Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Aventura public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues with high priority
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.
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.
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.
Watershed Master Plan and Flood Planning
The budget puts $2.5 million toward drainage system improvements, and monthly stormwater fees stay the same.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.