HomeMy WebLinkAboutBack-Up DocumentsCITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: The Honorable Mayor
and Members of the City Commission
FROM: James Reyes
City Manag
DATE: February 6, 2026
SUBJECT: 2025 Annual Board Reports and
Presentations
(March 12, 2026, Commission
Agenda)
ENCLOSURES: Annual Board Reports
Pursuant to City Code Sec. 2-890 (Annual report of City boards and committees), each board
chairperson shall submit a written report, approved by the board, to the City Manager setting forth
the following information concerning the board:
1. "Whether the board is serving the purpose for which it was created.
2. Whether the board is serving current community needs.
3. A list of the board's major accomplishments.
4. Whether there is any other board, either public or private, which would better serve the
function of the board.
5. Whether the ordinance creating the board should be amended to better enable the board to
serve the purpose for which it was created.
6. Whether the board's membership requirements should be modified.
7. The cost, both direct and indirect, of maintaining the board."
Furthermore, Code Sec. 2-892 stipulates that during the month of March of each year in which a
board is to be reviewed, the chairperson shall make an oral presentation, based on the report set
forth in Code Sec. 2-892 above. The following boards are scheduled to make oral presentations
before the City Commission on March 12, 2026:
1. Arts and Entertainment Council
2. Finance Committee
3. Historic and Environmental Preservation Board
4. Liberty City Community Revitalization Trust
5. Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board
Please note that no report will be submitted for the Overtown Advisory Board/Overtown
Community Oversight Board, as this board is inactive. Enclosed are the remaining annual reports
listed above. Copies of all other board reports received are on file with the City Manager's Office.
cc: Todd B. Hannon, City Clerk
Miriam Santana, Agenda Coordinator
Miami Arts & Entertainment Council (MAEC) 2025 Annual Report
Chairman: Wills Felin, District 5 Representative
Vice Chair: German DuBois III., Mayor's Representative
Maria Nappies, Mayor's Representative
Gloria Rodriguez de los Reyes, Mayor's Representative
Michelle McKoy, District 2 Representative previously representing the Mayor
Lara Gallardo, District 4 Representative
1) Whether the board is serving the purpose for which it was created.
Yes. Pursuant to Division 10, Sec 2-1141, The Miami Arts & Entertainment Council (MAEC) is
serving the purpose for which it was created as an advisory board to make recommendations and
guide elected officials on the support of specific art and entertainment special events,
performances and productions.
2) Whether the board is serving current community needs.
Yes. The Council continues to serve the community's needs by collaborating and partnering with
arts and entertainment organizations such as M.U.C.E., Nido, Refuge of Senses, Ugly Duck
Society, Locust Projects, and Frost Science Museum. These collaborations take place in the City
of Miami and are designed to positively impact its residents. These strategic partnerships have
yielded initiatives that strengthen cultural engagement and meaningfully enhance the quality of
life for the citizens of Miami.
3) A list of the board's major accomplishments.
Establishment of Community Partnerships via promotional and financial sponsorships with:
Locus Projects Little Haiti / Little River (LHLR) Art Days
As part of its commitment to expanding cultural access and neighborhood engagement, the
Miami Arts and Entertainment Council supported Little Haiti / Little River Art Days in
partnership with Locust Projects. This community -centered initiative invites residents and
visitors to tour local galleries and studios, connect with artists, and experience curated
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NiDo Refuge of Senses
The Miami Arts & Entertainment Council proudly collaborates with NIDO to promote
exploration, experimentation, and appreciation of art in all its forms. Through this
partnership, MAEC supports an inclusive platform that welcomes diverse audiences to
engage with creative expression beyond the traditional gallery model —ensuring that art
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Miami Urban Contemporary Experience (MUCE): Kindred Spirits
For Soul Basel 2025, the Miami Arts & Entertainment Council proudly sponsored MUCE
on Animal Kindred Spirits, a public art activation exploring the parallel between human
migration and animal displacement in the naturalworld. Through this powerful exhibition, the
partnership highlights how urban development and climate change reshape both habitats
and communities, encouraging reflection on adaptation, resilience, and coexistence. By
supporting initiatives like this, MAEC advances meaningful public dialogue through
accessible, thought -provoking art within the City of Miami.
Ugly Duck Society (UDS) Art Basel Mixer
The Miami Arts & Entertainment Council sponsored the Ugly Duck Society
Web3/Blockchain Mixer during Art Basel at the Science and Sip Experience in Miami,
convening artists and blockchain enthusiasts from across the country for a one -of -a -kind
cultural gathering. The billion -dollar NFT brand Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) participated in
co -branding efforts, generating significant brand amplification for both UDS and MAEC.
The activation empowered attendees to explore opportunities within Web3 while spotlighting
local talent, including sculptor Oliver (Spare Parts) and painter Chuy, who showcased and
sold their work. In further support of creative advancement, the team assisted Chuy in setting
up his first digital wallet, helping bridge traditional art with blockchain innovation and new
digital revenue opportunities.
Frost Science Museum
As a sponsor of Frost Science's free Family Fun Festival, the Miami Arts & Entertainment
Council helped support an engaging community event that invites families to explore the
wonders of science through interactive, hands-on experiences. The festival reflects a
collective commitment to expanding community engagement and increasing access to
educational programming for residents across the City of Miami.
4) Whether there is any other board, either public or private, which would better serve the function
of the board.
There is no other board, either public or private, which would better serve the function of the
Miami Arts & Entertainment Council (MAEC). Specifically, MAEC thrives in the cultivation of:
• Cultural Infrastructure - Collaborations with Art Spaces, Theaters and Creative Hubs
• Artist and Cultural Organization Support- Provide Grants, Fellowships and Financial
Assistance to local Arts & Entertainment Organizations
• Community Engagement - Promote programming that expands access to the arts
• Marketing and Promotions - MAEC Merch, Digital Marketing Initiatives
• Arts & Economic Growth - Local Business and Chambers of Commerce Collaborations
5) Whether the ordinance creating the board should be amended to better enable the board to serve
the purpose for which it was created.
MAEC was established to promote, develop, and support the arts and entertainment sectors
within the city. The ordinance outlines the board's structure, scope, and responsibilities. Over
time, evolving challenges and opportunities may necessitate adjustments to ensure the board's
effectiveness.
6) Whether the board's membership requirements should be modified.
In accordance with Division 10 of the City of Miami Code, Section 2-1142, regarding the Miami
Arts and Entertainment Council's membership and appointments, the council is structured to
include 11 members: 6 appointed by the Mayor and 1 representative appointed by each of the 5
City Commissioners, representing their respective districts.
To function effectively, it is essential that the council have full representation from all 5 districts
of the City of Miami. In 2025 MAEC developed a refreshed strategic framework and initiated
member recruitment adding three new members, bringing the Council to six active participants.
However, the lack of timely appointments resulted in an incomplete council. To address this
issue, we propose the following recommendations:
• Commissioner Recommendations: If a Commissioner does not appoint a
representative from their district, the council should provide a list of qualified candidates
for the Commissioner's consideration. These candidates would be individuals who best
serve the interests of the Commissioner's district.
• Mayoral Ratification: In cases where a Commissioner declines to appoint a
representative or fails to do so within a specified timeframe, we recommend that the
council's proposed candidate be submitted to the Mayor for ratification. This process
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would ensure that all council seats are consistently filled, allowing the council to operate
efficiently and effectively.
7) The cost, both direct and indirect, of maintaining the board.
• The Council operated with an incomplete board throughout Fiscal Year 2024 to 2025.
Operating without a full board significantly limits our ability to fully execute the Council's
mission and activate our programming and resources at scale. Recognizing the
importance of full participation, we refined our sponsorship and activation strategy to
prioritize partnerships that amplify the Council's brand and message year-round, rather
than through one-off engagements. This approach has become integral to our overall
strategic planning and long-term impact.
• During this time, we placed a temporary pause on budget expenditures unless they
delivered clear and measurable impact. MAEC entered FY 25-26, with a budget of
$37,151.96to provide for the management, operations, maintenance of Board
essentials ($17,151.96 Roll over to FY 26, $20,000 Contribution from the Mayor's Office)
Increased funding, the board can host and curate more impactful events, broaden its
reach, and amplify its positive influence within the community. Specific expenditures by
the board include:
• Financial Contributions
• April 2025: purchase of tickets to the County Dept. of Cultural Affairs 2025
Serving the Arts Award Ceremony: $300.00
• August 2025: reimbursement to the Chairman for his trip to the NYC NFT2025
Conference: $2,159.99
• December 2025: Miami Urban Contemporary Experience (MUCE) Animal
Kindred Spirits and Soul Basel Opening Night Kick Off Mixer: $7,500
• December 2025: Ugly Duck Society (UDS) NFT experience at Science and Sip:
$8,500
• December 2025: Reimbursement to Board Member Gloria Rodriguez de los
Reyes for supplies to create promotional art $500
• Promotional Items $2,265
MAEC In -Kind Contributions
• Trolley Service for Little Haiti / Little River (LHLR) Art Days on May 3 and
September 13' 2025 (at $310.75 per day) a value of $621.50
• Collaboration with NiDo for space rental, June 13 LGBTQ Arts & Culture
Screening of Queer Centered Artists
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Brand Amplification Partners
• Special thanks to Bit Basel who provided Complimentary Civic Partnership
and promotional opportunity during Art Week December 1 — 7t", 2025.
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Although MAEC receives several sponsorship requests on a regular basis, MAEC only
sponsors events and organization directly serving the City of Miami. Investing in the board
is an investment in Miami's cultural heartbeat driving engagement, fostering
connections, and strengthening our community.
These resources are critical to the Council's work in supporting the City's arts and
entertainment programming and in delivering value to residents, artists, and cultural
organizations throughout the City of Miami.
Ensuring that the Council remains properly resourced is essential for us to carry out our
mission and continue contributing meaningfully to the growth of the City's vibrant cultural
landscape. Together, we can ensure that Miami's legacy as a hub of creativity and
innovation not only endures but thrives.
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CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: James Reyes, City Manager DATE: January 15, 2026
CC: Todd Hannon, City Clerk SUBJECT: Finance Committee Annual Report
FROM: Eli Feinberg, Chairman REFERENCES:
Finance Committee
Annual Finance Committee
Board Report 2025
Eli Feinberg, Chairman
Eric Zichella, Member
Munirah J. Daniel, CPA, Member
Vacant, District 1 appointee
Vacant, District 4 appointee
Pierre Toussaint.:t'femher
Xavier Alban, Board Attorney
Calitza Diaz -Torres, Board Liaison
Created on August 9, 1999, the Finance Committee ("Committee") generally meets as
necessary. The Committee concerns itself with matters that may have a financial impact
on the City of Miami ("City"). Over the past several years, the Finance Committee
members have served on City procurement evaluation and selection committees,
commented on proposed debt financings and budgets of the City, and made valuable
recommendations, many of which have been implemented by the City Commission and
the Administration.
i. WHETHER THE BOARD IS SERVING THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT WAS
CREATED?
Response: Yes, the Committee actively works with the City's Administration to review
and enhance the City's financial related policies. The Committee also reviewed and
made recommendations on all long-term indebtedness, and on the City's investment
practices. Collectively, these contributions have enhanced the City's financial policies.
ti. WHETHER THE BOARD IS SERVING CURRENT COMMUNITYNEEDS?
Response: Working collaboratively with the City's Administration and elected officials, the
Committee has strengthened the City's oversight and management of its investments and
debts, which in turn serves the community's needs. The Committee's input has minimized
risk and exposure, while maintaining principal funding, and improving returns on
investments in accordance with the City's Financial Integrity Principles and Anti -
Deficiency Act.
in. A LIST OF THE BOARD'S MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• The Committee reviewed and approved the financing proposal from
Motorola for the lease purchase agreement for radios and equipment.
• The Committee reviewed the City's outstanding investments on a
regular basis.
iv. WHETHER THERE IS ANY OTHER BOARD, EITHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE,
WHICH COULD SERVE THE FUNCTION OF THE BOARD?
Response: Not currently.
v. WHETHER THE ORDINANCE CREATING THE BOARD SHOULD BE AMENDED TO
BETTER ENABLE THE BOARD TO SERVE THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT WAS CREATED?
Response: Not at this time.
v[. WHETHER THE BOARD'S MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS SHOULD BE MODIFIED?
Response: The following seats are currently vacant: District 1 Appointee, District 4 appointee.
THE COST, BOTH DIRECT AND INDIRECT OF MAINTAINING THE BOARD.
Response: The Committee meets as needed for approximately two hours. At times, they
have met with short notice at the request of the administration to review items. Their
review, recommendations, ideas, input, service, and accomplishments exceedingly
outweigh any costs to the City. Moreover, their leadership has led to contributions which
have financially benefited the City.
Additionally,. the Committee members often volunteer their time and participate on
procurement evaluation selection committees. The City's procurement process is
enhanced by the members' broad, diverse, extensive knowledge and experience.
January 06, 2026
Arthur Noriega, City Manager
City of Miami
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
RE: 2025 Historic and Environmental Preservation Board Annual Report
Dear Mr. Manager:
The Historic and Environmental Preservation Board is pleased to present this annual
report in satisfaction of City Code Section 2-890, specifically responding to the following
questions:
1. Is the board serving the purpose for which it was created?
The Historic and Environmental Preservation Board (HEPB) is the City's authority on
historic preservation and environmental matters for designated historic resources,
historic districts, and environmental preservation districts. The board has fulfilled its
responsibility under Chapter 17, Chapter 23, and Chapter 62 of the City Code.
Throughout the year, at the monthly HEPB meetings, the Board has reviewed
applications for Special Certificates of Appropriateness for alterations to designated
historic sites and districts, designation of historic resources, and tree appeals
regarding intended decisions to remove trees throughout the City. The Board also
has the authority to review Certificates to Dig for major ground -disturbing activity in
archaeological sites and zones, and Special Certificates of Approval for tree removal
or construction activity in an Environmental Preservation District or Scenic
Transportation Corridor.
This year the Board reviewed a new preliminary evaluation report and designated one
site as a historic resource based on criteria set forth in the Historic Preservation
Ordinance (Chapter 23). The Board also reviewed forty-five Special Certificate of
Appropriateness applications, four historic preservation waivers to allow for the
rehabilitation of historic buildings, one Ad Valorem Tax Exception, one Special
Certificate of Approval, and two tree removal permits. In addition, the Board has
advocated for the preservation of historic properties by discussing the Unsafe
Structures list, the City's Demolition by Neglect Ordinance, zoning requirements, and
landscaping requirements.
2. Is the board serving current community needs?
The HEPB is responsive to community needs by addressing petitions for construction
activity within the City's Historic Districts and at its Historic Sites, within its
Environmental Preservation Districts and Archaeological Conservation Zones, and
along its Scenic Transportation Corridors, balancing the need for progress with the
need to preserve Miami's heritage. Acting in a formal, impartial manner, the board
reviews applications, hears evidence, and makes decisions based on adopted
preservation laws, guidelines, and due process rather than personal preference
balancing the protection of historic resources with the rights and needs of property
owners and the public.
By doing so, the board helps ensure that historically and culturally significant buildings,
sites, and districts are preserved for future generations, maintaining the community's
identity and sense of place. At the same time, its structured hearing process allows
residents, property owners, and stakeholders to be heard, The Board responds to
requests by neighborhood associations and interest groups for historic designation of
sites and districts. It also ° is the official board for all of the City's tree removal permit
appeals. As part of the certified local government program, the Board reviews
National Register nominations.
The City of Miami HEPB continues to be responsive to community needs and at is
directive HEP The City of Miami's HEPB continues to respond to community needs
and, under its direction, has further strengthened coordination with the Building
Department, Unsafe Structures, Code Compliance, Special Events Permitting, the
Parks Department, and Housing and Community Development.
3. A list of the board's major accomplishments:
During 2025, the HEPB held eleven meetings lasting approximately 32 hours and
made a total of 45 resolutions including the following items:
1. Two preliminary designation report review:
a. 128 NE 1 AV - JT Weathers Building.
b. 3634 Frow Av — (Amendment).
2. Two final designation of historicresources:
a. Near NW 13 ST and 10 AV John Sewell's Halissee Hall Gate Columns.
b. 3634 Frow Av — (Amendment).
3. Thirty-five Special Certificates of Appropriateness for alterations to historic
resources and districts.
4. Four historic preservation waivers to allow for restoration/adaptive reuse of
designated historic resources.
5. Two Tree Removal Permit Appeals.
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In addition, the Board has reviewed an action plan on the archaeological site
under excavation at 77 SE 5th St1444 Brickell Av.
Other discussion items included the progress of Charles Avenue developments,
ongoing HEP/HEPB enhancements, updates to the Demolition by Neglect
legislation, the implementation of an inventory and assessment of the City's
Historic resources with Unsafe Structures Violations, and proposals for new
designations.
4. Is there any other board, either public or private, which would better serve
the function of the board?
No other City board members have the professional knowledge and experience in the
fields of history, architecture and planning to review projects pertaining to the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the
City's environmental preservation and archaeological criteria. The HEPB continues to
meet the City's goal of creating a vibrant world class city and delivering an objective
review of proposed projects within these sensitive historical, archaeological, and
environmental areas.
5. Should the ordinance creating the board be amended to better enable the
board to serve the purpose for which it was created?
No revisions are suggested at this time.
6. Should the board's membership requirements be modified?
The City of Miami was designated a Certified Local Government (CLG) by the State
of Florida in 1986. The program was initiated by the Congress to transfer some of the
federal government's responsibilities to qualified local governments. In order to
become a CLG, the unit of government must meet strict standards of performance,
records maintenance, and perhaps most importantly, the professional composition of
the historic board in reviewing applications. The CLG regulations call for membership
to include professional members from the disciplines of architecture, history,
architectural history, planning, and archaeology.
The City of Miami's requirements for membership on the HEPB follows this mandate,
however it would be prudent to require an archaeologist to serve on the Board, a
position that is not currently listed as required.
3
7. What are the costs, both direct and indirect, of maintaining the board? ,
A recent cost analysis has not been undertaken; however, a conservative estimated
cost of $15,000 per year was included in previous reports.
Should you need further information, please contact me through the Planning
Department, Historic Preservation Division at 305-416-1137.
47,
te„
William E. Hopper, Ph.D.
Chair, Historic and Environmental Preservation Board
Respectfully submitted this 6th day of January 2026.
4
TRUST
Liberty City Community Revitalization Trust
TO: Todd B. Hannon
City Clerk
FROM: Elaine H. Black President/CEO
Liberty City Community Revitalizati rust i
DATE: January 15, 2026
RE: Annual Board Report
Pursuant to City Code Section 2-890 (Annual Report of City Boards and Committees), the
Liberty City Trust Board of Directors is comprised of five (5) members, including one (1)
youth member. The Board remains actively engaged in ensuring that the Liberty City
Trust fulfills the mission and mandate for which it was established. The Board is
committed to maintaining the fiscal integrity of the agency's operations and records,
while remaining responsive to the needs and aspirations of the community it serves.
The Board's vision is to empower those who live, learn, work, and play in Liberty City. Its
overarching objective is to transform a distressed, high -poverty community into a viable,
mixed -income, and sustainable neighborhood with access to well -functioning services,
high -quality public schools and educational programs, quality early learning services,
public assets, reliable public transportation, and improved access to employment
opportunities.
The Board of Directors is responsible for providing overall direction for the Liberty City
Trust, including the review and approval of economic development opportunities within
the Liberty City area. The Board plays a vital role in ensuring the successful
implementation of these initiatives. The Board meets quarterly, and more frequently as
necessary, to effectively manage the business and operations of the Liberty City Trust.
The Board continues to serve as a trusted fixture in the Liberty City/Model City
community, offering outreach programs that enhance quality of life, safety, employment,
professional development, and small business opportunities for residents.
Affordable Housing
The Board continues to promote homeownership opportunities within the community.
The Liberty City Trust actively qualifies buyers for newly constructed homes and has
assisted individuals throughout the homeownership qualification process.
Todd B. Hannon
City Clerk
January 15, 2026
Page 2
Senior Programs — Operation Outreach
Through Operation Outreach, the Liberty City Trust provided ongoing assistance to
seniors by identifying individuals in need of support and connecting them with
appropriate service providers.
Youth Employment Program
The 2025 Youth Employment Program focused on providing job opportunities for youth
in parks and non-profit organizations. Training components included completing
employment applications, understanding workplace expectations, the importance of
punctuality, and acquiring basic job -related skills. Through this program, the Trust
successfully provided employment opportunities to 178 youth.
Small Business Support
The Liberty City Trust assisted ten (1o) small businesses through its Facade Improvement
Program. This initiative supported renovations such as painting, installation of windows,
doors, and awnings, as well as other cosmetic improvements to enhance business
storefronts.
There is no other public or private board better positioned to serve the function of the
Liberty City Trust. This Board is uniquely qualified due to its deep knowledge of the
community and the diverse skills, talents, and resources each member brings to benefit
both the Trust and the area it serves. In addition, the Board provides supplemental
services and manages special projects tailored to specific community needs, including
organizing committees and addressing issues affecting portions or the entirety of the
community —ranging from traffic concerns to deteriorating housing conditions.
The cost of maintaining the Board, both direct and indirect, is largely borne by the Board
Members themselves. There were no direct costs incurred by the Liberty City Trust for
Board operations in 2025.
2026 Jilt! 16 Psi I:
January 7, 2026
Arthur Noriega V, City Manager
City of Miami City Manager
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
RE: 2025 Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board Annual Report
Dear Mr. Noriega:
As chairperson of the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board ("PZAB" or "Board"), and
pursuant to City Code Sec. 2-890 regarding the annual report requirement of City
boards and committees, I am pleased to provide you with this annual report. As you
may know, the PZAB was created pursuant to Section 62-27 of the Code of the City of
Miami, Florida, as amended, ("City Code"), enacted by Ordinance 13158 in May of
2010. The PZAB is an integral part of the total process of planning and zoning for the
future development and growth of the City of Miami ("City"). The PZAB is to serve as an
instrument of advice and recommendation to the City Commission in all phases and
aspects of the comprehensive planning program. It shall also serve for the hearing of
zoning applications for specific properties, as set out in Article 7 of Ordinance 13114,
the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Miami, Florida, as amended, ("Miami 21 Code").
Regarding membership, the PZAB membership guidelines consist of twelve (12)
members, ten (10) of whom are appointed by the City Commission, and one (1) regular
and one (1) alternate member who are both appointed by the Mayor. Currently, there
are eleven (11) board members appointed to the Board.
The PZAB usually meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month, with the
exception of August. At the beginning of the 2025 calendar year, the PZAB had twenty-
two (22) regularly scheduled meetings calendared; however, two (2) meetings were
cancelled due to lack of quorum. In the year 2025, the PZAB met a total of 20 times in
person at City Hall.
The agenda, and the materials for each item on the agenda for the meetings were
published and made available to the Board and public in advance of the meeting. The
materials were also available during business hours at the City Clerk's office and on-
line, 24 hours a day.
To futher ensure that the public had the ability to view the meetings, the City's
Communications Department broadcasted the meetings through all the usual
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channels and avenues such as live on Miami TV (miamigov.comltv), Comcast
channel 77 (within the City) and YouTube.
Meetings were well attended by the members of the public and all are offered equal
time to speak before the Board.
Is the Board serving the purpose for which it was created?
Yes, the PZAB serves the purpose for which it was created by responding to the needs
of making determinations and recommendations on planning and zoning items due to,
for example, changing conditions in the City. The PZAB generally acts under the
applicable laws and regulations of the State of Florida and the City. Its purpose is
generally:
1) To act as the local planning agency pursuant to section 163.3174, Florida
Statutes;
2) To make recommendations to the City Commission concerning amendments to
Miami 21 (Rezonings, Special Area Plans and text amendments), Miami
Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan (Land Use Changes and text amendments), text
amendments to the Miami City Code as applicable, covenant modifications/releases,
and vacation and closure of rights -of -way; and
3) To make determinations on applications for Variances and Exceptions under the
Miami 21 Code and applications for right-of-way closures under the alternative
method provided for in the City Code. The PZAB is also charged with hearing, de
novo, and making a ruling on an appeal of:
(a) An administrative determination by the Planning Director;
(b) The decision of the Zoning Administrator regarding a Waiver;
(c) The decision of the Planning Director regarding a Warrant;
(d) A zoning interpretation by the Zoning Administrator; and --
(e) The decision of the Zoning Administrator regarding zoning approval.
(f) The denial or revocation of a Certificate of Use.
In performing its appeal authority, the Board serves as a quasi-judicial body and
observes the requirements of quasi-judicial procedures as set out in Miami 21 and
under applicable state law. ..
Is the Board serving currQnt community needs?
Yes, PZAB is serving current community needs by being responsive to amending
planning and zoning items due to, for example, changing conditions in the City of Miami.
What are the Board's major accomplishments?
In 2025, the PZAB held 20 regularly scheduled and zero (0) Special Meetings.
A total of approximately 83 Resolutions were heard along with approximately six (6)
discussion items.
The PZAB held the Annual Miami 21 training was held on March 05, 2025 and
2
training on Board, Ethics and Sunshine Laws on was held on March 05, 2025.
No changes were made to the the PZAB Rules and Procedures.
The PZAB works closely with the community, encouraging participation at its hearings
with developers and constituents when conflicts arise. The PZAB is highly respected by
the community, experts, and various department personnel, who work in conjunction
with the Board.
Is there any other board, either public or private, which would better serve the
function of the Board?
The functions of PZAB are unique. No other board, whether public or private, would
better serve the function of the PZAB. Commissioner appointees are electors of the City
and knowledgeable of the Board's needs, serving as intermediates and facilitators
between groups in order to achieve harmony and optimum results. The PZAB looks at
each application individually and judges it by its merits. It is believed that no two (2)
cases are the same, although some situations may resemble. Members of the PZAB
are provided each agenda item in order to thoroughly study it in advance, taking into_,
consideration —amongst other things —the following at the time of the hearing:
1) The merits of the application; =
2) Whether the criteria of the application are met;
3) Whether the application is properly in front of them;
4) Whether the petition would be beneficial to the neighborhood and the City; `
5) Whether the immediate neighbors are present and taking part in the process;
6) Whether the immediate neighbors are in support or in opposition of the petition;
7) Whether there are any Code violations;
8) That each applicant be afforded the same opportunities presenting an application to
the PZAB.
The foregoing is part of the consideration given to each application and assures all
individuals the same rights, no matter where in the City said construction or
development is being proposed. The way the PZAB has been created makes it possible
to rule fairly for or against an application when there is both opposition and support in a
neighborhood. The work the PZAB conducts is distinctive and a valuable resource for
the City and its constituents.
Should the ordinance creating the Board be amended to better enable the Board
to serve the purpose fpr which it was created?
No.
Should the Board's membership requirements be modified?
No. It is intended that members and alternate members of the Board be persons of
knowledge, experience, mature judgment having ability and desire to act in the public
interest; and representing, insofar as may be possible, the various special professional
3
training, experience, and interests required to make informed and equitable decisions
concerning preservation and appropriate development of the physical environment. To
that end, qualifications of members and the alternate member shall be from the
electorate of the City with demonstrated knowledge and interest in the appropriate
growth and development of the City.
Should you need further information, please contact me through the Planning
Department, at (305) 416-1081.
Sincerely,
Docuilig bed by:
83929F7 131BdEF...
Adam C,ersten, Chairperson
Respectfully submitted this 07 day of January, 2026.
Note: Special thanks to all the City staff who help make sure our meetings run
smoothly.
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