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REPORT:
Chairman Gilbert III convened the Board of County Commissioners (Board/BCC) First Budget Hearing meeting at 5:06 p.m. with an invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
The following Board members were present at roll call: Chairman Gilbert III, Vice Chairman Rodriguez, Commissioners Bastien, Bermudez, Cabrera, Higgins, McGhee, Regalado and Steinberg.
In addition to the members of the Board, the following staff members were also present:
~ Chief Operations Officer Jimmy Morales, Office of the Mayor;
~ Mr. David Clodfelter, Director, Miami-Dade Office of Management and Budget (OMB);
~ County Attorney Geri Bonzon-Keenan and Assistant County Attorney Michael Valdes;
~ Clerk of the Board, Director, Basia Pruna and Deputy Clerk Kerry Khunjar Breakenridge
Also in attendance was Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
INFORMATION FOR FIRST BUDGET HEARING
County Attorney Geri Bonzon-Keenan announced at tonight�s (9/5) First Budget Hearing meeting, the Board of County Commissioners (Board) would conduct a public hearing and adopt millage rates, set fees, rates and other charges; and adopt tentative budgets for the County�s Fiscal Year (FY 2024-25) Budget. She advised that there were eight (8) ordinances before the Board in this regard, and noted the proposed millage rates adopted at tonight�s (9/5) Budget Hearing would set the ceiling for the final millage rates that could be adopted at the Second Budget Hearing scheduled for September 19, 2024.
County Attorney Geri Bonzon-Keenan read the title of Agenda Item A into the record.
Mr. David Clodfelter, Director, Miami-Dade Office of Management and Budget (OMB), announced the proposed Countywide Operating millage was 4.574 mills, which was 9.77% above the State-defined rolled-back rate of 4.167 mills. He stated the proposed millage rate would generate revenues for services included in the proposed budget including a planned cost of living adjustment, an increase from the Florida Retirement System, an increase in the maintenance of funding effort for the Department of Transportation and Public Works and the Jackson Health Systems.
County Attorney Geri Bonzon-Keenan read the title of Agenda Item B into the record.
Mr. Clodfelter announced the proposed Countywide Debt Service Rate millage was 0.4271 mills; with 0.3259 mills for Countywide debt service including the Building Better Communities Bond Program; and 0.1012 mills for the Public Health Trust Jackson Miracle-Building Bond Program.
County Attorney Geri Bonzon-Keenan read the titles of Agenda Items C and D into the record.
Mr. Clodfelter announced the proposed Unincorporated Municipal Service Area operating millage was 1.909 mills, which was 8.86% above the State-defined rolled-back rate of 1.7536 mills. He stated the proposed millage rate would generate revenues for services included in the proposed budget, a planned cost of living adjustment and an increase from the Florida Retirement System.
County Attorney Geri Bonzon-Keenan read the titles of Agenda Items E and F into the record.
Mr. Clodfelter announced the proposed Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue Service District operating millage was 2.3965 mills, which was 9.89% above the State-defined rolled-back rate of 2.1809 mills. He stated the proposed millage rate would generate revenues for services included in the proposed budget including additional units, a planned cost of living adjustment and an increase from the Florida Retirement System.
County Attorney Geri Bonzon-Keenan read the title of Agenda Item G into the record.
Mr. Clodfelter announced the proposed Miami-Dade Library System operating millage was 0.2812 mills, which was 9.72% above the State-defined rolled-back rate of 0.2563 mills. He stated the proposed millage rate would generate revenues for services included in the proposed budget, a planned cost of living adjustment and an increase from the Florida Retirement System.
County Attorney Geri Bonzon-Keenan read the title of Agenda Item H into the record and advised that Agenda Items E and H contained scrivener�s errors that would be read into the record by Mr. Clodfelter.
Mr. Clodfelter advised the scrivener�s error on Page 7 of Agenda Item E found under the Unincorporated Municipal Service Area Fund Revenue should be amended to read as follows:
~ �General Property Tax Revenue in the amount of $225,956,000.� and
~ �Utility Tax Revenue in the amount of $142,450,000.�
Additionally, Mr. Clodfelter announced that Page 446 of Agenda Item H contained a scrivener�s error and should be corrected as follows:
~ The Debt Service Fund for Building Better Communities Program Bond, Fund D1004 should be amended to add Reserves in the amount of $1,279,000;
~ Amend the Ad Valorem revenues in the amount of $137,202,000; and
~ Amend the Total Expenditures in the amount of $137,202,000.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava commented that tonight�s meeting was one of multiple opportunities for community participation in budget development, underscoring the essential role of public input in the process. In her fourth budget cycle as Mayor, she highlighted collaborative successes with the Board of County Commissioners (Board) and presented the proposed budget as a responsible and forward-looking financial plan. Mayor Levine Cava noted that the County had implemented unprecedented tax reductions exceeding $43 million over two (2) years while maintaining investments in critical areas. She acknowledged that although the administration sought to preserve service quality, the County was faced with exceptional circumstances surrounding the January 2025 separation of five (5) constitutional offices from County government. Mayor Levine Cava explained that this transition would substantially affect operations and finances, requiring an estimated $30 million investment in the initial year. She emphasized the County's obligation to facilitate successful establishment of these offices while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of quality services to residents. Mayor Levine Cava also addressed the temporary nature of federal Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) assistance funds that had supported communities nationwide, noting that rising service demands necessitated adopting more conservative fiscal strategies for long-term sustainability.
Mayor Levine Cava recommended maintaining a flat millage rate to ensure a solid fiscal foundation for the community noting the historically low tax rate while continuing investments in core priorities including housing, transportation, public safety, small business, the environment, families, older adults, and pets. She emphasized ensuring continuity in public safety during the transition to the elected sheriff, noting that current service levels would be maintained without cuts while the new sheriff determined appropriate service levels for the office.
Mayor Levine Cava announced that the administration had established reserve funds available for deployment. She emphasized that the proposed budget addressed identified community priorities, explaining that despite facing unprecedented fiscal constraints, the administration had reallocated resources to align with Board objectives and future development goals. Acknowledging the difficulties associated with the transition of some County operations to constitutional offices, she stressed that challenging decisions were necessary to provide residents with essential services. Mayor Levine Cava advocated for full funding of transit reserves through the Transportation Infrastructure Improvement District (TIID), which served as a dedicated fund for future transit initiatives. She highlighted that a recent straw ballot supporting mass transit expansion passed with nearly 80 percent (80%) voter approval, demonstrating continued community commitment to transit development. Mayor Levine Cava thanked Board Chairman Gilbert III for including this measure on the ballot, and reaffirmed her dedication to transit investment.
Mayor Levine Cava addressed concerns from the arts and culture community regarding available funding for the County's Cultural Affairs Arts Grants. She explained that tourist development tax revenues had fallen below projections during the past year, which significantly impacted programming since these taxes served as the primary funding source. She emphasized that the administration was working to prioritize arts funding by exploring methods to address the financial shortfall. Mayor Levine Cava noted that private contributors had stepped forward to help fund this gap, which had been further emphasized by state budget reductions, with Mr. Jorge Perez leading the effort through a $300,000 initial grant. She noted that Mr. Perez was encouraging other philanthropists to participate in this effort while the administration continued pursuing innovative funding approaches.
Mayor Levine Cava reported on the Eviction Diversion Program, which had handled approximately 2,000 cases to date. She explained that the pilot program had been supported by one-time federal relief funding and reaffirmed her dedication to the initiative. Mayor Levine Cava recognized the necessity for expanded eviction prevention efforts and recommended increased budget allocation to sustain the program. She noted that the administration had collaborated with Legal Services and the Office of Housing Advocacy to pursue a $2.5 million federal grant aimed at continuing legal assistance and providing additional support beyond County resources. Mayor Levine Cava indicated that a response to the grant application was expected within the month.
In her closing remarks, Mayor Levine Cava recognized Mr. Clodfelter and his team for their year-long work on the proposed budget. She acknowledged the value of multiple meetings held with each Commissioner and welcomed their feedback. Mayor Levine Cava concluded by thanking residents for their contributions and noted public participation was an essential component of the budget development process.
Chairman Gilbert III opened the public hearing and announced that comments were limited to one minute. The following persons appeared before the Board:
1. Ms. Marya Meyer, Executive Director, The Women�s Fund Miami-Dade, 1781 Opechee Drive, Miami, FL, spoke in support of funding for the Victims Assistance Center and asked the Board to address the racial disparities in infant and maternal health and to support emergency services for at-risk pregnant women due to extreme heat;
2. Ms. Viviana Alvarado Pacheco, The Women�s Fund Miami-Dade, 9639 SW 159th Avenue, Miami, FL, spoke in support of the proposed budget, noting it aligned with the organization�s work;
3. Ms. Kerry-Ann Royes, President and Chief Executive Officer, YWCA South Florida, 351 NW 5th Street, Miami, FL, thanked the Board for its partnership on initiatives such as housing, the Climate-Ready Tech Hub, the Overtown Choice Neighborhoods, Head Start programs, and the Court Care program;
4. Ms. Angeline Evans, Vice President of Mission Advancement, YWCA South Florida, 11300 SW 120th Street, Miami, FL, spoke about the Court Care Program and thanked the Board for its leadership, support and partnership;
5. Ms. Marylynne Schwartz, President, Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library, 101 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL, thanked the administration and the Board for their support of the Library Budget;
6. Ms. Renee Pesci, Executive Director, Arts & Business Council of Miami, 900 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, encouraged the Mayor and the Board to restore the 11 percent (11%) cut in the Arts and Culture funding budget;
7. Mr. Andres Castillo, Chief Executive Officer, Regis House, 8625 SW 79th Place, Miami, FL, requested additional funds until the Community Based Organization (CBO) grant decision was made;
8. Ms. Natalie Herradon, Director, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, 1200 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL, requested increased funding ($250,000) for mental health counseling services;
9. Ms. Rezia Hayes, Digital Marketing Manager, Arts & Business Council of Miami, 1177 NW 8th Street Road, Miami, FL, urged the Board to reconsider the proposed cuts to the Arts and Cultural funding;
10. Ms. Heaven Jones, Outreach Manager, Arts & Business Council of Miami, 1635 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, requested the Board to fully fund the Arts and Culture Budget;
11. Ms. Catherine Gustave, Director of Programs & Events, Arts & Business Council of Miami, 1637 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, urged the Board to fully fund the Arts and Culture budget;
12. Mr. Kenneth Kilpatrick, President, Brownsville Civic Neighborhood Association, 5137 NW 29th Avenue, Miami, FL, requested the Board to consider housing subsidies for low-to-moderate income families in Brownsville, an expansion and upgrade of the Everett Stewart Senior Community Center at Jefferson Reeves Senior Park, additional street lighting installations along 32nd Avenue in Brownsville, Comprehensive Rehab and upgrades to Brownsville�s Historic Georgette�s Tea Room, fully prioritize and fund the Metrorail North Corridor extension. He requested assistance to expand to South Dade to serve those with transportation burdens, and assistance to launch a comprehensive youth construction program;
13. Ms. Gladys Ramirez, Executive Director, City Theatre, 282 NE 116th Street, Miami, FL, spoke in opposition to the proposed budget which included a $2.475 million cut to the arts, and requested arts funding be restored;
14. Ms. Mercedes Cabrera, 2200 NW 72nd Avenue, Miami, FL, spoke in support of the Office of Housing Advocacy receiving funding to continue the Eviction Defense Program, and working with multiple community organizations; the need for bus shelters and pedestrian safe walkways at bus stops; and expressed concern regarding bus route modifications;
15. Ms. Trenise Bryant, Co-Executive Director of Organizing and Communications, Struggle for Miami�s Affordable and Sustainable Housing (SMASH), 1611 NW 65th Street, Miami, FL, requested the Board to continue funding the Eviction Defense Diversion Program;
16. Ms. Alba Hernandez, 8050 NW Miami Court, Miami, FL, via translator, requested the Board�s assistance in preventing eviction from her trailer home;
17. Mr. Dinio Alberto Gir�n, President, Palm Lake Mobile Homeowners Association, 7600 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL, via translator, requested the Board�s assistance in halting the eviction notices served to residents of the Palm Lakes Mobile Home;
18. Mr. Theopolis Williams, 1391 NW 95th Street, Miami, FL, expressed concern regarding funding being provided for the FIFA World Cup;
19. Ms. Milka Jimenez, 7600 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL, requested the Board�s assistance in relocating from the Palm Lakes Mobile Home in the event the eviction notice served to residents could not be halted;
20. Ms. Rosie Cordero-Stutz, address protected; candidate for Miami-Dade County Sheriff, expressed concerns regarding the overtime line budget for the Miami-Dade Police Department and the reduction of scheduled academy classes;
21. Ms. Alba Flores, 7600 NW 27th Avenue, Lot No. 47, Miami, FL, via translator, requested the Board�s assistance in locating affordable housing;
22. Ms. Angelica Toloza, 7600 NW 27th Avenue, Palm Lakes Mobile Home resident, Miami, FL, via translator, requested the Board�s assistance regarding the eviction notice served to residents;
23. Mr. Saul Oxlaj, 7600 NW 27th Avenue, Lot No. 65, Miami, FL, via translator, requested the Board�s assistance regarding the eviction notice served to residents; and maintaining assistance to the Miami Workers� Center;
24. Ms. Fernanda Jorgensen, Executive Director, Philanthropy Miami, 2001 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL, thanked the Board and the County Mayor for their ongoing partnership and requested continued support;
25. Mr. Michel Maisinor, 8278 NE Miami Court Road, Miami, FL, via translator, requested the Board�s assistance;
26. Ms. Carmen Benitez, Urban Health Partnerships, 8625 NW 8th Street, Miami, FL, requested continued funding for the organization;
27. Ms . Tara Kitt, Urban Health Partnerships, 1015 NW 199th Street, Miami Gardens, FL, requested continued support for the Miami-Dade County Age-Friendly Initiative;
28. Ms. Alicia Romero-Sardinas, Director of Education and Artistic Programming, Vocal Youth Miami, 10025 SW 12th Terrace, Miami, FL, asked that the Arts Budget not be reduced;
29. Ms. Hadasa Cairo (phonetic) Vocal Youth Miami, no address given, requested the Arts Budget not be reduced;
30. Ms. Jamie Sutta, Executive Artistic Director, Vocal Youth Miami, 5943 SW 59th Street, South Miami, FL, requested the Board restore the proposed budget reduction to the arts;
31. Ms. Hannah Baumgarten, Artistic Director, Dance Now! Miami, 900 Bay Drive, Miami Beach, FL, requested the Board restore full funding for the arts;
32. Mr. Frederick Bryant, 1431 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, spoke regarding his efforts in seeking housing assistance;
33. Mr. Marcel Pierre, 8202 NW Miami Court, Miami, FL, via translator, requested the Board�s assistance regarding eviction from trailer park and commented on the high water bill residents were required to pay;
34. Ms. Rosie Gordon-Wallace, Founder and Curator, Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator, 164 NE 56th Street, Miami Shores, FL, requested the Board�s support for the arts;
35. Mr. Juan Aguilar, Soar Park, 8202 NW Miami Court, Miami, FL, via translator, requested the Board�s assistance in preventing evictions from occurring;
36. Ms. Lauren Novorska, Miami Waterkeeper, 1527 Albenga Avenue, Coral Gables, FL, requested additional funding for the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program;
37. Ms. Senia Nunez, Soar Park Trailer Park, 8202 NW Miami Court, Miami, FL, via translator, requested the Board�s support for trailer park residents who were being evicted;
38. Ms. Adeline Nagle, Miami Waterkeeper, 2666 Tigertail Avenue, Miami, FL, requested the Board reallocate funds towards coral restoration projects;
39. Ms. Anahi Pace, a homeless resident associated with Soar Park, sought assistance with her living situation;
Chairman Gilbert III asked staff to meet with Ms. Pace.
40. Ms. Laura Cruz, Miami Waterkeeper, 23 Majorca Avenue, Miami, FL, spoke regarding the funding in the operational budget for mechanical harvesting of the County�s canal system;
41. Ms. Lauren Jonaitis, Senior Conservation Director, Tropical Audubon Society, 5530 Sunset Drive, Miami, FL, requested adequate funding for the EEL, and inclusion of an additional budget item earmarking at least $52 million for additional staff and use of funds for Land Acquisition Management and Restoration;
42. Ms. Erin Cover, Miami Waterkeeper, 201 NW 7th Street, Miami, FL, spoke regarding the lack of funding for comprehensive habitat monitoring in Biscayne Bay in the FY 2024-25 budget;
43. Ms. Audrey Siu, Miami Waterkeeper, 8600 SW 67th Avenue, Pinecrest, FL, encouraged the Board to approve resources to the Water and Sewer Department (WASD) to meet the terms of the Consent Decree on an expedited timeframe. She noted Miami Waterkeeper supported the continued funding of septic to sewer transition in the proposed budget and WASD�s request for $16.24 million to continue its infiltration program;
44. Ms. Andie Arthur, Executive Director, South Florida Theatre League, 6310 SW 79th Street, South Miami, FL, requested the Board restore full funding to the Department of Cultural Affairs;
45. Ms. Laura Reynolds, Hold the Line Coalition, 6820 SW 64th Court, South Miami, FL, requested increased funding for the EEL Program, and requested $2 million for staffing and $50 million for acquisition;
46. Ms. Millie Rogers, 7962 Camino Circle, Miami, FL, requested increased funding for the EEL Program and highlighted the importance of preserving Pine Rocklands;
47. Ms. Leyna Stemle, Tropical Audubon Society, 7962 Camino Circle, Miami, FL, requested the Board to fully fund the EEL Program;
48. Mr. Fred Gadlin, 8050 NW Miami Court, Soar Park, Lot G324, Miami, FL, requested the Board�s assistance in obtaining livable, low-income housing;
49. Mr. Elisnor Louis, 8050 NW Miami Court, Lot E121, Miami, FL, via translator, requested the Board�s assistance with paying his water bill in the amount of $3,387;
50. Ms. Eliziane Acceus, 8050 NW Miami Court, Miami, FL, via translator, spoke regarding her living situation in a trailer park;
51. Mr. Jos� Martinez, 8050 NW Miami Court, Lot E103, Miami Soar Trailer Park, Miami, FL, via translator, expressed concern regarding investors who were seeking to evict residents without paying for their trailers;
52. Mr. Jos� Rene Martinez, 8050 NW Miami Court, Sunnyland Trailer Park, Lot G 346, Miami, FL, via translator, expressed concern regarding the new landowners� abusive treatment towards residents for the past six years;
53. Mr. Louis Joseph, 8050 NW Miami Court, Miami, FL, via translator, requested assistance with the increased rent payment for the trailer park where he resided;
54. Ms. Analan Mallet, 8050 NW Miami Court, Lot E 131, Miami Soar Trailer Park, Miami, FL, spoke regarding the abusive treatment residents had endured by investors and requested the Board�s assistance in obtaining compensation for their homes;
55. Mr. Alix Jean Joseph, Soar Park Trailer Home, 8050 NW Miami Court, Lot K 714, Miami, FL, requested the Board�s assistance in obtaining fair compensation for their homes due to eviction by investors;
56. Mr. Herard Desmangles, 8050 NW Miami Court, Miami, FL, via translator, commented on sewer issues on his trailer residence;
57. Ms. Portia Dunkley, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Teeny Violini, 8230 SW 9th Court, North Lauderdale, FL, urged the Board to reconsider the proposed $2.4 million cuts in the Cultural Affairs budget;
58. Ms. Auriel Hills, 8230 SW 9th Court, North Lauderdale, FL, urged the Board to fully restore funding for the arts;
59. Ms. Annie Lord, Executive Director, Miami Homes For All, 3250 SW 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL, spoke in support of the proposed budget and millage rate, and commented on the importance of supporting eviction diversion programs, permanent housing, deeply affordably housing and the preservation of housing;
60. Mr. Howard Herring, President, New World Symphony, 330 SW 26th Road, Miami, FL, thanked Mayor Levine Cava and the Board for creating an environment in which cultural institutions were thriving;
61. Ms. Annette Petit Frere, 82 NW Miami Court, Lot B 237, Miami, FL, via translator, requested the Board�s assistance regarding a 3-month water bill for $3,000;
62. Ms. Jasmin Womble, Chairwoman, Miami-Dade County Head Start Policy Council, 1147 NW 74th Street, Miami, FL, thanked the Board spoke in support of continuing the Head Start Program;
63. Mr. Kirk Whipple, Executive and Artistic Director, The Unconservatory, 8000 SW 26th Street, Miami, FL, requested arts funding in the proposed budget be maintained or increased;
64. Ms. Natasha St. Cyr, 801 NW 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL, thanked the Mayor and the Board for continuing the Head Start Program;
65. Ms. Sarah Chapman, Development Director, Armour Dance Theatre, 7190 SW 103rd Court Circle, Miami, FL, urged the Board to restore the cultural arts funding;
66. Ms. Nattaliah Earle, Program Manager for the Miami-Dade County Age Friendly Initiative, Urban Health Partnerships, 1800 SW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL, urged the Board�s continued funding and support for the Initiative;
67. Mr. Gr�goire Dijay (phonetic), address unknown, with the aid of a translator, spoke regarding trailer parks;
68. Dr. Andrea Iglesias, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Urban Health Partnerships, 4629 NW 83rd Path, Doral, FL, requested the Board continue funding the Miami-Dade County Age Friendly Initiative ;
69. Mr. Rolando Bosch, organizer for Soar Park, 2841 NE 163rd Street, North Miami Beach, FL, requested additional resources be made available to assist mobile home park owners who were about to be evicted;
70. Ms. Sharon Frazier Stephens, 6324 NE 1st Place, Miami, FL, requested the FY 2024 Consolidated Plan to re-incorporate and input the Model City Advisory Committee;
71. Mr. Raymer McGuire, Director of Campaigns & Policy, The CLEO Institute, 2103 Coral Way, Miami, FL, requested the proposed budget be used to recognize efforts to advance renewable energy and to address greenhouse gas emissions;
72. Mr. Alan Valladares, Arts Access Miami, 480 NE 30th Street, Miami, FL, urged the Board to restore the Arts Budget to its full capacity;
73. Ms. Sheila Womble, Executive Director, Arts For Learning, 1635 SW 18th Avenue, Miami, FL, requested the $2.4 million be restored to the Department of Cultural Affairs;
74. Ms. Janie Jackson, 1161 NW 50th Street, Miami, FL, requested assistance be provided for elderly individuals;
75. Mr. Yovanny Martinez, Miami Workers Center, 7600 NW 27th Avenue, Palm Lake Mobile Home Miami, FL, via translator, requested that funding for the eviction program not be cut;
76. Ms. Daniela Roger, Miami Homes For All, 3250 SW 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL, requested additional funding allocation to support eviction diversion, preservation of public housing, the hiring of experienced PEER navigators to support social workers, and restoring funding to support the arts;
77. Ms. Vanny Veras, Tenant Organizer, Miami Workers Center, 720 NW 55th Street, Miami, FL, spoke in support of funding for the Eviction Diversion Program;
78. Ms. Anaruth Flores, 9280 SW 123rd Court, Miami, FL, requested the Board maintain the $3 million for the Eviction Diversion Program; $2 million for the EEL Program to support hiring additional staff; and providing assistance which would allow mobile homeowners to remain in their homes or to provide alternative housing;
79. Ms. Catherine Dos Santos, Executive Director, Transit Alliance Miami, 2150 Coral Way, Coral Gables, FL, spoke in support of the Mayor�s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and the County�s commitment to public transit, including ridership increase through the Better Bus Network while addressing ongoing fleet reliability issues, an additional $16 million for future transit projects via the TIID, and the mass transit ballot poll;
80. Mr. Mark Merwitzer, Associate Director, Transit Alliance Miami, 2150 Coral Way, Coral Gables, FL, spoke in support of the transit budget;
81. Mr. William Quinlan, 2064 Prairie Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, spoke in support of the proposed budget and urged the Board, the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization and the Citizens Independent Transportation Trust to consider the most effective way in moving forward on transit in the future;
82. Tala Habash; 50 Menores Avenue, Coral Gables, FL;
83. Mr. Alex Vizcarra, Transit Alliance Miami, 10936 SW 137th Place, Miami, FL;
84. Ms. Santra Denis, Executive Director, Miami Workers Center, 745 NW 54th Street, Miami, FL, spoke in support of funding for the Eviction Diversion Program;
85. Ms. Alika Esperson, genCLEO Action Fund, 12103 NE 5th Avenue, Miami, FL, requested the Board allocate $1 million for bus tree canopies for shade coverage, $2 million to be invested into the EEL Program, and $50 million for land acquisition;
86. Mr. Mateo Rivera, genCLEO Action Fund, 2263 SW 37th Avenue, Miami, FL, requested the Board add more shading for public transportation in under-represented communities;
87. Mr. Brian Douglas, Miami Workers Center, 342 NW 11th Street, Miami, FL, requested the Eviction Diversion Program be expanded;
88. Ms. Maria Claudia Schubert Fontes, Catalyst Miami, 10063 Costa Del Sol Boulevard, Doral, FL, spoke in support of further investments in the EEL Program, the importance of expediting the tree canopy expansion, increased bus shade coverage and re-introduction of key bus routes such as the 211 circulator, and more investments in heat illness prevention through the expansion of cooling site locations and hours throughout the County and an increase in the marketing and community outreach for workplace illness prevention;
89. Ms. Audrey Aradanas, Miami Homes For All, 3250 SW 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL, spoke in support of the proposed budget;
90. Ms. Sarahi Perez, genCLEO Action Fund, 2523 NW 9th Street, Miami, FL, spoke in support of prioritizing climate and intersectional education, additional funding to the EEL Program for staff, and additional funding for LGBTQ youth centers in terms of homeless shelters, youth shelters and services;
91. Ms. Jahnee Smith, Miami Homes For All, 10750 SW 11th Street, Miami, FL, spoke in support of Engage Miami�s budget priority of allocating $500,000 in creating peer navigator roles to the Library Budget to increase the capacity of social workers working with at-risk individuals experiencing housing insecurity;
92. Mr. Fleuridor Chrisnel, 84 NW 71st Street, Miami, FL, via translator, spoke regarding the proposed budget offering assistance to newcomers to the United States;
93. Ms. Rayna Milfort, Housing Program Manager, Miami Homes For All, 3150 SW 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL, spoke in support of housing;
94. Ms. Rachel Prestipino, (7:38) Catalyst Miami, 1865 79th Street Causeway, North Bay Village, FL, spoke in support of residents from Palm Lake and Soar Park who were facing evictions and the Eviction Diversion Program, requested an investment of $1 million in community violence intervention programs such as the Healing and Justice Center, and a viable alternative or restoration of the 211 bus circulator, and investment in participatory budgeting program for next year;
95. Ms. Susan Holtzman, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Miami-Dade County, 9055 SW 73rd Court, Miami, FL, advocated for the continued funding for NAMI to continue offering the youth mental health conference conducted in conjunction with Miami-Dade Public Schools, and offer the mental health collaborative that provided emergency services in the event of natural and man-made disasters. She noted crisis intervention training to the police department and suicide awareness and training for County employees that NAMI had been providing for the last several years would be impacted due to loss of funds;
96. Mr. Camilo Mejia, Policy and Advocacy Director, Catalyst Miami, 300 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL, requested the Board allocate funds for participatory budgeting programs to inform community members on how to navigate and provide early input on the budget, allocate funds for marketing and outreach for the extreme heat action plan, and provide support for trailer home residents who were being evicted;
97. Mr. Christian Jimenez, Engage Miami, 34825 SW 187th Court, Homestead, FL, supporting the Young People�s Budget, requested the Board allocate $1 million to expand the bus passenger shelter program to areas identified as having inequitable tree coverage; Chairman Gilbert III requested information from Mr. Jimenez about the executive director of Engage Miami after he finished speaking;
98. Ms. Sheha Kapil, Dade County Street Response, 133 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, requested the Board support community violence intervention programs, such as Dade County Street Response that prevents lapses in mental health care;
99. Ms. Romina Montenegro, Engage Miami, 1620 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, requested the Board allocate $1 million to the Safe in the 305 grant program;
100. Ms. Ilana Florime (phonetic), 140 NW 8th Avenue, Miami, FL, spoke in support of the proposed budget and requested the Board�s assistance as she was unemployed;
101. Unidentified speaker, 1050 NW 132nd Street, North Miami, FL, spoke in support of the proposed budget, and noted he was experiencing difficulties while awaiting his work authorization;
102. Mr. Paul Christian Namphy, 1275 NW 123rd Street, North Miami, FL, spoke in support of the proposed budget to uplift the experiences of the Soar Park and Palm Lakes residents who were facing eviction and daily unspoken challenges;
103. Ms. Briyana Joseph, Engage Miami, 1450 NW 73rd Street, Miami, FL, appeared in support of the Young People�s budget. She requested the Office of Management and Budget create a digital tool on their website to provide a visualization of the County budget and facilitate more community participation;
104. Mr. Juan Jos� Escalante, Executive Director, Miami City Ballet, 1410 Mercado Avenue, Coral Gables, FL, spoke in support of consistent investment in arts and culture programs;
105. Ms. Cameron Basden, Managing Director, Miami City Ballet School, 6017 SW 16th Street, Miami, FL, spoke regarding the impact of the budget cut to the arts and culture programs;
106. Ms. Monica Viques Pitan, Executive Director, Legal Services of Greater Miami, 4343 West Flagler Street, Coral Gables, FL, lead agency for the Miami-Dade Eviction Diversion Program, commented on the importance of seeking additional funding and expressed appreciation for the County�s continued support;
107. Ms. Tamara Joseph, 247 NW 120th Street, Miami, FL, requested the Board�s support for the Miami Workers Center organization;
108. Ms. Paulette Darow, 2422 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL, requested the Board provide children�s necessities at the Gwen Cherry Park;
109. Ms. Ivanna Paul, 65 NW 68th Terrace, Miami, FL, Miami Workers Center member, requested the Board�s support for the Miami Workers Center;
110. Ms. Amy Morales, Engage Miami, 829 SW 9th Avenue, Miami, FL, spoke in support of the Young People�s budget calling for $2 million for EEL staffing, $500,000 for Peer Navigators and the Library System, $1 million for CBI funding, shade coverage at bus stops and areas with no tree canopy, and restoration of culture and arts funding;
111. Mr. Emani Jerome, Engage Miami, 10800 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami, FL, spoke in support of the Young People�s budget, particularly, restoration of the $2.4 million for the arts program. He emphasized the economic importance of these programs and their hyperlocality;
112. Mr. Jorge Reyes, 2804 SW 142nd Place, Miami, FL, spoke regarding the lack of enhancement to roadways, lack of park maintenance and lack of pothole repairs;
113. Ms. Hana Abdulla, Dade County Street Response (DCSR), 4300 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL, requested the Board provide $10 million for the DCSR�s public safety programs;
114. Former Florida House of Representative District 108 Roy Hardemon, 1292 NW 79th Street, Miami, FL, requested the 18th Avenue development project be completed and for the Gwen Cherry Park to be maintained;
115. Ms. Brigid Baker, Director, 6th Street Dance Studio, 1155 SW 6th Street, Miami, FL, requested the Board restore full funding for the arts;
116. Ms. Shirley Richardson, Executive Director, M Ensemble Company, 650 SW 124 Terrace, Pembroke Pines, FL, requested the Board restore the $2.4 million that was removed from the arts program;
117. Ms. Z. Spicer 1465 NE 123rd Street, North Miami, FL, requested the Board allocate $500,000 to the Parks Department to support the nine parks that served as cooling sites in 2023 but not this past summer;
118. Ms. Kira Grossman, Chairwoman, Voices For Children Foundation, 601 NW 1st Court, Miami, FL, requested $250,000 to continue the Kinship Care Program;
119. Ms. Taina Adam, 801 NE 199th Street, Miami, FL, spoke in support of additional funding for the transportation budget, increased pay for bus drivers, continued electric vehicles, increased tree canopies, and implementation of water fountains for riders;
120. Ms. Ana Villamizar, Sunrise Miami, 10791 North Kendall Drive, Miami, FL, requested the Board reallocate monies saved from closure of the cooling centers to tracking cooling center usage allocations currently in service, and innovating an improved strategy to successfully provide those lost resources;
121. Ms. Berlinda Dixon, Dade County Street Response, 1128 NW 7th Avenue, Miami, FL, requested the Board allocate $1 million towards the Transportation Easy Pass Program;
122. Mr. Christian Molina, Chief of Staff to the Mayor and Commission, North Bay Village, representing the Heart of the Bay Task Force and North Bay Village Mayor-Elect Rachel Streitfeld, 10310 SW 120th Avenue, Miami, thanked the Board for securing an additional $100,000 for marine patrol enforcement in Biscayne Bay during last year�s mid-budget review, and requested an increase of at least $100,000 in this year�s budget for marine patrol and enforcement to better respond to emergencies around the municipality. He noted North Bay Village looked forward to partnering with the County to enhance enforcement and develop sensible regulations to protect Bay users and Miami-Dade County�s Blue Heart Biscayne Bay;
123. Ms. Mercy Perez, 14960 SW 74th Terrace, Miami, FL, expressed concern regarding the budget impact on small businesses;
124. Ms. Laverne P. Holliday, Curley�s House/Hope Relief Food Bank, 983 NW 111th Street, Miami, FL, thanked Mayor Levine Cava and the Board for their support to Curley�s House;
125. Ms. Isel Rodriguez, 9880 North Kendall Drive, Miami, FL, via translator, spoke regarding the lack of sewers in various Miami-Dade County neighborhoods;
126. Ms. Falicia Douglas, Curley�s House of Style, 6025 NW 6th Court, Miami, FL, requested an additional $150,000 for continued support of Curley�s House Senior Program;
127. Chaplain Stanley Young, Freedom Prison and Jail Ministry, 500 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, requested the Board�s support in murder prevention;
128. Mr. Jared Simon, 3800 Irvington Avenue, Miami, FL, spoke regarding the County�s investment in Israeli government bonds;
129. Mr. Carl Bey, Brownsville Community Advisory Committee (CAC), 5150 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, spoke regarding racism and exclusion in Miami-Dade County, and urged the Board and Mayor Levine Cava to sponsor the �Our Fair Share� resolution;
130. Ms. Margaret Ledford, Artistic Director, City Theater Miami, 2351 SW 16th Court, Miami, FL, urged the Board to reinstate the $2.47 million to the Department of Cultural Affairs and approve that restoration at the September 19, 2024 Budget Hearing;
131. Ms. Shekina Dellmar-Donaldson, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and President, Kinad, Inc., 2100 NW 192nd Terrace, Miami Gardens, FL, requested the Board approve $2.5 million for Kinad and two new busses;
132. Ms. Yvette Harris, representative, Miami Carnival and Miami MoCAAD, 1500 NW North River Drive, Miami, FL, urged the Board to continue preserving arts funding;
133. Ms. Beth Boone, Artistic and Executive Director, Miami Light Project, 9806 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL, urged the Board to restore the $2.47 million to the Arts Budget;
134. Mr. Miguel Angel Jaimes, Sunrise Movement, 9856 SW 88th Street, Miami, FL, emphasized the allocation of funding to the Extreme Heat Marketing Initiatives; and to libraries; and
135. Mr. Christopher Arriaza, 2920 Seminole Street, Miami, FL, requested the Board to increase access to cooling centers and to fund tree canopy initiatives.
Seeing no one else appear wishing to speak, Chairman Gilbert III closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Higgins reported that she had engaged in discussions with the administration and Mr. Clodfelter regarding concerns about insufficient funding deposits to the TIID.
Based on these budget consultations, Commissioner Higgins stated that she could not support Agenda Items C and H in their current form unless amendments were made to address the TIID funding shortfall and requested that these two (2) items be considered individually to allow for amendments to resolve the transportation infrastructure funding concerns.
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