The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) created Community Councils in 1996. Each council serves one of ten geographic areas in unincorporated Miami-Dade County and is comprised of six members elected by the community and one appointed by the BCC. All members must be registered voters and reside in the area that they represent.

Community Councils were primarily created to make zoning and land use decisions in a setting more accessible to the community. Community Councils also serve as advisory liaisons from their communities to the Board of County Commissioners and County staff, relaying relevant information and recommendations on selected concerns of the council area.

Community Councils make recommendations to the County Commission on capital, programming and operational priorities for municipal services such as police, parks, fire and roadway maintenance in their area, as well as relaying other concerns and needs of local residents.