Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Aventura public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues with medium priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.