North Miami Youth Council outlines 2025–26 priorities: fundraising, Citi Bike inquiry, member handbook and student recognition

The North Miami Youth Council reviewed a set of initiatives the group plans to pursue for the 2025–26 year during its Oct. 21 meeting, focusing first on ways to stabilize its budget and increase visibility for the program.

Council leaders said fundraising is a top priority after budget shortfalls last year. Ideas discussed included sales of boxed chocolate bars, car washes, business collection jars, and a talent/open‑mic night. A council member estimated the boxed chocolates might cost about $30–$40 per box (the box would contain roughly 40–60 bars) and noted the package lists a suggested price of $1 per bar; the member said she had not finalized those cost estimates. Council members and staff repeatedly emphasized the group does not currently have access to funds in the council account to buy supplies, so any activity that requires upfront purchases would need outside funding or prior approval.

Members also revisited an earlier proposal to explore short‑term bike sharing (often called Citi Bikes). A council member said Citi Bike or similar services could help connect North Miami to downtown routes and lessen long commutes. A participant noted the city has a local shuttle service, Freebie, but said Freebie operates only within North Miami and does not provide intercity drops. A City Attorney (unnamed in the transcript) told the council to note an earlier ordinance: “we passed the ordinance 2 years ago banning the use of city bikes,” and suggested that, if the council wanted to pursue the idea, staff should investigate legal and regulatory constraints. The council’s city manager said she would report back at the next meeting on whether the city can permit short‑term rental bikes or partner with private vendors.

On meeting procedure, the mayor proposed setting limits on the time members have to pitch new agenda items going forward — a suggested range was about one to 1½ minutes. Members discussed allowing the chair to grant additional time when a proposal requires it. The council did not adopt a new rule at the meeting; the mayor said members could ask the chair for extra time when needed.

The council discussed creating a short handbook for new members describing the youth council, positions, and basic expectations. The youth mayor asked the city manager to consult with the youth council liaison about drafting a handbook; the manager said she would follow up at the next meeting.

Members also proposed a monthly academic recognition for North Miami students, potentially tied to the youth summit format used two years earlier. The idea is still being developed; members suggested using the council’s social‑media channels to publicize honorees and considering awards distributed at regional events.

Mary S. May Irvin, a resident who spoke during the meeting, urged the council to consider connecting any bike‑share work to existing transportation providers and suggested inviting Freebie to present what it offers and whether it can connect to neighboring cities.

The council did not take formal votes on the initiatives at the Oct. 21 meeting. Staff were assigned follow‑up tasks (the city manager and youth‑council liaison were each asked to report back at a future meeting), and council members agreed to continue refining fundraising and recognition plans.

Looking ahead, the mayor and staff said they expect the council to return to these items with cost estimates and clearer proposals so the body can decide whether to pursue partnerships, fundraising drives that require upfront purchases, or procedural rule changes.