Delivering Policy Solutions

Here are some of the highlights from the last few weeks at the Board of County Commissioners (BCC):

• Miami-Dade bans fracking! In an important victory for our water, the Board of County Commissioner unanimously approved my legislation banning fracking in the County.
• Wins for South Dade in the County budget: Despite the unexpected $10 million cost of fighting the spread of Zika, the recently approved budget for Miami-Dade County includes funding for several important projects in South Dade. There will be an additional $150,000 to tackle Laurel Wilt Disease affecting avocado growers, restoration of $10 million in the purchase of development rights program, a near-doubling of the Office of Resilience staff, a nearly 50% increase in environmental education grant funding, and seed money to reboot the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade, which has been tasked with carrying forward the South Dade Marketing initiative. Of the 140 new police officers graduating from the Academy, 90 will be placed in South Dade. Plans are also underway to offer more government services at the South Dade Government Center.
• Lowering fares: Thanks to a resolution I sponsored, Miami-Dade Transit has reduced bus fares on express routes within the county from $2.65 to $2.25.
• Easing the burden for small businesses: The County will promote opportunities for small businesses looking to open or expand their operations to finance their water and sewer connection fees over time instead of having to pay them all up front. The Commission approved my resolution creating this marketing program at the October 5 meeting.
• This week Miami-Dade County held a special presentation to recognize the $13,696.06 contribution made by County employees to the OneOrlando fund, which benefits the victims and family members of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando. Miami-Dade County employees contributed their unused annual and holiday leave time to the fund after I sponsored a resolution authorizing the donations from employees in June.

Commissioner Levine Cava, Chairman Jean Monestime, SAVE Executive Director Tony Lima and Mayor Carlos Gimenez recognize the contribution made by county employees to the OneOrlando fund.

Tell us your suggestions by emailing [email protected] or calling 305-378-6677/305-375-5218.

Homestead Office Hours

I will hold office hours in Homestead to meet with constituents on December 14 from 4-7 pm at 100 Civic Court, 3rd Floor, Room 351, Homestead, 33030. To schedule an appointment in Homestead, or at our South Dade or downtown offices at any other time, please contact (305) 375-5218.

Upcoming Policy Solutions

• Studying the status of women and girls: After the County adopted the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Commission Auditor has been studying the status of women in Miami-Dade County. A report will be presented to the Board in November and I look forward to bringing forward legislation that can improve the quality of life for women and girls.
• Charter review: Every five years, the Board of County Commissioners is required to review the County's charter, which is like our constitution. I am proposing that we once again establish a panel of residents to fulfill that need.
• #ShineTheLight: My resolution calling for zoning agendas and documents to be made available to the public electronically will be heard by the Board on November 1. This will make it easier to monitor planning and zoning items being considered by the Commission.
• Helping those in need: I am proposing a voluntary contribution fund through customers' water bills. The voluntary program is designed to help people in need of emergency assistance from having their water cut off because of an unexpected hardship.

Fostering Strong Organizations in South Dade

The District 8 Nonprofit Academy is wrapping up its first year. I launched the Nonprofit Academy in April 2016 to build the capacity of community organizations in South Dade. Thirty-five organizations participated in the six-month program, which consisted of interactive workshops designed to give nonprofits the tools and information they need to increase organizational capacity, meet performance standards, and build resilience. I am currently working on establishing an incubator for small businesses and nonprofits in South Dade. If you are interested in learning more, contact Community Engagement Director Rahel Weldeyesus at [email protected]

Great in 8 Profile: Introducing the District 8 Youth Advocate

I am pleased to have Christian Grossenbacher, a senior at Miami Palmetto Senior High, serving as the District 8 Youth Advocate. Christian is interested in spreading environmental activism and cultivating a respect for the environment among his peers.

"My interest in public service stems from the fact that my dad works in Environmental Resources Management and my mom is a teacher," Christian says. "As they both work for the county, I have spectated since I was young the importance public service has on the greater good of society. Governmental workings and policy making is the only way to effectuate real change within society."

As my Youth Advocate, Christian has helped to recruit District 8 schools to participate in the Dream in Green Challenge and to spearhead the initiative at his own school. He is also engaging other students in environmental clean ups like the one sponsored by Livable Cutler this weekend and mobilizing students to advocate for stronger environmental laws.