Public engagement took center stage at the North Miami Beach City Commission meeting on January 16, 2024, as local leaders heard passionate appeals for youth involvement in government. Emma Sotero, a 16-year-old student and administrative director of the nonprofit Virtuit and Pablo, presented an initiative called Miami Dade Youth Governance Day, scheduled for April 10, 2024. This program aims to empower students by allowing them to serve as mayors for a day in their respective cities, fostering civic engagement and a deeper understanding of local governance.

Sotero emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Through firsthand experiences such as this, we can kindle a love for government in more students, creating a better tomorrow for my generation along with future generations." The program is designed to include students from all 34 local governments in Miami-Dade, with transportation and training provided by her organization. The city commission expressed support for the initiative, with calls to involve local day schools to broaden participation.

In addition to youth engagement, the meeting featured comments from residents addressing various community issues. One speaker, Diego, highlighted the importance of unity among city leaders and expressed pride in the recent collaborative efforts observed in the commission. He also touched on the challenges faced by the newly appointed police chief, advocating for understanding and support for her role.

David Zapin, another resident, raised concerns about job application processes and the need for a liaison to address white-collar crime, while Mubarak Kazan questioned the outcomes of recent strategic planning efforts related to high-rise developments in the area.

The meeting underscored a commitment to fostering civic engagement among youth and addressing community concerns, setting a hopeful tone for the year ahead in North Miami Beach.