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City of Miami
Legislation
Resolution
File Number: 09-00492
City Hall
3500 Pan American
D"IVB
Miami, FL 33133
vrvAv.miamigov.com
Final Action Date:
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO
PARTNER WITH OTHER CITIES THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES TO
ADDRESS THE FORECLOSURE CRISIS BY CREATING A MULTI -CITY
LITIGATION GROUP COMPRISED OF CHIEF LEGAL OFFICERS FOR
MUNICIPALITIES THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES TO HOLD LENDERS
ACCOUNTABLE, REDUCE THE NUMBER OF FORECLOSURES, AND REDUCE
THE NUMBER OF VACANT HOMES; FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY
ATTORNEY TO REPORT ON THE PROGRESS OF THESE EFFORTS WITHIN
NINETY (90) DAYS.
WHEREAS, the number of mortgage foreclosures in the United States, the State of Florida,
and the City of Miami ("City") have significantly increased since 2005; and
WHEREAS, the number of mortgage foreclosures in the State of Florida in Fiscal Year
2005-2006 was 57,272; in Fiscal Year 2006-2007 was 112,840; and in the first quarter of Fiscal Year
2007-2008 was 87,893; and
WHEREAS, the number of mortgage foreclosures filed in Miami -Dade County in 2006 was
13,887; in 2007 was 31,309; in 2008 was 63,331; and as of April 1, 2009 was 22,314; and
WHEREAS, the increase in mortgage foreclosures has resulted in an increase in the number of
vacant and abandoned homes in the City; and
WHEREAS, as of April 1, 2009, there are 364 registered vacant homes in the City; and
WHEREAS, the number of mortgage foreclosures has had a significant negative impact on the
City, its residents, and its businesses; and
WHEREAS, the increase in the number of vacant and abandoned homes has a deteriorating
effect on the neighborhoods in the City causing a decrease in property values; and
WHEREAS, the increase in mortgage foreclosures has reached epic proportions throughout
the country establishing the need for local action by all cities including the City; and
WHEREAS, the International Municipal Lawyers Association ("IMLA"), the City, the City of
Baltimore, and the City of Saint Paul have formed a multi -city litigation working group comprised of
municipal lawyers throughout the United States to jointly strategize on legal strategies that are
intended to hold lenders accountable, reduce the number of foreclosures, and address the increase in
vacant and abandoned homes; and
WHEREAS, there are significant benefits for the City to partner with other municipalities from
City of Miand Page 1 of 2 Printed On: 5/5/2009
File Number.' 09-00492
around the United States to jointly implement legal strategies and coordinate municipal interests to
hold lenders accountable; reduce the number of foreclosures, and to reduce the number of vacant and
abandoned homes:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA:
Section 1. The Miami City Commission supports efforts to partner with other cities throughout the
United States to address the foreclosure crisis by creating a multi -city litigation working group
comprised of chief legal officers for municipalities throughout the United States to hold lenders
accountable, reduce the number of foreclosures, and reduce the number of vacant homes.
Section 2. The Miami City Commission directs the City Attorney to report back to the Miami City
Commission in ninety (90) days on the progress of the multi -city working group.
Section 3. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and signature of
the Mayor{1}.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
JULIE O. BRUJ
CITY ATTORNEY
Footnotes:
{1 } If the Mayor does not sign this Resolution, it shall become effective at the end of ten calendar days
from the date it was passed and adopted. If the Mayor vetoes this Resolution, it shall become
effective immediately upon override of the veto by the City.
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