Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workforce Training topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
North Miami approves $100,000 toward FIU construction trades program to train residents
Summary
City council approved an interlocal agreement committing $100,000 from the city and $125,000 from the Community Redevelopment Agency toward a Florida International University construction trades program designed to certify participants and support job placement; council vote was unanimous.
North Miami city council voted unanimously to authorize an interlocal agreement that commits the city to provide $100,000 to support a Florida International University construction trades program that officials said will certify participants and help place them in construction jobs.
Council members and city staff said the program, offered through FIU, provides a broader set of classes and credentials than other vendors considered and that the total offering for the current round is $225,000. City staff said the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will provide the remaining $125,000 under the interlocal agreement; the city’s share is $100,000.
City staff said the CRA contribution must be spent inside CRA boundaries. Interim City Manager (name not specified) told council members staff had searched for comparable programs within CRA boundaries and did not find an offering as extensive as what FIU proposed. "There is no other program that's offered within the CRA boundaries," the interim manager said during the discussion.
Councilwoman Mary Estime Irvin, who sponsored the item, described the program as a pathway to employment: "This program ... has a construction trade where residents can go through the program, get accredited, and leave with an actual job," she said. Council members and staff said the program includes certification tracks (plumbing, general contractor, general maintenance) and tools or tool sets for participants, and that job placement help is part of the offering.
Supporters also discussed a long-term goal of encouraging developers who cannot meet local preference hiring requirements to fund similar training so more residents can obtain construction work. The council opened the item for a public hearing, heard no speakers, and adopted the interlocal agreement on a 5-0 vote. The motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Mary Estime Irvin and seconded by Vice Mayor Cassandra Timothy.
Council discussion clarified that CRA-funded portions must be conducted within the CRA boundaries; the city-funded portion would not be so restricted if the city fully sponsored the program. Staff said the offering for this round totals $225,000 and will be delivered by FIU personnel through the university's construction trades program.
The council asked staff to continue coordinating logistics and to include language allowing administrative flexibility as needed to implement the program. No amendments to change funding amounts were made during the meeting.
Looking ahead, staff and councilmembers said they expect developers and other partners may be asked to supplement or expand the program in future rounds if the initial cohort demonstrates demand and placement success.
