Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Aventura public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in taxes budget
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.