Former Miami City Attorney Victoria Mendez argues a $100,000 pension cap adopted during Miami’s 2010 financial crisis became unenforceable after many of the emergency measures were struck down in court — a position the city’s civilian pension administrators say has left the retirement system underfunded by the City of Miami.
Politics
Tension and relations between policies and their advocates.
Elections, Referendums. Campaigns and Candidates.
Event Ordinance Affecting The Hangar Returns for City Vote
Deferred in January amid neighborhood opposition, the citywide proposal would allow event venues in designated historic buildings and could help formalize operations at the controversial waterfront venue on Coconut Grove’s Dinner Key.
The D5 County Commission Race: This Time, Voters Decide
After being appointed as Miami-Dade’s District 5 commissioner less than a year ago, Vicki Lopez is running for a full four-year term in the August 18 election. Potentially standing in her way are two challengers and a complicated past.
Commission Sends $450 Million Public Safety Bond to November Ballot
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.
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.
Life After City Hall: Imagining Dinner Key’s Next Chapter
With City Hall expected to relocate to Miami Freedom Park by 2028, residents are debating whether the historic Pan Am Airways terminal should become a museum, a park gateway or something else — and whether the waterfront landmark should ever leave public hands.
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.
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.
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.
Sponsors + Advertisement
Recent News
Amid a Changing West Grove, a Reunion Celebrates Community
Hundreds of current and former residents returned to
Circuit Rideshare Users Embrace Service Ahead of Paid Rides
As Coconut Grove's Circuit rideshare program prepares
Former City Attorney Sues Miami Over Disputed Pension Cap
Former Miami City Attorney Victoria Mendez argues a
Second High-Rise Tower Proposed for Stirrup Plaza
A developer is planning to build a second high-rise
Macedonia Freedom School Keeps Community Roots Alive
Now in its third year, the free six-week program
Against the Tide: Local Swimmer Tackles the English Channel
Shenandoah resident Christine Coppola will attempt to