A divided City Commission voted 3-2 to let Miami voters decide whether to authorize borrowing for new police and fire facilities after amendments helped secure the support of a key swing vote.
David Villano
Lawsuit Seeks to Block Virginia Key Marina Referendum
The operators of Rickenbacker Marina contend the redevelopment deal headed to Miami voters this fall differs materially from the proposal selected through a competitive bidding process nearly a decade ago and includes ballot language that misstates the proposed leaseholder’s financial obligations.
City May Require Sidewalk Protection at Construction Sites
After months of resident complaints, a proposed ordinance would require temporary pedestrian protection at commercial construction sites, addressing one of Coconut Grove’s most persistent frustrations: prolonged sidewalk closures.
City Borrowed $142 Million Last Year, Pushing Debt Near $1 Billion
With city commissioners set to consider a series of bond-related measures next week — possible groundwork for a proposed $450 million public safety bond — the city’s own audited financial statements show last year’s borrowing increased debt and borrowing costs while new fiscal pressures continue to mount.
Inside City Hall: The Rise of Six-Figure Public Safety Pensions
As Miami officials ask voters to approve $450 million in borrowing for new police and fire facilities, a Spotlight analysis of retirement records reveals another major long-term public safety cost: The city’s police and fire retirement system paid out nearly $192 million last year in pension and cost-of-living benefits.
City Commission Rejects Environmental Review Rollback
The Miami City Commission on Thursday rejected a controversial proposal to eliminate independent environmental impact studies for certain major city land transactions after city officials said the provision had been mistakenly included in a broader legislative package updating the city’s traffic-impact study requirements. While the traffic study provisions did pass,[Read More…]
City Moves to Eliminate Independent Environmental Reviews
A proposed overhaul of Miami’s traffic-impact regulations would also eliminate a little-known requirement for independent environmental studies on major city land deals, raising questions about oversight of upcoming redevelopment projects.
Lawsuit Claims City Manipulated Grove Waterfront Appraisal
The operator of Grove Harbour, home to The Fresh Market and a Dinner Key marina, claims city officials improperly intervened in an independent appraisal process in an effort to justify millions of dollars in additional rent.
Internal Q&A Reveals Miami’s $450 Million Public Safety Bond Could Cost Taxpayers Nearly $800 Million
Documents obtained by the Spotlight show city officials estimate the proposed borrowing would ultimately cost $795 million, while future staffing costs for new facilities have yet to be calculated.
Spotlight Exclusive: Escalona Outlines Transparency Agenda for City Hall
Calling City Hall’s culture “damaged,” Miami District 3 Commissioner Rolando Escalona tells the Spotlight he wants to curb undisclosed legislative changes, overhaul public-records practices, and use technology to give residents unprecedented access to government information.
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Recent News
Commission Sends $450 Million Public Safety Bond to November Ballot
A divided City Commission voted 3-2 to let Miami
Lawsuit Seeks to Block Virginia Key Marina Referendum
The operators of Rickenbacker Marina contend the
Life After City Hall: Imagining Dinner Key’s Next Chapter
With City Hall expected to relocate to Miami Freedom
City May Require Sidewalk Protection at Construction Sites
After months of resident complaints, a proposed
City Borrowed $142 Million Last Year, Pushing Debt Near $1 Billion
With city commissioners set to consider a series of
Inside City Hall: The Rise of Six-Figure Public Safety Pensions
As Miami officials ask voters to approve $450 million