The Miami-Dade County Infrastructure, Innovation & Technology Committee convened on September 8, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, with a notable focus on a proposed compost ordinance.

The meeting began with public comments, where Mark Allenby, a longtime farmer from Palmetto Bay, expressed his strong support for the proposed compost ordinance. Allenby, who has been composting since 1980, detailed his extensive experience with various composting methods, including sheet composting, windrow composting, and vermicomposting. He emphasized the importance of composting as a solution to the county's waste management challenges, particularly in handling vegetative debris and food waste. Allenby thanked the committee for drafting the ordinance, highlighting its potential to facilitate community and farm composting efforts.

Following Allenby, Fortuna Smuckler, a commissioner from North Miami Beach, voiced her opposition to the ordinance. She raised concerns that the ordinance may disproportionately target certain groups, although specific details of her objections were not elaborated during her initial remarks.

The committee's discussions reflected a balance of support and opposition regarding the compost ordinance, indicating a need for further deliberation on its implications for the community. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue reviewing the ordinance and addressing the concerns raised by stakeholders.

Overall, the session underscored the ongoing dialogue in Miami-Dade County about sustainable waste management practices and the role of composting in addressing environmental challenges. Further discussions and potential revisions to the ordinance are anticipated as the committee seeks to find common ground among differing viewpoints.