Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in North Miami public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues
Secure Our Future school referendum
Miami-Dade Schools asked the city to back Referendum 268 on the November 3 ballot, which funds teacher pay and school safety, including charter schools, with an oversight committee.
School of Hope charter at North Miami Senior High
Councilman Burns asked how a state-authorized School of Hope charter will share space at North Miami Senior High starting in the 2027-28 school year with kindergarten and first grade, separate from the traditional high school students.
Flood insurance rating protection
Adopting the county's updated mitigation strategy keeps the city compliant with flood insurance rating requirements — which helps keep residents' flood insurance premiums lower.
Possible WJ Bryan or Natural Bridge school closures
Vice Mayor Timothe raised rumors about closing WJ Bryan or Natural Bridge Elementary; district staff said the superintendent has paused any school closures pending further notice.
Employee health and dental insurance for 2027
The city is keeping Cigna for health and vision and switching dental to Aetna for 2027, saving about $41,000. Health costs still went up 9.5%, but that's after negotiating Cigna down from a 16.5% initial ask.
Redwood mixed-use development park changes
Redwood may build as planned or drop the pool and credit the city $3 million toward another project. Any design change would require a CUP amendment through the Planning Commission; the city attorney will bring back a resolution.
Overnight cement operations at Solomia
Councilman Burns reported resident complaints about Solomia's cement plant doing overnight concrete pours near 135th Street and Highland Village, and asked staff to verify permits.
Emergency road resurfacing on 132nd Street
The council ratified an emergency $112,000 fix to mill and resurface 132nd Street between North Miami Avenue and 2nd Avenue.
Expanded shelter capacity at Mia Casa
Commissioners and the housing director said homelessness is a new and growing problem for the city, with families sleeping in cars and doubling up. The old federal rent-subsidy money is gone, the city has no shelter beds, and officials say a real plan is still being built.
November meeting schedule and council transition
The mayor proposed cutting meetings to once a month since agendas have been light, but Councilwoman Estimé-Irvin argued twice-monthly meetings protect public access and oversight. No change was made.
E-Bike and Scooter Safety Regulation
A first-reading ordinance would require e-bike/scooter riders to be at least 15, carry ID, stay off sidewalks, and use helmets and lights on city streets. Supporters cite a spike in crashes, including a fatal crash involving a 10-year-old; town halls will gather feedback before second reading.
MOCA emergency fire safety repairs
MOCA's cooling system is failing; the council approved up to $859,376 for an 80-ton chiller and air handling replacement, with installation targeted for July.
Citywide traffic calming program expansion
The council green-lit the county agreement enabling Phase Zero: 35 speed tables and radar feedback signs across the city, with District 4 getting only six tables despite its speeding complaints. The full plan costs over $13 million over five years.