Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Aventura public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
33 issues
Development Dispute
The annual cleanup of the development code clarifies terms across plat approval, site plan review, Town Center zoning, and design standards, and makes guest suites a conditional use — with new language confirming already-approved suites are grandfathered.
November 3, 2026 General and Special Election
Mayor's race (Weinberg vs. Zaltzberg) plus two charter amendments on elected officials' salaries and auditor rotation. Early voting runs October 19–November 1 at the county library; mail ballot requests close October 22 at 5 p.m.
Aventura High School design funding
The city committed up to $4.75 million to architects Currie Sowards Aguila for design, construction documents, permitting, and construction administration of the proposed Aventura High School. This moves the long-discussed public high school much closer to reality.
Traffic visibility hazard at Villegiatura exit
A resident says pulling out of Building Six at Villegiatura is dangerous — on-street parking blocks the view until you're already in the street. The mayor agreed the first space should probably go and the City Manager will have public works review it.
Land development code amendments (guest suites, plat and site plan procedures)
The annual cleanup of the development code clarifies terms across plat approval, site plan review, Town Center zoning, and design standards, and makes guest suites a conditional use — with new language confirming already-approved suites are grandfathered.
FY 2026/2027 city budget adopted
The final budget spends about $69.05 million — 2.5% less than last year — while boosting police funding 5.3% and holding services steady. The city cut discretionary costs like the printed newsletter and two vacant positions, partly to get ahead of possible property tax reform on the November ballot.
Watershed Master Plan and Flood Planning
The budget puts $2.5 million toward drainage system improvements, and monthly stormwater fees stay the same.
2026 Property Tax Millage Rate Held at 1.7261 Mills
The city is keeping the property tax rate exactly where it has been since 1995 — 31 years without an increase. Because property values rose about 0.8%, the city will collect about $185,815 more than last year even at the same rate.
New Aventura school construction
The budget leaves out construction money for the new high school because final building costs aren't set yet. The city expects a guaranteed maximum price from the builder by year's end, with designs coming back to the commission soon.
Electric motorcycles ridden by minors
A Don Soffer student told commissioners that speeding e-bikes and scooters endanger pedestrians, bikers, and aspiring young drivers, including on the exercise trail where motors are banned. Mayor Weinberg said the city already has a new ordinance, police confiscations, and helmet giveaways, but state law limits what the city can do.
Stormwater utility fee renewal
The annual stormwater fee stays at $74.10 per equivalent residential unit — about $6.18 a month — funding drainage maintenance and improvements.
Metropolitan Urban Center Zoning Overlay
Three new overlays covering about 130 acres around the mall and Biscayne Boulevard create transit-oriented, mixed-use development rules. Officials stressed the county requires them — without them, developers could get higher densities directly from Miami-Dade. Existing zoning stays in place; property owners choose whether to use the overlay.
Maul Lake pollution and safety
A Point East resident described pollution, boat thefts, squatters, and alleged drug activity around Maul Lake since the West Marine marina opened. The mayor said he walked the site, acknowledged live-aboard problems across South Florida, and pledged coordinated action with the police chief and neighboring jurisdictions.
Charter School Budget Amendments (ACES and DSAHS)
Year-end fixes for both city charter schools: ACES adds $604,006 in spending (tutoring bonuses, HVAC, elevator repairs) and Don Soffer High adds $425,227 in spending against $647,281 in extra enrollment-driven revenue.
Permit Fee Adjustment Authority (HB 803)
A new state law changed how building permit fees are calculated, so the city can now adjust them once a year by administrative policy instead of a code amendment each time.
Hospitals as Conditional Use in B-2 District
A stalled medical office project gets to restart with a shorter 7-story building, more density and fewer parking spaces than code requires. The developer will also offer some parking for city school events.
Aventura City Center Sign Variance
The mixed-use project at 2999 NE 191st Street got flexibility on its signage package through a sign graphics variance.
Lien Search Fee Increase to $125
The fee for lien searches — used in real estate closings — jumps from $50 to $125, the first increase in over two decades. Passed first reading.
Property Tax Ballot Question Lawsuit
The city's challenge to the statewide property-tax relief ballot question goes to hearing July 29. If the city wins, the Attorney General has 10 days to change the misleading summary.
Biscayne Boulevard redevelopment project
A 32-story, 69-units-per-acre mixed-use project at 20801-20807 Biscayne Boulevard was approved with 20 hero housing units for local teachers and police, $5 million toward the new high school, and reduced parking justified by mobility measures. Mayor Weinberg stressed the city could not legally refuse the project under Live Local.
Charter salary and audit amendments on ballot
Voters decide in November whether to nearly double elected officials' pay (first raise since 2001) and extend the auditor rotation from five to seven years. The commission was legally required to put these on the ballot.
Mid-year budget amendment
The city's 2024/25 budget got its year-end tune-up, showing a $1.67 million general fund boost mostly from higher revenues — FEMA reimbursements, recreation fees, interest earnings — spent on police, parks, and public works, with no new taxes.
Hotels allowed in Town Center (TC1) District
A 23-story residential tower with a 13-story hotel near the Government Center, including 10 affordable HERO units. The city lowered the previously approved project's height and density in exchange for amenities like a Brightline shuttle and a multi-use path along the Lehman Causeway.
New fee for construction lane and sidewalk closures
With construction booming, contractors closing sidewalks or lanes will now pay a temporary right-of-way closure fee.
On-demand transit funding renewed
The free on-demand ride service stays funded through an interlocal agreement with Miami-Dade County.
LGBTQ student safety at Aventura high school
A high school senior pleaded with the Commission to support the school's Gay-Straight Alliance, citing students who died after bullying, and asked city leaders to help create stronger protections before he graduates in May.
Neuroinclusion and Parkinson's awareness
The Commission heard from Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado on her free Florida Neuroinclusion Toolkit for serving neurodivergent residents, and honored Rocksteady Boxing's decade of free Parkinson's therapy at the MARJCC. Proclamations were issued for both causes.
Local business tax increase of 5 percent
Business license taxes would rise 5% — the maximum the state allows every other year — generating roughly $55,000 for city services. It passed first reading; businesses will see it at renewal if it passes final reading.
Arts in Aventura Advisory Board flexibility
The old Arts & Cultural Center Advisory Board is gone, replaced by a new Arts in Aventura Board with a broader mission — public art, local artists, and community partnerships. Residents can apply starting this week.
$25,000 county grant for volleyball court at Veterans Park
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Micky Steinberg delivered a $25,000 grant check for the volleyball court already under construction at Veterans Park, following earlier pickleball and basketball court additions.
Colorectal cancer awareness legacy of Commissioner Michael Stern
A proclamation marked March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in honor of the late Commissioner Michael Stern, with Vice Mayor Bloom urging residents 45 and older to get screened.
Landscape Maintenance Services Agreement
The city authorized negotiations with BrightView Landscape Services for upkeep of Biscayne Boulevard and the Government Center, keeping these high-visibility corridors maintained.
Ellie's Army Dirty Socks 5K
The eighth annual Dirty Socks 5K Run and Walk on February 22 raises money for families of children and young adults with life-threatening illnesses. Named for Ellie Levy, who had cystic fibrosis and was told by her surgeon that dirty socks would prove she was walking.