Miami-Dade Legislative Item
File Number: 240871
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File Number: 240871 File Type: Resolution Status: Amended
Version: 0 Reference: Control: County Commission
File Name: WORLD CUP FUNDING Introduced: 5/6/2024
Requester: NONE Cost: Final Action:
Agenda Date: 5/21/2024 Agenda Item Number: 11A3
Notes: SEE 250152 FOR FINAL VERSION AS ADOPTED Title: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING COUNTY POLICY TO PROVIDE FUNDING SUPPORT TO THE GREATER MIAMI SPORTS COMMISSION, INC. (“HOST COMMITTEE”), A FLORIDA NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION, RELATED TO THE FIFA 2026 WORLD CUP MATCHES TO BE HELD IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY IN 2026 WITH CASH SUPPORT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $21,000,000.00, AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $25,000,000.00 FOR IN-KIND SERVICES FROM CERTAIN COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AND FOR PUBLIC SAFETY EXPENSES, AND $3,000,000.00 IN MATCHING FUNDS TO FUND A 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP LEGACY PROJECT DURING FISCAL YEARS 2024-25 AND 2025-26; DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR’S DESIGNEE TO (1) IDENTIFY AND INCLUDE $10,500,000.00 IN CASH SUPPORT IN THE COUNTY MAYOR’S PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 COUNTY BUDGET TO BE PAID TO THE HOST COMMITTEE FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO HOSTING THE FIFA 2026 WORLD CUP MATCHES, (2) REVIEW IN-KIND APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BY HOST COMMITTEE TO CONFIRM SCOPE, AVAILABILITY AND ASSOCIATED COST OF IN-KIND SERVICES, AND (3) TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ONE OR MORE NECESSARY AGREEMENTS WITH THE HOST COMMITTEE OR FIFA AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED ENTITIES TO PROVIDE THE CASH AND IN-KIND FUNDING AND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LEGACY PROJECT, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS
Indexes: FUNDING
  IN-KIND
  WORLD CUP
Sponsors: Oliver G. Gilbert, III, Prime Sponsor
Sunset Provision: No Effective Date: Expiration Date:
Registered Lobbyist: None Listed

Legislative History
Acting Body Date Agenda Item Action Sent To Due Date Returned Pass/Fail
Board of County Commissioners 5/21/2024 11A3 Amended
REPORT: See Agenda Item 11A3 Amended, Legislative File Number 250152, for the amended version.
Chairmans Policy Council & Intergov. Affairs Cmte. 5/13/2024 2H Forwarded to the BCC by the BCC Chairperson with a favorable recommendation
REPORT: Commissioner Bastien stated that while she was excited about the 2026 FIFA World Cup (FIFA) being held in Miami-Dade County, she was concerned about the fiscal impact of the foregoing proposed resolution. She pointed out that FIFA was a multi-billion dollar entity and questioned the reason for the County’s proposed cash support. Chairman Gilbert III spoke about the economic benefits sporting events such as the National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup bring to the County through and noted that an initial investment/commitment was needed to solicit such events. He explained that the “in-kind” payments would fund law enforcement personnel due to anticipated attendance. Commissioner Cabrera noted that these commitments were routine for hosting large international events. In response to Commissioner Bastien inquiry, regarding county-wide event planning and community inclusion, Chairman Gilbert III announced that the soccer games would primarily take place in District 1 at Hard Rock Stadium, while simultaneously clarifying that other districts were welcome to host related events within their local communities. He noted, unlike the Super Bowl, this event would follow a different organizational approach and to streamline the process, a host committee had been established with specific responsibilities, including engaging with the FIFA organization, negotiating event details, calculating associated costs, and coordinating with Commissioners about potential event venues. Chairman Gilbert III described the FIFA event as "Countywide," and emphasized its broad regional impact and the potential for widespread community involvement. Commissioner Bastien indicated her support for the item, and expressed her enthusiasm about working with the host committee. Mr. Rodney Barreto, Co-Chairman and CEO of the Barreto Group, introduced the FIFA Host Committee members including Ms. Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Mr. Ray Martinez, Ms. Janelle Prieto, and Lindsey Johnson. Responding to Commissioner Bastien’s question, Mr. Barreto explained the committee was selected by the Mayor based on the members' extensive experience in hosting large events. Ms. Lutoff-Perlo provided the hierarchical structure of the Host Committee: the Executive Advisory Board consisting of Mayors and Senators from South Florida, the Executive Committee containing representatives from all major South Florida counties, and the Host Committee as the ground team meeting with businesses and community members to raise money and awareness. Mr. Barreto responded to Commissioner Hardemon’s inquiry about neighborhood involvement and explained that the Host Committee would engage with interested communities and review the County's vendor process, noting that all participating businesses would need FIFA vetting and approval. He added that pro bono legal representation would be available to businesses seeking partnerships. Chairman Gilbert III recommended that future host committees meet with Commissioners prior to bidding on large events to ensure standardized plans for district inclusion. Mr. Morales noted that while administration did not select events, district commissioners could work with Host Committees to bring events to their communities. He emphasized the significant revenue potential for the County and committed to addressing financial concerns with the Chairman. Responding to Commissioner Hardemon’s question about community involvement in FIFA events, Mr. Barreto explained that the Host Committee proactively reached out to communities interested in engagement. He detailed that while the County and FIFA would not endorse specific groups, they would partner with various businesses to ensure event success. Mr. Barreto emphasized that businesses seeking participation would need to undergo a thorough vetting process by FIFA and receive official approval before being allowed to engage with the events In response to Commissioner Bastien’s inquiry regarding the deadline for commissioners to engage with the Host Committee, Mr. Barreto clarified that there was no specific deadline and clarified that commissioners could meet with the Host Committee at any time to discuss event ideas. He also noted that the Host Committee would provide pro bono legal representation to businesses seeking partnerships. Chairman Gilbert III recommended that in future large events, host committees should meet with commissioners before bidding to establish a comprehensive and standardized plan for incorporating all districts. Mr. Jimmy Morales Chief Operations Officer, Office of the Mayor, explained that previous Boards had established host committee models for large events. He clarified that the administration did not select or organize events, but district commissioners could collaborate with Host Committees to bring events to their communities. Mr. Morales highlighted the potential economic impact of the FIFA World Cup, noting that the administration would work with the Chairman to address financial concerns. Chairman Gilbert III stressed the importance of addressing financial timelines before bidding, suggesting that the County should have planned to spread its financial commitment across multiple budget cycles. There being no further questions or comments, the Committee proceeded to vote on the foregoing proposed resolution, as presented. The Clerk of the Board received notice that the foregoing proposed resolution was advanced to the May 21, 2024 Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting.
County Attorney 5/6/2024 Referred
County Attorney 5/6/2024 Assigned Monica Rizo 5/6/2024
Legislative Text

TITLE
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING COUNTY POLICY TO PROVIDE FUNDING SUPPORT TO THE GREATER MIAMI SPORTS COMMISSION, INC. (�HOST COMMITTEE�), A FLORIDA NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION, RELATED TO THE FIFA 2026 WORLD CUP MATCHES TO BE HELD IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY IN 2026 WITH CASH SUPPORT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $21,000,000.00, AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $25,000,000.00 FOR IN-KIND SERVICES FROM CERTAIN COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AND FOR PUBLIC SAFETY EXPENSES, AND $3,000,000.00 IN MATCHING FUNDS TO FUND A 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP LEGACY PROJECT DURING FISCAL YEARS 2024-25 AND 2025-26; DIRECTING THE COUNTY MAYOR OR COUNTY MAYOR�S DESIGNEE TO (1) IDENTIFY AND INCLUDE $10,500,000.00 IN CASH SUPPORT IN THE COUNTY MAYOR�S PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 COUNTY BUDGET TO BE PAID TO THE HOST COMMITTEE FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO HOSTING THE FIFA 2026 WORLD CUP MATCHES, (2) REVIEW IN-KIND APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BY HOST COMMITTEE TO CONFIRM SCOPE, AVAILABILITY AND ASSOCIATED COST OF IN-KIND SERVICES, AND (3) TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ONE OR MORE NECESSARY AGREEMENTS WITH THE HOST COMMITTEE OR FIFA AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED ENTITIES TO PROVIDE THE CASH AND IN-KIND FUNDING AND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LEGACY PROJECT, SUBJECT TO CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS

BODY
WHEREAS, F�d�ration Internationale de Football Association (�FIFA�) is the governing body of international soccer and organizes the quadrennial FIFA World Cup; and




WHEREAS, the FIFA World Cup is the world�s preeminent men�s soccer tournament amongst teams representing 48 countries and is the single biggest sporting event in the world, with an audience greater than the Summer Olympics, the Union of European Football Associations (�UEFA�) Champions League, Tour de France, Formula 1, Super Bowl and Rugby World Cup combined; and
WHEREAS, as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Miami-Dade County is scheduled to host seven matches including group matches, a quarterfinal match, and the third-place match, all at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens between June 15, 2026, and July 18, 2026; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the matches in Miami Gardens, venues throughout Miami-Dade County, including the Miami Beach Convention Center in the City of Miami Beach, Bayfront Park in the City of Miami, and Barry University in the Village of Miami Shores, are expected to host official 2026 World Cup events and activities; and
WHEREAS, the vast majority of fans, sponsors, players, coaches, and executives from around the world will travel through Miami International Airport and other County-owned general aviation airports; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a momentous event expected to attract more than 600,000 visitors to Miami-Dade County with an anticipated direct economic impact of more than $500,000,000.00 that will boost Miami-Dade County�s tourism industry and showcase the Miami-Dade County community on a worldwide stage; and
WHEREAS, billions of individuals from around the world are expected to watch 2026 FIFA World Cup matches on various media platforms, thus providing invaluable exposure to Miami-Dade County; and
WHEREAS, for over 15 years, this Board has expressed interest in hosting and supporting the World Cup and its associated festivities; and
WHEREAS, in 2009, the Board adopted Resolution Nos. R-969-09 and R-1342-09 expressing support for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids; and
WHEREAS, most recently, the Board adopted Resolution R-187-18 which, among other things, delineated the County�s commitments with respect to Miami International Airport as part of a complete bid proposal for Miami-Dade County to serve as a host City for the 2026 World Cup; and
WHEREAS, the Greater Miami Sports Commission, Inc. (the �Host Committee�), a Florida Not-For-Profit Corporation, with a board of directors consisting of community and business leaders from Miami-Dade County, was formed to submit the County�s bid to host the 2026 World Cup matches and is now tasked with meeting the bid obligations; and
WHEREAS, with heightened security obligations, expectations, and requirements for high-attendance, world-class, and highly publicized events at large stadiums and other high-profile venues, the Host Committee will implement enhanced safety initiatives and is anticipating a substantial increase in public safety and security costs, which require financial support from Miami-Dade County; and
WHEREAS, the Host Committee has or will request in-kind services from the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department (�MDFR�), the Department of Emergency Management, Miami International Airport, PortMiami, and County administrative support, as well as public safety services from the Miami-Dade Office of the Sheriff (�Miami-Dade Sheriff�), in each case, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches and related activities; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County�s hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup provides a unique opportunity for the Host Committee to develop a 2026 FIFA World Cup legacy gift project(s), which will leave a lasting positive impact on the host community, and both the Host Committee and this Board desire to have such legacy gift project(s) developed in County Commission District 1; and
WHEREAS, the Board has previously recognized the significance of hosting major events and has shown its commitment through cash funding and in-kind support of similar events and surrounding activities; and
WHEREAS, the Board has determined that it is in the best interest of Miami-Dade County to assist with funding and otherwise supporting the Host Committee�s efforts to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and legacy gift project,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that:
Section 1. The matters contained in the foregoing recitals are approved and incorporated in this resolution by reference.
Section 2. It shall be the policy of this Board to provide funding support during Fiscal Years 2024-25 and 2025-26 to the Host Committee related to the FIFA 2026 World Cup matches to be held in Miami-Dade County in 2026 in an amount not to exceed $21,000,000.00 (representing $3,000,000.00 for each of the seven 2026 World Cup matches taking place in Miami-Dade County) in cash support, an amount not to exceed $25,000,000.00 for legally available in-kind services from certain County departments and for public safety services from the Miami-Dade Sheriff subject to request and approval by the Sheriff, and $3,000,000.00 in matching funds to fund one or more 2026 FIFA World Cup Legacy projects in County Commission District 1.
Section 3. This Board directs the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee to: (a) identify and include legally available funds in the amount of $10,500,000.00 in cash support in the County Mayor�s proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 County Budget to be paid to the Host Committee for expenses related to hosting the FIFA 2026 World Cup matches; (b) review in-kind applications submitted by the Host Committee for in-kind services from MDFR, the Department of Emergency Management, Miami International Airport, PortMiami, and County administrative support to confirm the scope, availability and associated costs of in-kind services to be provided; and (c) to negotiate and execute, subject to the conditions set forth herein, one or more necessary agreements with the Host Committee, FIFA, and any other required entities for the provision of cash and in-kind services by the County and for the development of the legacy project. The agreements shall require that the County issue payment of $10,500,000.00 on or before December 31, 2024 for the FIFA 2026 World Cup Matches and, subject to this Board�s budget and appropriation of such funds for Fiscal Year 2025-26, payment of $10,500,000.00 on or before December 31, 2025 for the FIFA 2026 World Cup Matches and $3,000,000.00 on or before July 31, 2026 for the legacy gift project(s). The authority of the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee to execute any agreements is subject to the agreements: (i) containing standard terms and conditions customarily contained in County contracts; (ii) not waiving any policies of this Board; (iii) not exposing the County to financial obligations or liabilities beyond the amounts set forth in this resolution and approved by the Board in the adopted County budgets for Fiscal Years 2024-25 and 2025-26; (iv) not otherwise requiring separate Board approval pursuant to applicable law; and (v) being reviewed and approved for form and legal sufficiency by the County Attorney�s Office.

Section 4. It shall be the policy of this Board to also support the dedication of additional resources to the appropriate departments to assist the Host Committee and FIFA in expeditiously processing all permitting requests, including, fire safety, building and temporary licensing for vending, limousines and shuttles, if necessary, subject to available resources.


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