Public Meetings - Miami, Florida

Omni CRA Meeting Summary - May 28, 2026\n\nThe Omni Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners held a meeting on May 28, 2026, beginning at approximately 9:00 AM (recorded start time). The board unanimously approved all four resolutions on the agenda, which included funding for job training programs, an affordable housing development, property activation guidelines, and a retail sub-lease agreement. The meeting included public comments from community members and business owners expressing gratitude for the CRA's support of affordable housing and youth programs.\n\n Consent Calendar\n- The board approved the minutes from the April 23, 2026 Omni CRA meeting by a voice vote with all in favor.\n\n Public Comments & Testimony\n- Marco Mullenette (representing First Take Youth Film Program at Dorsey Library): Thanked the board for 11 years of support, reported that the program awarded 11 scholarships last year (with one recipient joining the military), and noted plans for 12 scholarships this year. He expressed appreciation for the city's support of inner-city youth.\n- Bobby Sanchez (Florida Grand Opera): Congratulated the board and executive director on the item regarding unused/underutilized spaces, stating the organization has sought short-term space in the area for years. He expressed hope that the partnership would benefit the community and sustain the cultural environment.\n- Ramon Valentin (Owner of Winwood House Cuts LLC): Thanked the board for considering his business and for the affordable housing being brought to the community. He shared a personal story about his parents' housing struggles, noting that his mother was able to secure a 30% AMI one-bedroom apartment for $680 per month through the Winwood Work Communities. He thanked the board on behalf of his mother, late father, and 120 families living in Winwood Work.\n- Dr. Bestman (Owner of property at 1433-1435 NW 1st Court): Expressed deep gratitude to the city and commissioners for acting on their stated beliefs in affordable housing. She stated she was born across the street from the property and is grateful to provide decent, stable affordable housing for the Overtown community.\n\n Discussion Items\n- Resolution 1 (CRA Funding for First Take Youth Film Program): Approved a grant of up to $200,000 from the FY 25-26 budget to Florida Film House International to underwrite job skills trainings and employment opportunities associated with the First Take Youth Film Program at the Dorsey Library (100 NW 17th Street). Awarded by a four-fifths affirmative vote after an advertised public hearing, waiving competitive bidding requirements per city code.\n- Resolution 2 (Affordable Housing Development Funding): Approved allocation of up to $1,700,000 to EWB Holdings of Florida LLC, contingent upon 80% completion of the mixed-income development at 1433-1435 NW 1st Court. Funds will underwrite construction of a multi-generational family center duplex with two five-bedroom units at or below 70% AMI, located at 1695 NW 1st Court. Awarded by a four-fifths vote, waiving competitive bidding.\n- Resolution 3 (Activation of Unused/Underutilized Spaces): Authorized the executive director to activate unused/underutilized spaces within the CRA boundaries at 50 NW 14th Street for short-term community cultural, commercial, entrepreneurial, artistic, educational, and other temporary uses open to the public. The executive director is authorized to develop guidelines for first-come, first-served use, proceed with necessary build-out improvements, and negotiate fees, rent, deposits, and cost recovery amounts. Proceeds may be used for building maintenance, security, utilities, and related expenses until a final determination on the property's future use is made.\n- Resolution 4 (Sub-Lease Agreement with Winwood House Cuts LLC): Approved a sub-lease agreement with Winwood House Cuts LLC for approximately 1,635 square feet of retail/commercial space (folio 0131251000010, also referred to as Winwood Works) at a rental amount not to exceed $8,000 per month, for a term approved by the executive director. Authorized by a four-fifths vote after a 30-day notice for disposition of real property per Florida Statutes §163.380.\n\n Key Outcomes\n- All four resolutions (1 through 4) were approved unanimously by voice vote with no discussion.\n- Funding commitments: $200,000 for youth film job training; up to $1,700,000 for affordable housing construction.\n- Public comment period was opened and closed with no further comments after the four speakers.\n- The meeting was adjourned immediately after the vote.

On May 28, 2026, the Miami City Commission convened at 9:00 AM in a session that opened with recognitions of The Villagers (60th anniversary of historic preservation) and retiring educators. The meeting included public comments, discussion of planning and zoning items, and votes on multiple resolutions. Key actions included adoption of the Bicycle Master Plan, approval of a youth soccer field in Allapattah, debate over a density transfer ordinance (PZ3), and a controversial police leak raised by a commissioner. Consent Calendar - RE1: Reimbursement for FIFA-related safety costs (fire/police) – approved. - RE4: Resilience Florida funding for Brickell Bay Drive Baywalk improvements – approved. - RE5, RE6, RE8, RE9, RE12, RE13: Approved as part of a block vote. RE6 was amended to reduce noise waiver hours for World Cup events (e.g., ending at midnight/1 AM instead of 2 AM). - PH1, PH2, PH3: All approved unanimously. PH1 authorizes a youth soccer field at 850 NW 23rd Street in Allapattah; PH3 provides $4 million for affordable housing (though a public comment noted the recipient is a foreign for-profit entity). - SR1, SR2, SR3: Second-reading ordinances establishing the Department of Human Services, sidewalk cafe rules in Flagler district, and renaming Silver Bluff Dog Park – all passed unanimously. - FR2 and FR3: First-reading ordinances on public urination penalties and Little Haven Parking Improvement Trust Fund – passed unanimously. - BC1 and BC2: Board and committee appointments approved, including Anne Marie Sharp to the General Employees Retirement Trust. - PZ1 and PZ2: Land use and zoning changes for properties at 145/151 NW 60th Street – PZ2 amended to increase non-compliance penalty from $250 to $1,000 per day, with funds designated for District 5 affordable housing. - PZ4, PZ5, PZ6, PZ7: Approved as part of a block (related to zoning clarifications). Public Comments & Public Testimony - Support for RE2 (Bicycle Master Plan): Multiple speakers urged approval, citing safety, traffic reduction, and health benefits. Mel Meinhard (Friends of the Commodore Trail) noted Bike to School Days reduce traffic by 25%. Others (Geraldine Ordonez, Noel Cleeland, Luis Santos) highlighted the need for safe bike lanes to reduce car dependency. - Support for PH1 (Soccer Field): Residents and youth from Allapattah spoke passionately about the need for safe recreational spaces to keep children away from gangs, drugs, and violence. Over a dozen speakers, including students, mothers, and coaches, described the vacant lot as dangerous and urged the city to activate it. - Opposition to PZ3 (Density Transfer): Nearly all public speakers opposed the substitute ordinance released the night before. They argued it would allow increased density in historic districts and NCDs, undermining previous protections. Speakers like Henrietta Schwartz, Elvis Cruz, and Jacqueline Coleman called on the commission to reject the substitute and keep NCDs and historic districts excluded. Several also urged joining the lawsuit against the Live Local Act. - Concerns on PH4 (Scholarship): One speaker criticized Commissioner Rosado for proposing $31,000 to FIU under his own name, calling it inappropriate. - Other Comments: Katrina Morris supported PH1-4 and RE8. Jacqueline Wells reported unresolved roof leaks in Overtown public housing. Brett Bibo (Miami River Commission) requested extending the river greenway priority list. Christopher Lunding and Elisa Margulies raised process objections to last-minute amendments. Discussion Items - Police Leak Investigation (Commissioner Gabella): Commissioner Gabella asserted that a police officer being considered as his sergeant of arms was targeted due to a leaked ongoing investigation. He claimed the officer was being punished because of his association with the commissioner, and demanded a thorough investigation into the source of the leak. - PH4 Scholarship Fund (Commissioner Rosado): Commissioner Rosado proposed a $31,000 need-based scholarship to FIU named after himself. Several commissioners expressed discomfort: Commissioner King abstained due to her adjunct role at FIU, and others noted the appearance of impropriety. The item passed 3-0 with King and Rosado abstaining. - Bicycle Master Plan (RE2): Director Santana of Public Works presented the plan, which includes 10 priority projects to be completed within 5 years. The plan incorporates over 300 public comments and aligns with Vision Zero goals. Commissioner Pardo and Commissioner Rosado co-sponsored; it passed with an amendment from a May 26 substitution memo adding Exhibit A. Key Outcomes - PZ3 (Density Transfer): Passed as originally written (not the substitution). The approved version excludes Neighborhood Conservation Districts (NCDs) and historic districts from the transfer of density program, and includes a 500-foot buffer from T3 (single-family residential) zones. This overrode the last-minute substitute language that would have reversed those protections. - Votes on Major Items: - RE2 (Bike Plan) – approved as amended. - PH1 (Soccer Field) – approved unanimously. - PH4 (Scholarship) – approved 3-0 (King and Rosado abstained). - PZ1, PZ2 – approved with amendment to penalty. - All consent items approved. - Deferrals: RE3 deferred to July 9; RE10, RE11, RE7 deferred to June 11; FR4 withdrawn. - Next Steps: A shade meeting was requested by Commissioner Gabella regarding the police matter, to be scheduled for the second meeting in June. Public works was directed to follow up on the Overtown housing complaint raised by Jacqueline Wells.

The City of Miami Code Enforcement Board met on May 27, 2026, at 10:30 AM to consider extensions of time and mitigation requests for code violation liens. The board granted several extensions and reduced many liens to minimum amounts or zero, often by unanimous vote. The meeting was adjourned after all cases were heard. Extensions of Time - 1430 NW 28th Street (Case 00133457): Granted 120 days after the property owner stated a permit was in review. The board warned that further extensions would not be given if progress was not shown. - 2742 SW A Street (Case 00054264): Granted 120 days to work on an unsafe structures case. - 4926 SW 7th Street (Case 0010723): Granted 120 days; the homeowner had pulled permits and was awaiting inspections. - 1005 West Flagler Street (Case 00117312): Granted 90 days to reapply for a certificate of use after a building permit error. - 1250 NW 31st Street (Case 2020-023393): Granted 120 days; the property owner had been scammed by contractors and was seeking court resolution of a mechanic's lien. - 326 SW 13th Avenue (Case 00105913): Granted 120 days to pull permits for historic buildings. Mitigation Requests - 720 North Miami Avenue (City View, CE 2018-000264): Reduced from $738,000 to $15,000 (minimum). The new owner fixed the violation. - 420 NE 72nd Street (Code Check 00020801): Reduced to $7,500 (minimum). The owner inherited a violation for a parking lot and later demolished it for townhouses. - 762 NW 50th Street (Code Check 0005781): Reduced to $0 (homestead, unanimous). - Page 81 property (same owner, $88,250 lien): Reduced to $0 (homestead, unanimous). - 1738 NW 31st Street (City View, CE 2020-002985): Reduced to $0 (vacant lot, previously single family, unanimous). - 4300 West Flagler Street (Code Check 00087305): Reduced to $15,000 (commercial, minimum). The dental office owner fixed the encroachment. - 1877 NW 42nd Street (Code Check 00123023): Reduced to $3,200 (20% of lien, after motion for zero failed for lack of second). - 1449 NW 67th Street (multiple cases): - Code Check case ($16,750): Reduced to $3,350 (20% of lien). - Code Check case ($89,500): Reduced to $3,000 (unanimous). - City View 2014 case ($931,750): Reduced to $8,000. - City View 2009 case ($82,600): Reduced to $2,000. - 27 SW 55th Avenue (Code Check 00078970): Reduced to $0 (homestead, unanimous). - 402 NW 12th Avenue (Code Check 00058631): Reduced to $15,000 (commercial, minimum). - 1832 SW 18th Street (City View, CE 2018-006013): Reduced to $0 (homestead, unanimous). - 5529 NW 4th Avenue (City View add-on, CE 2021-005945): Reduced to $5,000 (non-homestead, unanimous). - 5536 SW 2nd Street (Code Check 00088329): Reduced to $10,000 (duplex, non-homestead). - 1255 NW 60th Street (City View add-on, CE 2012-004121): Reduced to $7,500 (vacant lot, minimum). - 450 NW 23rd Avenue (City View, CE 2020-06675): Reduced to $0 (homestead, after corrected lien amount). - 5630 SW 5th Street (City View, CE 2018-025509): Reduced to $2,000 (non-homestead, unanimous). - 1923 NW 34th Street (Code Check 000644): Reduced to $10,000 (duplex, non-homestead). - 1760 NW 18th Terrace (City View add-on, CE 2020-018471): Reduced to $0 (duplicate issue, unanimous). - 1759 NW 18th Street (Code Check add-on, case 0005079): Reduced to $10,000 (non-homestead). - 7029 NW 7th Avenue (City View, CE 2017-015374): Reduced to $5,300 after lien amount was corrected (industrial, 20% of corrected lien). - 55 NE 5th Street (Code Check 00130348): Reduced to $12,750 (commercial, 20% of lien). - 2512 NW 12th Avenue (City View, CE 2008-001440): Reset to June 4, 2026 hearing because the former owner appeared without power of attorney for the current owner. - 2555 SW 21st Terrace (City View, CE 2016-00912): Reduced to $0 (homestead, unanimous). Key Outcomes - The board granted all requested extensions of time (120 or 90 days) with city recommendations. - Most mitigation requests were granted either at the statutory minimum or reduced to zero by unanimous vote, especially for homestead properties. - One case (1877 NW 42nd St) was reduced to 20% of lien after a motion for zero lacked a second. - One case (2512 NW 12th Ave) was continued to June 4, 2026 due to procedural issues. - The board adjourned after losing quorum following the final vote.

The Miami Nuisance Abatement Board convened on May 27, 2026, to address six nuisance abatement cases, including status updates and hearings. The board also elected a chair and vice chair (carried over from the Code Enforcement Board) and heard from city officials and property owners. Election of Chair and Vice Chair - The board nominated and unanimously approved keeping the same chair and vice chair as the Code Enforcement Board. Case Status Updates (Compliance and Non-Compliance) - 1278 NW 58th Terrace (Owner: Raul Cosio): Officer Lawson testified the property is non-compliant and non-communicative since a December 2025 order. The city moved for a $500 fine and a status reset to June 24, 2026. Motion carried. - 611 NW 65th Street (Owner: Emmanuel O'BC): Officer Lawson reported full compliance with the December 2025 order, eviction of prior tenants, property repairs, and a new lease. No new complaints. The city moved to terminate the order. Motion carried. - 1283 NW 59th Street (Owner: Najib Iqbal): Non-compliant with no contact. The board imposed a $500 fine and reset for June 24, 2026. Motion carried. - 1969 NW 2nd Court, Apt. 13 (Owner: Wynwood Apartments LLC): Previously in full compliance, but no update available. The city requested a 30-day reset to June 24, 2026. Motion carried. Case Hearings - 1506 NW 70th Street (Owner: Samuel L. Johnson Jr.): The property was cited for three controlled purchases of fentanyl ($40 each) in February-March 2026, and a search warrant yielded 21 capsules of suspected fentanyl, 31 pills of suspected Xanax, loose rock cocaine, currency, and a digital scale. The owner pleaded guilty. The city recommended conditions: meet with the neighborhood resource officer within one week, remove all landscaping interfering with line of sight within 30 days, execute a trespass affidavit within one week, install no-trespass signs within 30 days, provide adequate lighting, and provide rent rolls with vehicle information and tag numbers. The board found guilt and reset for 60 days to July 22, 2026. Motion carried. - 4825 NW 15th Court (Owner: G&J Property Masters, represented by Attorney Arnold Skip Strauss): The property is within 1,000 feet of a school. The attorney reported pre-hearing compliance (security, no-trespass signs). The city requested a 30-day reset to June 24, 2026, to allow further compliance or potential withdrawal. Motion carried. Key Outcomes - Fines of $500 were imposed on two non-compliant properties (1278 NW 58th Terrace and 1283 NW 59th Street). - One case (611 NW 65th Street) was closed due to full compliance. - Two cases (1506 NW 70th Street and 4825 NW 15th Court) were reset for compliance monitoring. - The board acknowledged the city attorney's final hearing (Mr. Foreman transitioning to Ms. Dooley). - Next meeting scheduled for June 24, 2026.

The Wynwood Design Review Committee (WDRC) convened on May 26, 2026, at an unspecified time to review signage and new construction applications within the NRD1 Wynwood district. The meeting included the approval of absence waivers, minutes from the April 21, 2026 meeting, and four agenda items. Public comments were not heard as no online comments were submitted. Call to Order and Administrative Matters - Absence Waivers: Chair Dunlap, Member Omar, and Alternate Brunaman requested and were granted waivers via a motion by Kathy, seconded by Member Zion. Approved unanimously. - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the April 21, 2026 meeting were approved by a voice vote with all in favor. WDRC Item 1: Sign for Nail Spa at 57 Northwest 24th Street - Project: A projecting sign for a nail spa (SANAS) with a plastic face covered in vinyl graphics and raised letters, rather than a routed face. - Discussion: The applicant noted the sign was similar to a previously approved adjacent sign. No questions or comments from the board. - Outcome: Motion to approve by an unidentified member, seconded. All in favor. Approved. WDRC Item 2: Projecting Blade Sign for 260 at 175 Northwest 23rd Street - Project: A double-sided south-facing blade sign (13.44 sq. ft.) with push-through acrylic numerals "260" in a circular white metal frame with internal LED illumination. - Presentation: Ashley Tapel of Pro Print Shop presented, emphasizing the sign's minimal design to complement Wynwood's artistic environment. - Outcome: Motion to approve by Member Zion, seconded. All in favor. Approved. WDRC Item 3: Light Box Sign for Coffee JP at 136 Northwest 27th Street - Project: A single-faced light box sign with a backlit white plastic panel and raised letters, to be installed on the wall. - Discussion: The applicant, Teresa, was unprepared and lacked presentation materials (renderings, precedent images, code compliance details). Board members expressed concerns about the backlit sign not meeting Wynwood signage guidelines and the lack of preparation. Member Zion moved to reject the sign due to non-compliance and insufficient presentation. After discussion, the applicant requested to withdraw the application to resubmit at a later date. The board vacated the rejection motion and allowed withdrawal. - Outcome: Application withdrawn. Applicant plans to reschedule for the June 16, 2026 meeting. WDRC Item 4: New Construction for Brooker's Corner at 301 Northwest 25th Street - Project: A two-story, 4,500 sq. ft. building with four retail spaces (gallery, boutique, food and beverage) on a corner lot. The building uses 26% of allowable floor area, with no on-site parking required. The design includes flared columns for art treatment, meeting 24% art coverage at street level (exceeding 20% requirement) and 41% total facade art (exceeding 25% requirement). Art consultant Aramis Guterres presented a mural concept by local artists We're Nice and Easy, featuring a sunset-on-water motif to cool the pedestrian experience. - Discussion: Board members praised the team's effort but suggested enhancing the landscape to tie into the art and considering tree canopy for shade. Member Zion noted the art was too subtle and recommended a more prominent mural. The architect pointed out a code conflict between glazing requirements and art space. The board approved with a suggestion to reconsider planting materials, not as a condition. - Outcome: Motion to approve by an unidentified member, seconded. All in favor. Approved with a suggestion to improve landscaping integration. Key Outcomes - Approved: Absence waivers, minutes, WDRC Items 1 and 2 (signs), and WDRC Item 4 (new construction) were approved. - Withdrawn: WDRC Item 3 (sign for Coffee JP) was withdrawn by the applicant due to insufficient preparation; will be rescheduled. - No Conditions: The approval for Item 4 included a suggestion but no formal conditions. - Next Meeting: The next WDRC meeting is scheduled for June 16, 2026.

The Art and Public Places Board of the City of Miami convened on May 26, 2026, to act on three resolutions concerning public art. The meeting started with the election of Gary as acting chair, the pledge of allegiance, and a lobbyist statement read by Raymond Bedate of the City Attorney’s Office. Roll call was taken for board members Nelson Degato and Maria Napoleons. Board member Christina, who needed to leave early, participated in all votes before her departure. Public Comments & Testimony - Keith Moore and Marie Henry, members of the public, expressed their views on the shortlisted artists for the Bayfront Park monument. They favored Gordon Heuther and Partners Inc. and Kaiser Corp LLC, and recommended MGA Sculpture Studio LLC as the alternate. Discussion Items - Item 1 – Additional Shortlisted Artists for Bayfront Park Monument (File ID 19255): The board considered three finalists from a reissued open call, applying evaluation criteria (thematic alignment 30%, artistic strength 25%, public art readiness 25%, qualifications 20%). Staff supported the selection. After discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve the resolution, selecting Kaiser Corp LLC and Gordon Heuther and Partners Inc. to join the previous three shortlisted artists (George Sanchez Calderon, George Rodriguez Guerrera, and Cesar Hinao) and designating MGA Sculpture Studio LLC as the alternate. Total shortlisted artists now stand at five. - Item 2 – Waiver of Public Art Fees for Henry Reeves Soccer Fields (File ID 19288): The board approved a waiver of approximately $10,950 in public art fees for improvements at Henry Reeves Park (528 NW 10th Street). The project, donated by a nonprofit, includes a soccer field and a shipping container for workshops. The board requested that staff bring back the proposed artwork for the container as a report. - Item 3 – Acceptance of Donated Mural (File ID 19289): The board voted to accept the permanent public artwork “Miller and Nancy Dawkins Mural” by artist Marvin Weeks, to be installed at the Miller J and Nancy S. Dawkins Olympic pool complex at Charles Hadley Park. The project is supported by the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation and the Office of Commissioner Christine King. Key Outcomes - All three resolutions (19255, 19288, 19289) passed unanimously. - The Bayfront Park monument artist shortlist was expanded, with an alternate designated. - Staff is directed to provide a report on the soccer field’s proposed artwork. - The meeting adjourned after the votes; decisions are appealable within 15 days to the division of hearing boards.

The Miami Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board (PZAB) met on May 20, 2026, at 11:30 AM to consider two major items: a text amendment introducing a new cottage housing typology and companion applications for a future land use change and rezoning to expand Fire Station 10. The meeting included public testimony, board deliberation, and votes on both items. Public Comments & Testimony - Several speakers supported the cottage housing amendment, including a former board member who shared a successful precedent in Coconut Grove, a housing advocate (Julian Yukin) who framed it as missing middle housing to address affordability, a developer (Amanda De Seta) who emphasized faster infill production, and a resident (Carolyn Bankston) who praised the concept but urged stronger tree canopy protections, expressing concern about impervious surfaces and loss of shade. - No public comments were made on the fire station items. Discussion Items - Cottage Housing Text Amendment (File ID 19278): The board reviewed a staff proposal to create a new cottage housing typology for small lots (25-35 feet wide, 2,500-5,000 sq ft) within T3O zones in TODs/transit corridors and on existing T3 non-conforming lots. The amendment would redefine lot coverage to exclude front porches and porticos, reduce side setbacks from 5 to 3 feet, increase tree canopy by 33%, and require replatting for lots exceeding 5,000 sq ft. Key discussion points included: application to T3R non-conforming lots (clarified as eligible by right for existing undersized lots only), parking requirements (staff and several board members advocated reducing from 2 to 1 space per unit, with tandem parking allowed), side setback practicality for fencing and fire safety, and the incentive for porches to improve neighborhood character. The board also noted the companion amendment to Article 5 for porches/porticos counting toward lot coverage applied to all T3 zones. - Fire Station 10 Expansion (File IDs 19151/19150): Staff presented a request to change the future land use from single-family residential to major public facility and rezone from T3R to CI (Civic Institution) for a 0.25-acre lot at 770 NW 41st Avenue, adjacent to the existing Fire Station 10 (built 1963). The proposal aims to address concurrency deficiencies: response time data showed many areas exceeding the NFPA 1710 standard of 4 minutes for first responders, with some responses over 8 minutes. The existing station cannot accommodate modern fire trucks and currently exits from the rear onto local streets. Board concerns included the lack of a specific redevelopment plan, potential noise and traffic impacts on the T3R neighborhood, ingress/egress safety, and absence of public outreach beyond required noticing. Some members expressed reluctance to approve without a clear operational plan, while others noted that future improvements would be reviewed through the exception process under CI zoning. Key Outcomes - Cottage Housing Amendment: Approved 9-0 (Motion by Member Bailey, second by Member Collins) with an amendment reducing the parking requirement from 2 spaces to 1 space per unit for cottage lots, while permitting tandem parking. The board recommended the city commission adopt the ordinance as amended. - Future Land Use Amendment (File ID 19151): Approved 7-2 (Members Main and Bailey voted no). - Rezoning to CI (File ID 19150): Approved 7-2 (same dissenting votes). Both approvals carry a recommendation to the city commission, with the understanding that any specific fire station expansion will require a future civic use exception review by the board.

The meeting was called to order at 6:10 PM. All members were present except Mr. Martinez. The board approved the minutes from the January 26, 2026 meeting unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of meeting minutes from January 26, 2026 (motion carried, all in favor). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Status and Expenditures Report: Gabriel Breto, C.P. Budget Coordinator, reported that $20,539,000 has been allocated from the public safety and roadways categories since the last meeting. He noted that $5,590,000 is pending issuance, and $14,949,000 remains to be issued. Total expenditures to date are $120 million across all categories: $47 million housing, $30.3 million parks, $341,000 public safety, $6.8 million roadways, and $36 million sea level rise/flood prevention. Total allocated via official intent is $386,365,000 of the $400 million bond. Committed amount (encumbrances and expenses) is $208,906,000, approximately 54% of the allocation. An explanation of the color-coded financial projections was provided. - Project Updates on New Allocations: Jose Perez, Director of Capital Improvements, reported that Fire Station 10 is in final permitting stages with trailers to be purchased for relocation; construction expected next year. The Office of Public Works provided updates on the Miami River Greenway (Curtis Park East out for bid, next segment at 90% design with a $1.3 million funding gap), Edgewater flood improvements (design-build project, phase one includes pump station and road raising), Southwest 15th Road (30% design, working with Miami-Dade County, includes traffic signal and park improvements), Golden Pines no-outlet streets (multi-phase, first phase ready for construction by end of 2026), Northeast 3rd Avenue (plans adjusted to preserve existing trees, construction expected late summer 2026), and District 5 roadway improvements (a general pot of money for various projects). - Sea Level Rise and Flood Prevention Projects of Concern: A detailed review of projects that may exceed the 85% expenditure milestone within the 3-year and 5-year timelines. Deputy City Attorney Javi Abon clarified that extensions are not a formal approval but a documentation process for IRS/SEC compliance. He explained that the three-year timeline starts from first expenditure, and extensions require proof of reasonable delays (e.g., complexity, weather, conflicts). He noted that the city has handled similar situations before and is working with bond counsel. The board discussed the implications of failing to meet deadlines, including potential loss of tax-exempt status, penalties, and bondholder lawsuits. Specific projects discussed: Lapada, Melrose, 70th Street, seawall projects, Averndale, Brickle Bay Drive, Edgewater, Little Havana, Winwood, Clemente, Little River Mini Park. Many are in design or facing cost overruns. - Affordable Housing Updates: John Quaid, Assistant Director of Housing and Development, reported on several projects. Citadel Village had a groundbreaking and will start construction this month. Essence Miami is 25-30% complete. District 5 homeownership program had a groundbreaking for infill lots. Flagler Villas is on schedule. C Vita has closed financing and is under construction. Grand Bahamas project is undergoing community input and design changes; financing discussions are ongoing, with a presentation to the Housing and Commercial Loan Committee in June. For Gallery at Wagner Creek, Quaid provided details: a 27-story mixed-use tower with 460 units, 70 of which are affordable at 30% AMI (half for special needs), total project cost $193 million, with $4.848 million in bond funds. The board also clarified that the partially de-obligated item for 5215 West Flagler Street was due to reallocation of a HUD grant to 5350 West Flagler. - Community Outreach Updates: OCI and Parks reported groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings: Gary Curtis Park Community Building (groundbreaking Feb 27, completion March 2027), Grapeland Heights baseball fields (ribbon cutting March 9), Ambrister Park Community Center (community meeting March 26, trailers for bathroom facilities, demolition expected summer 2026). Public works reported a ribbon cutting for a completed portion of Alberndale flood improvements and planned groundbreakings for East Flagami and Edgewater in June 2026. - Future Meeting Dates: The board discussed scheduling the next meeting in early September 2026 due to the August break. Staff will circulate date options. Key Outcomes - The minutes of the January 26, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. - No formal votes were taken on substantive items; the board received updates and discussed project timelines, extensions, and legal considerations. - The board will proceed with documenting extension requests for projects exceeding the 3-year and 5-year expenditure deadlines, as advised by the city attorney. - The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for September 2026; dates will be confirmed by email.

The City of Miami Commission met on May 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM in historic chambers. The meeting began with a proclamation declaring May as Jewish American Heritage Month, followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items included a proposed $450 million public safety bond (deferred to May 28), changes to the city's election cycle (even-year elections starting in 2034), and the formation of a Tree Advisory Committee. Numerous residents spoke on tree protection, immigration enforcement, and the bond. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously, including routine approvals and deferrals/withdrawals of several items: PH6 withdrawn, RE2 deferred to May 28, RE6 withdrawn, SR5 withdrawn, PZ1 indefinitely deferred. Public Comments & Testimony - RE4 (Public Safety Bond): Several speakers expressed concern about the $450 million bond, citing lack of transparency, existing city debt, and the need to address the 287G immigration agreement before approving new debt. Speakers included Juan Cuba, Elvis Cruz, Tomas Kennedy, Lisa Margilis, Miriam Haskell, Albert Gomez, Maria Bilbao, Katrina Morris, Rob Piper, Ramon Ventura, Mercedes Rodriguez (in support), Billy Corbin, and Edrika Santos (in support). - Tree Protection: Many residents urged the city to halt tree removals and strengthen the tree ordinance. Speakers included Sandy Moise, Jocelyn Mahone, Eileen Broton, Lindsay Kane, Mary Lopez Delbert, Michelle Yi, Denise Tubino, Amy Herzig, Noah Cleveland, Jessica Johnson, Ian Wogan, and Madison Kinder. They called for a moratorium, independent arborist reviews, and public transparency. - RE5 (Branches nonprofit): Isabel Benditti Pike spoke in support of the Branches Allapata project, highlighting its two-generational programming for low-income families. - RE19 (Wagner Creek cleanup): Nelson County Zares (Related Urban), Eileen Broton, and Brett Bibo (Miami River Commission) supported the item, citing reduced bacterial contamination and plans for affordable housing. - Election Items (RE3, RE13, RE14): Speakers including Mel Meinhart and Rob Piper supported moving to even-year elections but opposed RE6 and RE13 as incomplete reforms. Discussion Items - RE4 – Public Safety Bond ($450 million): Mayor Higgins presented the need for the bond, citing deplorable conditions at police headquarters and fire stations, long response times, and the need for new fire stations. Chief Heavy presented a detailed plan with four new stations, rebuilding Station 1 and 10, and a unified public safety building. Commissioners debated the timing (August vs. November), transparency, and fiscal responsibility. Commissioner Escalona asked for a public dashboard and quarterly reports. Commissioner Gabella expressed concerns about taxpayer burden, the need for a covenant on land sale proceeds, and preferred November. After discussion, the item was deferred to May 28, 2026 (vote 4-1, Escalona opposed). - RE3, RE13, RE14 – Election Cycle Changes: Commissioner Pardo led the discussion. RE3 was withdrawn. RE14 (rescinding prior ordinance) passed 4-1 (Gabella no). RE13 (moving to even-year elections starting in 2034, with a three-year term for the first affected district) passed 3-2 (King and Gabella no, Rosado and Pardo recused). The ballot question will appear in the August primary. - RE15 – Tree Advisory Committee: Commissioner King expressed concern that FIU was not included as a consultant. Staff clarified that FSU (Consensus Center) is facilitating public outreach, and FIU and UM will be added as volunteer experts. Commissioner King and Rosado recused themselves due to FIU connections. The item passed 3-0 (with amendments). - RE16 – Administrative Orders Database: Passed unanimously after staff confirmed no additional cost to make the existing database public. - RE17 – Audio/Video Recordings of Board Meetings: Commissioner Rosado expressed concerns about costs and logistics. The item was amended to require publication of minutes instead of audio/video, and then deferred to May 28 at the sponsor's request. Key Outcomes - Public Safety Bond (RE4): Deferred to May 28, 2026, by a vote of 4-1 (Commissioner Escalona opposed). - Even-Year Elections (RE13): Approved 3-2 (Commissioners King and Gabella no; Rosado and Pardo recused). The ballot question will move to the August primary, with the first affected term (elected in 2031) serving a three-year term to align with 2034. - Tree Advisory Committee (RE15): Approved 3-0 (Commissioners King and Rosado recused). The committee will include FIU and UM as subject matter experts, with public workshops in July 2026 and draft recommendations expected by mid-2027. - Administrative Orders Database (RE16): Approved unanimously; the city will make the existing searchable database public-facing. - Board Meeting Recordings (RE17): Deferred to May 28, 2026, with an amendment to require publication of minutes rather than audio/video. - Other Items: Consent agenda, public hearing items (PH1-7), and resolutions (RE1, RE5, RE7, RE9-12, RE18-19) passed unanimously. Second reading items (SR1-7) and first reading items (FR1, pocket item) passed unanimously. Planning and zoning items (PZ2-3) passed 4-1 (Gabella no).