North Miami Council Approves Grants for Volleyball Academy and Community Development Projects

The Long Meeting Short segment with City Clerk Vanessa Joseph, Esq. on July 8, 2025, provided a comprehensive overview of the recent meetings held by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board and the city council of North Miami.

The CRA board initiated the session by approving a $200,000 business attraction expansion and rehabilitation grant for the North Miami Beach Volleyball Academy. This funding is aimed at developing a centralized youth volleyball training facility at 12200 Northeast Fourteenth Avenue, enhancing recreational opportunities for local youth and fostering economic development in the area. Additionally, Nomi Village LLC received a $1,200,000 grant over three years to expand their site, which includes plans for a culinary incubator and various infrastructure improvements, with a total project cost estimated at $3,000,000.

During the city council meeting, several special presentations were made, including a proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month, emphasizing the importance of outdoor spaces and recreational programs. The council also honored local students awarded scholarships by the North Miami Educational Foundation and recognized officers for their exemplary service.

The meeting featured insights from the city's lobbyists and a quarterly finance and budget presentation by Chief Financial Officer Angela Reyes, indicating that the general fund revenue is on track at 51% of the annual budget, with expenditures at 48%.

Key decisions included the approval of grant applications to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for funding aimed at enhancing law enforcement initiatives and wellness programs. The council also authorized interlocal agreements with Miami-Dade County for $2,000,000 in upgrades to Cagney Park and $1,000,000 for improvements at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Further resolutions included a $400,000 grant for a flood mitigation project, the establishment of a Residential Hazardous Tree Removal Program, and the honorary co-designations of several roadways in the city. The council adopted a five-year consolidated plan for community development and approved a resolution for energy performance savings contracting services to upgrade the city's water meter system.

In a procedural update, the council raised the procurement threshold for city manager approvals from $30,000 to $50,000, streamlining purchasing processes. The meeting concluded with a discussion on the millage rate, set at up to 7.4 mills, and an invitation for community participation in upcoming budget workshops and hearings.

As the city council enters its summer recess, regular meetings will resume on August 26, 2025. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and reach out to the city clerk's office for assistance or information.