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Miramar Commission approves $240,000 legal and lobbying engagement to oppose nearby waste‑to‑energy proposals
Summary
The Miramar City Commission voted to hire the Goldstein Environmental Law Firm for up to $240,000 to pursue state‑level legislation and representation aimed at preventing future waste‑to‑energy development near Miramar; funding includes donations from neighboring jurisdictions and city advocacy budget items.
The Miramar City Commission on Nov. 12 approved a contract of up to $240,000 with Goldstein Environmental Law Firm to represent the city in state legislative and advocacy efforts aimed at preventing waste‑to‑energy facilities near Miramar.
City Deputy Baker and Goldstein Law representative Michael Goldstein told the commission the engagement covers drafting legislation, state‑level representation and retaining technical experts and a lobbyist. The contract total includes $175,000 for legal services and $65,000 to retain a lobbyist, the presentation said.
The procurement is framed as a continuation of work that began after a 2023 fire at a Miami‑Dade waste‑to‑energy facility and a subsequent county resolution limiting some sites; city staff said the effort now focuses on state action to reduce the chance of such facilities being sited near Miramar.
Vice Mayor Yvette Colburn presented the item and thanked staff for bringing the request forward. Commissioner Avril Shahrazad asked for a presentation, and Goldstein described prior engagement representing the city during the earlier campaign opposing proposed sites. He said the new contract would allow the city to pursue a sponsor for legislation that would restrict permitting of facilities that could harm health, safety or welfare.
Commissioner Chambers questioned procurement process and effectiveness, noting previous funding from Pembroke Pines and Southwest Ranches and asking how the city would ensure legislative success in Tallahassee. Deputy Baker and Goldstein said the arrangement complies with procurement rules, that the firm’s history working on the issue was a primary reason for selection, and that while legislative outcomes cannot be guaranteed they expected improved chances given relationships developed by the firm.
Funding for the engagement was explained as consisting of donation balances (the transcript cites Pembroke Pines and Southwest Ranches contributing a combined $130,000) and the city’s FY2026 advocacy budget. Baker said $58,366 in donations remained and the balance would come from the city’s advocacy fund.
A motion to approve the procurement carried on a roll call vote with all commissioners voting yes.
The commission did not vote on specific draft legislation; staff said the engagement is intended to support preparation and pursuit of legislation at the state level and to secure technical and lobbying support as needed.
