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