenda. Chief Procurement Officer Coley noted the proposal received April 6 lacked property cost and ash management details; a financial model arrived April 17. Commissioner Steinberg requested an independent analysis from Arcadis. The board expects an update by May 5.
- MIA Hotel Contract (Item 8P5): Commissioner Bermudez raised concerns about the current hotel's performance and lack of a new marketing plan. Aviation Director assured oversight, 80% occupancy, and a five-year contract with termination convenience clause. Commissioner Gilbert questioned the stalled new hotel project due to an FAA radar blind spot, urging the board to review any redesign before approval.
Key Outcomes
- Votes on Public Hearing Items (5A–5S): Approved as follows:
- 5A (CEMEX Way): 13–0
- 5B (Coach Carol Hardemon Park): 13–0
- 5C (Frederica S. Wilson Regional Library): 13–0
- 5D (Jimmy Ryce Avenue): 13–0
- 5E substitute (Parking Code amendments): 13–0
- 5F (Omni CRA bonds, amended): 13–0
- 5G (MIA aviation refunding bonds): 13–0
- 5H substitute (Le Jeune Gardens CDD, amended): 13–0
- 5I–5M, 5P–5S: various plat approvals, mostly 13–0
- 5N (Habitat for Humanity waiver): 12–1 (Sen. Garcia nay)
- 5O (We Shop Enterprises waiver): 12–1 (Sen. Garcia nay)
- 5K (6301 SW 27th St plat): Deferred 10–0 to May 5
- Commission Items:
- 8F1 (Courthouse contingency replenishment): 11–1 (Sen. Garcia nay)
- 8K1 (Housing RFA funding, amended to increase two projects): 13–0
- 8P1 (Metrorail/Mover control center upgrade): 12–0
- 8P2 (Communication lifecycle management): 12–0
- 8P3 (Parking access system increase): 13–0
- 8P4 (Registered traveler services contract): 13–0
- 8P5 (MIA hotel management): 11–1 (Bermudez nay)
- 10A1–10A5 (Housing finance authority bonds): 13–0
- 11A6 (Neighborhood planning exercise): 13–0
- 11A8 (Tax notices under $30 eliminated): 13–0
- 11A9 (Gallery at SOMI Parc ground lease): 10–0 (voice vote)
- Appointments:
- Lydia Lopez confirmed as Director of Miami-Dade Public Library System (voice vote).
- Christina M. Cicilia ratified as Director of Office of Policy and Budgetary Affairs (voice vote).
- Eight nominees forwarded to Governor for Children's Trust vacancies (ballot vote).
- Other Motions:
- Chairman Rodriguez moved to cancel May 21, 2026 CDMP/Zoning meeting (approved).
- Authorized opt-in to opioid settlement agreements (approved).
- Extended due diligence for Landmark lease to May 30, 2026 (approved).
- Several advisory board appointments approved.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:45 p.m.
Meeting Transcript
I'm Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis. Blessed to be with you here today, Tuesday, April 21st, as we kick off our commission meeting, our county commission meeting. And we have some very very special presentations this morning. So thank you for joining us. And the first one is for National Volunteer Month. And that I Kathy, would you like to come on down? We have our our community services department director, Kathy Burgos. Come on down, Kathy. Thank you for joining us. Yes. Yes. So I'm honored today to present a proclamation recognizing National Volunteer Month along with our mayor and our fellow commissioners. And that is a time to celebrate individuals who not just give their time but their heart to uplift others and to help us accomplish the goals of our community. Volunteerism is the spirit of our community in action, and it brings people together. It strengthens families and it reminds us of the power that we have each day to make a difference. And here in Miami Dade County, that spirit is alive and thriving through our community services department and the division of older adults and individuals with disabilities. We especially appreciate our senior volunteers. You all have seen so much and been through so much, and you make such a difference in our community. Thank you so much. Yes, round of applause. So to our volunteers, you are the heart of Miami Dade County. Your selflessness inspires all of us and leaves a lasting impact on the lives of everyone that you touch. And with that, I have a proclamation, but first I want um our mayor Daniela Levinkava to say some words. Mayor, thank you. Here you go. Thank you so much, Commissioner, for making it possible for us to recognize these wonderful people who do so much for our community. Truly a joy to see people in action. Volunteering is really giving your heart and soul to the community. Am I right? Yes. There you go. And uh this is all through our community services department and Kathy Burgos, our director, and she wanted to be sure that we recognized you. So together with our great commissioner and those who've joined us here, uh we we give you a special salute. Want to say that volunteering can encompass so many different things, whether you're helping a child, somebody who has a disability or someone older, infirm, whether you're out in a park setting or in a community building, whether you're at an event, there are so many ways that you can help. And we have a number of programs that include the relief program, foster grandparent. Do we have any foster grandparents in the house? Yeah, that is really so special. Uh, our senior companion program. Oh, okay. All right, good showing there. And our retired and senior volunteer program, just to name a few. So you make us so proud. We're so happy to honor you in this special month. There are volunteers throughout our community, but we're singling you out this month for this special recognition. Uh, before we do the proc, maybe uh Kathy, would you like to just say a little a quick word? Yes, thank you. Commissioner, thank you so much. It means so much to our department, to our volunteers, to our staff. Your work and your advocacy means a lot to us. And mayor, this we ask you specially was my idea because we know how much you care.
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