To the Editor:
Thank you for highlighting the charter petition effort in last week’s article – it’s so important to change the way Miami is governed.
So many of us are frustrated with how things work at City Hall. But this amendment gives us a real chance to fix that. It puts the power back in voters’ hands and opens the door to a more fair, responsive, and accountable city government – one that truly listens to every neighborhood.
Here’s what the amendment would do – and why it matters.
- More Seats, Better Representation. Expands the City Commission from 5 to 9 districts, making it easier for neighborhoods to elect someone who knows their issues. Smaller districts mean closer ties, more responsiveness, and a real chance for grassroots candidates to run and win without big-money backing. Each city commissioner now represents nearly 90,000 residents – double the district size of almost all major American cities.
- Higher Turnout, Stronger Democracy. Moves city elections to even-numbered years, when more people vote. Right now, a few thousand voters decide for tens of thousands. Aligning with state and federal races would ensure broader participation and fairer outcomes.
- Fair District Maps. Sets clear, fair districting standards to prevent gerrymandering. A federal court found that racial gerrymandering guided the City Commission’s 2022 redistricting map and violated the Constitution. It didn’t just divide neighborhoods – it was drawn to serve political interests. This amendment ensures it won’t happen again by requiring that districts follow real boundaries and keep communities – like Coconut Grove – intact.
- Balanced Power. Lowers the vote threshold for major decisions. With only five commissioners now, just three votes can drive citywide policy. With nine members, this change ensures big decisions require broader support – not control by a few.
This amendment isn’t about bypassing voters – it’s about empowering them.
The Stronger Miami coalition listened to residents, ran polling, and confirmed what we know: people want a more accountable, responsive local government. The petition simply asks: should voters decide? I believe we should.
The organizers of this amendment include many of the same community advocates who stood alongside legal efforts to overturn the commission’s unconstitutional map. That victory helped reunite Coconut Grove and defend fair representation. I’ve seen their commitment firsthand—and I believe this amendment is the next step forward.
Let’s not wait for change. Let’s lead it!
I encourage you to sign the petition at: https://strongermiami.org
Join the effort via One Grove’s Action Alert: https://conta.cc/4jt4njx
Marlene Erven
Coconut Grove
Editor’s Note: Marlene Erven is a board member of One Grove Alliance, a lead organizer of the Stronger Miami petition drive. Erven is also a member of the Spotlight’s Community Advisory Council. The opinions expressed above are her own, and not those of the Spotlight or its Community Advisory Council.
