North Miami CRA approves amended FY2024–25 budget, adopts FY2025–26 spending plan

The North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency on Sept. 25 voted 5-0 to approve an amended fiscal year 2024–25 budget and to adopt a proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget, authorizing the executive director to transmit both documents to the City of North Miami and Miami‑Dade County. The board approved the amended FY2024–25 budget and then adopted the FY2025–26 plan after public hearings and staff presentations.

The agency’s executive director told the board that amended FY2024–25 revenues increased from $78,746,305 to $80,112,973 because “we had more money in there” and “we made more — way more — in interest than we anticipated.” The proposed FY2025–26 budget projects revenues of $84,312,786, the executive director said, reflecting higher tax‑increment financing (TIF) contributions from the taxing authorities and bond carryover related to projects financed by the Redevelopment Bond Series 2024.

The budgets fund several ongoing and new programs. The CRA plans to continue commercial and residential rehabilitation programs (the CRA reported support for 16 businesses through the commercial grant program and said the residential rehabilitation lottery fully covered all entrants, leaving no waiting list). For FY2025–26 staff proposed launching land acquisition, a multifamily rehabilitation program, a first‑time homebuyer program, a single‑family home‑builder pilot, a construction worker training program and block‑by‑block façade improvements on the West Dixie corridor. The agency also plans targeted improvements to vacant lots, bathroom renovations at Griffin Park and upgrades at the Enchanted Forest, and continued work on Pioneer Boulevard and the Northwest Seventh Avenue streetscape and façade phases.

Administrative expenses were flagged to increase by about $30,000, staff said, reflecting operating cost growth since the last workshop. The executive director noted that many of the projects financed last year have broken ground and are beginning to submit reimbursement requests; until reimbursements are processed, the bond‑funded carryover will remain elevated.

Procedurally, agenda item 1 (the amended FY2024–25 budget) was moved by Board Member Burns, seconded by Board Member Estimate Irvin and approved 5-0. A public hearing on item 1 was opened and closed with no members of the public speaking. Agenda item 2 (the FY2025–26 budget) was moved by Board Member Charles, seconded by Board Member Estimate Irvin and approved 5-0. Each resolution authorized the executive director to take steps necessary to complete the approval process with the City of North Miami and Miami‑Dade County.

Board members asked staff to include the vice chair’s name on budget narratives going forward so that public materials match other agency letterhead. The board did not change budget policy language during the votes.

The CRA will transmit the approved/amended budgets to the City of North Miami and Miami‑Dade County as authorized by the adopted resolutions; the FY2025–26 fiscal year begins Oct. 1.