Sean Rowley addresses rental assistance issues at Miami County meeting

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners convened on May 6, 2025, to address various community concerns and proposals. The meeting featured public comments from several residents and stakeholders, focusing on housing issues, community events, and local developments.

The session began with Sean Rowley from Legal Services of Greater Miami, who spoke about the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. He highlighted significant increases in late fees at RAD properties, which have reportedly risen by 500%. Rowley urged the commissioners to ensure that RAD properties adhere closely to existing public housing rules. He emphasized the need for training for private management companies overseeing RAD properties to prevent improper evictions and called for mandatory payment plans before evictions can occur.

Brenda Betancourt followed, expressing gratitude for a recent Day of Prayer event and inquiring about the scope of airport facility developments. She sought clarification on whether the improvements would be limited to Miami International Airport or if they would also include Tamiami Airport.

Carlos Gutierrez, a retired veteran, raised concerns regarding a resolution related to a new Haitian community. He questioned the implications of a state resolution that had not been signed by the governor, expressing apprehension about potential federal overreach in local community designations.

The meeting underscored ongoing discussions about housing regulations and community development, with a clear emphasis on ensuring fair practices and adequate training for property management. The commissioners are expected to review the public comments and consider the implications for future policies and resolutions.