Resolution 2025-33711 RESOLUTION NO. 202533711
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE
RECOMMENDATION OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD
QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE, AT ITS MAY 14, 2025 MEETING, TO
ALLOCATE FUNDING, AS PART OF THE FY 2026 BUDGET
PREPARATION PROCESS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $40,000,
AND TO WAIVE CITY SERVICE COSTS IN AN AMOUNT OF
APPROXIMATELY $64,770, IN SUPPORT OF A CITY PARTNERSHIP
WITH THE LINCOLN ROAD BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR
AN ANNUAL LINCOLN ROAD MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL BEGINNING IN
FEBRUARY 2026.
WHEREAS, the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District (LRBID) has
proposed establishing an annual Lincoln Road Mardi Gras Festival as a cultural event
designed to promote Lincoln Road as a premier destination for cultural experiences,
economic vitality, and community engagement; and
WHEREAS, the successful history of special events hosted by LRBID in
partnership with the City, including an annual "Halloween on Lincoln Road" event, which
has attracted over 50,000 participants, demonstrates the potential benefts of themed,
family-friendly special events in enhancing local business visibility, generating temporary
job opportunities, and increasing foot traffic along the corridor; and
WHEREAS, on February 26, 2025, the City Commission, at the request of
Commissioner Laura Dominguez, jointly referred the proposal for discussion to the Public
Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC) and the Sister Cities
Committee, with a view to establishing an annual Mardi Gras event commencing in
February 2026; and
WHEREAS, on March 3, 2025, the Sister Cities Committee passed a motion
recommending that the Mayor and City Commissioners support the creation of a Lincoln
Road Mardi Gras Festival analogous to the Lincoln Road Halloween Celebration; and
WHEREAS, on May 14, 2025, the PSNQLC transmitted its favorable
recommendation in support of a grant funding allocation, as part of the FY 2026 budget
preparation process, and the waiver of certain City service costs in connection with the
event; and
WHEREAS, LRBID's special event proposal, which accompanies the Commission
Memorandum supporting this Resolution, contemplates a family-friendly, costumed
parade atmosphere complemented by outdoor bars and live music, culinary activations,
decorative installations and banners, and coordinated static and digital marketing and
promotion; and
WHEREAS, LRBID seeks City financial support to cover a preliminary event
budget of $104,770, which includes a budget allocation of $40,000 for operational and
entertainment expenses, as well as the waiver of costs for City services associated with
the event, including those provided by the Sanitation, Police, Facilities and Fleet
Management, and Code Compliance Departments; and
WHEREAS, notwithstanding significant fiscal considerations, including an
increasing unfunded capital improvement program and long-term General Fund financial
projections indicating potential shortfalls, the Administration supports the development of
a world-class annual cultural event [hat may catalyze economic activity, boost local
business engagement, and further reinforce Miami Beach's image as a dynamic cultural
destination.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby accept the recommendation of the Public Safety and Neighborhood
Quality of Life Committee, at its May 14, 2025 meeting, to allocate funding, as part of the
FY 2026 budget preparation process, in an amount not to exceed $40,000, and to waive
City service costs in an amount of approximately$64,770, in support of a City partnership
with the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District for an annual Lincoln Road Mardi
Gras Festival beginning in February 2026.
PASSED and ADOPTED THIS aS day of �UhG 2025.
ATTEST:
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"R�eLClranado, City Clerk �a•�, Steven Meiner, Mayor
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Sponsored bv Cnmmiss�oner Laura Dominguez�
APPROVED AS TO
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Resolutions-C7 B
MIAMIBEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager
DATE: June 25, 2025
TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITV COMMISSION OF THE CIN OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
PUB�IC SAFETV AND NEIGHBORHOOD�UALIN OF LIFE COMMITTEE AT ITS
MAY 14, 2025 MEETING, TO ALLOCATE FUNDING, AS PART OF THE FV 2026
BUDGET PREPARATION PROCESS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED$40,000;
AND TO WAIVE CITY SERVICE COSTS IN AN AMOUNT OF APPROXIMATELY
$64,770, IN SUPPORT OF A CITY PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LINCOLN ROAD
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR AN ANNUAL LINCOLN ROAD MARDI
GRAS FESTIVAL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
The Administretion recommends accepting ihe recommendation of the Public Safery and
Neighborhood Qualiry of Life Committee (PSN�LC) for consideration of a 2026 Lincoln Road
Mardi Gras festival, during the FY 2026 budget preparation process.
The Administretion recommends that while the Commission evaluates the funding of a Mardi Gras
celebration on Lincoln Road, it also carefully considers several critical factors that will significanUy
impact the General Fund budget, beginninq in FY 2026:
1. The City's increasing unfunded capital improvement program
2. Long-term General Fund fnancial piojections indicating a potential shortfall in upcoming
fiscal years
3. The passage of Amendment 5 in November 2024, which increases the homestead
exemption and further constreins the grow�h of taxable property values.
These considerations are essential to ensure that the decision regarding the funding of a 2026
Lincoln Road Mardi Gras festival aligns with the Ciry's broader long-term fnancial stabiliry and
strategic pnonties.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
During Ihe February 26, 2025 City Commission meeting, the Mayor and Ciry Commission
referred, a[ the request of Commissioner Laura Dominguez, to �he Public Safety and
Neighborhood�uality of Life Committee(PSNaLC)and ihe Sister Cities Committee,a discussion
regarding a possible city partnership with the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District
(LRBID)to create an annual Lincoln Road Mardi Gres Festival to launch in February 2026.
LRBID has proposed establishing the festival as an annual cultural event aimed at promoting
Lincoln Road as a premier destination for cWNral experiences, economic vitality, and community
engagemenL (See Exhibit A).
Sponsor Commissioner pominguez requested that the Administration evaluate the proposal,
prepare a preliminary budget estimate reflecting anticipated City support,and advise the PSNQLC
as�o potential nezt steps. (See Exhibit 8).
259
Dunng its March 3, 2025 meeting, the Sister Cities Committee reviewed the LRBID proposal and
recommended support. (See Exhibit C).
On May 14, 2025, the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee discussed the
proposal and recommended trensmitting a favorable recommendation to support the initiative with
a funding allocation as part of the FY 2026 budget preparation process, as well as waiver of the
costs for associated City services.
On May 27, 2025,the Administration discussed the idea,amongst a list of Commission committee
recommendations not yet approved by Commission, with ihe Mayor and City Commission dunng
the 2026 Commission Budget Retreat.
ANALYSIS
Themed special events hosted by Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) can yield numerous
benefits, including increased foot traffic, boosted visibilily for local businesses, and enhanced
community engagement, ultimately contnbuting to a more vibrant, economically resilient area.
The LRBID has a proven track record with producing themed evenis, notably the annual
"Halloween on Lincoln Road" which attracts over 50,000 participants and features parades,
outrageous costumes, and family-friendly entedainmenL This evenl boosts business activity,
creates temporary employment opportunities, and enhances Miami Beach's image as a lively,
indusive destination.The free event is open to the public and social media promotes Lincoln Roatl
and Miami Beach as a (amily-friendly destination for Halloween. Ariendees patronize businesses
along the eight-block dislric[, noted as one of ihe best spots for people watching on Halloween
niqht. An economic stimulator creates temporery job opportunities, for example, extra slaff hired
to manage increased foot Iraffc and produce the event.
Mardi Gras ("Faf Tuesday") is to some, akin to Halloween, antl more than just parades and
celebrations. The focus of many Mardi Gras celebrations is on the joy, community, and include
parades with Floats, music, and cosWmed participants, wearing of masks, and costumes to
participate in the festivities, and enjoying food and beverages.
Nationalty, Mardi Gras is a major economic force; in 2024, New Odeans welcomed visitors dunng
the camival season, genereting substantial commercial activiry, increased property demand, and
heightened retail sales Ihat shapes both [he commercial and residential value in Greater New
Odeans. In 2024, the camival season drew 17 million visitors to New Odeans, fueling local
spending and increasing tlemand for pnme properties. The annual surge inFluences real estate
trends and generates millions in direct and indirect economic impact. The influx of visitors boosts
demand for retail space, with businesses looking to capitalize on the surge, oHen seeking
temporary pop-up permits that sometimes lead to iong-term leases.
While Lincoln Road is not New Otleans, it could be for one day and a thoughHully wrated local
Mardi Gras celebretion wuld become a signatwe annual evenL A local Mardi Gras celebration
could be an opportunity — an economic catalyst for businesses that understand how to engage
authentically. Strategically executed, the LRBID could create a npple effect that dnves economic
activity, encourages cultural expression, and attracts both resitlents and visitors. As with
Halloween, businesses can tailor offerings to align with Mardi Gras to build brand visibility and
generate new wstomer engagement.
The key to success is to strategically build an event that has a long-term strategy that is authentic,
purposeful, and offers meaningful participation. An event that is aligned with Miami Beach's
values, creales experiences that matter, and invests in relationships beyond the event itself. This
is what"Halloween on Lincoln Road"does,and what"Lincoln Road Martli Gras Festival'can do.
LRBID's proposal includes an event footpnnt comparable to Halloween on Lincoln Roatl, and
Zs�
envisions walking parades, themed decorations, live musiq family-friendly activities, crafts, and
costume contests. Additional elements under consideration also include:
• Outdoor bars serving themed libations
• New Odeans-inspired culinary activations
• Decorative, carnival themed installations and banners
• Sta�ic and digital marketing and pmmotion
Although LRBID has not submitted a formal financial request for City sponsorship, the event is
proposed lo launch on or about the frst quarter of 2026.
Greater Miami does not have city-witle Mardi Gras celebrations like New Odeans. A Martli Gras
Festival on Lincoln Road represents a unique oppodunity to support local businesses, create jobs,
enhance tourism, and reinforce the image ot Miami Beach antl Lincoln Road as a vibrant cWtural
destination.
FISCAL IMPACT S7ATEMENT
The preliminary butlget for the LRBID Mardi Gras Festival is approximately $104,770, including
costs associated with permits, secudty, sanita�ion, and other city services. The LRBID is
requesting a $40,000 city sponsorship for entertainment costs as well as waiver of City services
similar to Halloween. Lincoln Road Halloween City Services costs for FY 2024 were
approximately $64,770 for Sanitation, Police, Facilities, and Code Compliance departments.
Does this Ordinance reouire a Business Imoaet Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
If applicable, tha Business Impact Estimate(BIE)was published on:
See BIE at: httos�llwww miamibeachfl.aov/citv-hall/cityclerk/meetinq-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONCLUSION
The foregoing consitlerations are essential to ensure that tlecisions regartling the addition of a
Mardi Gras cele6ration on Lincoln Road align with the Ciry's broader long-term flnancial stabiliry
and strategic priodties. Since the Committee recommentletl funding, the Administration
recommends it be considered as part of[he FV 2026 budge[process.
Aoolicable Area
South Beach
Is this a "Residents Riqht to Know" item, Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
punuant to Ciri Code Section 2-177 ProiecYt
No No
Was this Aaenda Item initiallv reouested bv a lobbvist which. as defined in Cotle Sec. 2-48t.
includes a orincioal enaaoed in lobbvinp7
If so, specify the name o(lobbyist(s) and principal(s):
261
Deoartment
Economic Developmenl
Soonsor(sl
Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Co-soonsorls)
Condensed Title
Accept ReGAllorate Funds/Waive Costs, Partner w/ LRBID for Annual Linc Rd Mardi Gras
FestivaL (LD) ED
Previous Aetion IFor CiN Clerk Use Onlvl
262
ProposalforthelnauguralLincoln Road MardiGras Festival
Presented by: Lincoln Road Business Improvement District (LRBID)
Proposed Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026, I 5 PM — 7AM
Overview
Lincoln Road Business Improvement Distnct (LRBID) proposes the creation of an
annual Mardi Gres Festival in partnership with the City of Miami Beach to further
establish Lincoln Road as a premier destination for cultural experiences, economic
vitality, and communiry engagement.
Building on the overwhelming success of the Lincoln Road Halloween Block Party, this
one-day, family-friendly celebretion will feature live music, street animators, a
dedicated children's crefl zone, festive d�cor, and culinary experiences curated
from Lincoln Road's restaurants and cafes. The festival will be free and open to the
public, designed to attract both locals and visitors, further enhancing Miami Beach's
reputation as a cultural hub.
This activation will serve as a powerful economic driver for the restaurants and retail
establishments along Lincoln Road, encouraging heigMened consumer spending dunng
the peak lounsm season while solidifying Lincoln Road's identity as a cultural distnct.
Hosting the Mardi Gras Festival on Lincoln Road presents a unique opportunity to:
• Boost Local Business & Tourism: By dnving foot iraffic to restaurants and
retailers. The festival will generate increased revenue for the businesses while
reinforcing Lincoln Road as must-see destination.
. Enhance Miami Beach's Culturel Landscape: As a globally recognized city for
arts and entertainment, Miami Beach is the ideal location to host an event that
celebrates the vibrancy and traditions of Mardi Gras while incorporating the city's
signature energy and style.
• Foster Community & Inelusivity: This free-to-attend festival will provide a
dynamic experience for families, residents, and tounsts alike, fostering a sense of
unity and celebralion.
. Leverage Proven Success: The popularity of the Halloween Block Party
demonstrated the community's enihusiasm for large-scale activations on Lincoln
Road. Mardi Gres ofiers another opportunity to create a signa[ure annual event
that will benefit the city and its businesses.
Requested Support-Ciri of Miami Beach
263
To successfully execute the Mardi Gras Festival, we respeclfully request the City's
support in lhe following areas:
CITY ADMINISTRATION:
• Public Safety 8 Street Closures: Assistance from Miami Beach Police
Department (MBPD) for safe street closures, crowd management and public
safety.
• Sanitation: Enhanced cleaning and garbage pickup services to maintain Lincoln
Road's cleanliness environment.
• Cultural 8 Tourism Support: $40k to secure musical performances,
permitting, and waiving bar fees for participating Lincoln Road restaurants and
cafes.
• Marketing & Outreach: PR and social media promotion to amplify awareness
among locals and visitors.
. Logistics: City support including Public Works coordination for infrestructure
needs.
LRBID'S COMMITMENT:
As the evenYs lead organizer, LRBID will oversee the planning and execution,
including:
✓ Securing live entertainment, staging, production, street d�cor, and performers
to create a dynamic Mardi Gras atmosphere.
✓ Organizing interactive ezperiences, induding giveaways, children's activities, and
immersive engagements.
J Coordinating with restaurants and retailers to encourage full participation and
tailored offerings.
✓ Executing a comprehensive marketing stretegy to maximize visibility and drive
attendance.
Conclusion
The Lineoln Road Mardi Gras Festival presents an exciting opportunity for the City of
Miami Beach and LR81D to cultivate a signature annual event that fuels economic
growth, strengthens community engagement, and enhances Miami Beach's
reputation as a worldc�ass entertainment destination.
We look forward to collaborating with the city to bnng this vision to life and make Mardi
Gres 2026 an unforgettable celebration on Lincoln Road.
264
Committee Referrals -C4 P
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM� Commissioner Laura Dominguez
DATE: February 26, 2025
TITLE: REFERRAL TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE
COMMITTEE AND THE SISTER CITIES ADVISORV COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS A
POSSIBLE CITY PARTNERSHIP WITH LINCOLN ROAD BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT TO CREATE AN ANNUAL LINCOLN ROAD MARDI
GRAS FESTIVAL TO LAUNCH IN FEBRUARY 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
BACKGROUNDIHISTORY
ANALYSIS
Please place on the agenda ot the February 26, 2025 meeting a dual refertal to[he Public Safety
and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee and lhe Sister Cities Advisory Committee to discuss
a possible City partnership with the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District (LRBID) to
create an annual Lincoln Road Mardi Gras Festival to launch in February 2026.
The LRBID has proposed the creation of an annual Mardi Gras Festival in partnership with the
City of Miami 8each to further solidify Lincoln Road as a premier destination for cultural
expenences, economic vitaliry, and community engagement. 7he LRBID's proposal is ariached.
The Administration should be prepared to evaluate and provide its feetlback regarding the
proposal, prepare a 6udget to indude the anticipated cost ot the City support requested, and
advise the Committee as to necessary next sleps to partner with the LRBID to bring this exciting
idea to life.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Does this Ortlinance reouire a Business Imoact Estimate7
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLV)
If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE)was published on:
See BIE at: NttpsJlwww.miamibeachfl.00v/citv-hall/citvclerklmeetin4-no[icesl
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
zs5
CONCLUSION
Aoolicable Area
Soulh Beach
Is this a "Residents Riaht to Know" item. Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
pursuant to Citv Cotle Section 2-177 Proiect?
No No
Was this Aaenda Item initiallv reouesteA bv a lobbvist which as defined in Code Sec. 2�81
includes a orincival enaaaed in Iobbvino4 No
If so, specily the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):
Deoartment
Offce of Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Sponsor(s)
Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Co-soonsoAsl
Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
Condensed Title
ReC PSNoLC/SCAC - Partner w/ LRBID, Create Annual Lincoln Road Mardi Gres Festival.
(Dominguez/Bhatt)
Previous Action (For Citv Clerk Usa Onlvl
266
^ ° � ", ; " ' BEACH
�. _ .� _ _ ...c2K
ticN 181-2025
LETfER TO COMMISSION
TO�. Hono2Dle Mayor Steven Meiner and em6ers of the City Commissior
FROM. Rafaet E Granatlo. Ciry Clerk�
�� O
DATE Apnl 29, 2025
SUBJECT Sister Cities Committee Moeons
The purpose o!this Letter to Commission ("LTC"):s to mfortn ihe Mayor and Gry Commission
of motions made. and unanimously apOroveQ by the Sister Cities Committee(SCC)on March
3, 2025 antl Aprd 7, 2025
Members present on March 3. 2025 include Moni Cohen, Laura Levey, Fred Bean, Matli Bower,
Allison Buttacawli, Jo�n Ospitia, antl Jamnha Piazzetla
MoNon Itf: The Sister Cities Committee recommends sending a Miami Beach de/egafion to
Sisfer Ciry Cascais, Portugal. the approvel o/a budget. not ro exceed 56400. to suppat fhe
delegahon, antl their partiCipate in(he m(ernational cWtural exchange po/eCl with Darrce
NOVt^and Oanca em Dialogos m March &13, 2025.
Motlon RY: The Sister Cr6es Comm�ttee recommends fhef all luntlmg lor Sater Cities
delegation trips, inbountl and outDound. be appovetl prior fo fravel
Motlon p3: The Sister Gbes Committee recommends the approval o/5ister Ci(ies By-Laws.
MoNon k1: The Sister Cities Committee recommentls fhe Mayw and Commissioners
suppwt(he crea(ion oi a Lincoln Road Mardi Gras Festival on LirrcWn Road srmilar(o Me
Lincoln Road Halloween Cele6rafion; and the Sister Cifies Commdfee will wak wifh fhe
Lincdn Road Business Improvement District lo align tbe eoenf wifh Mwmi 8each S�ster
Cihes.
Motian M5: The Sister Cities Committee will suspend event planning la six(6J monfhs.
Members present on P,pril 7, 2025 include Moni Cohen, Fred Bean, Ma�tie Bower, Allisor.
BWtacavoli, Marcella Novela, John OspiLa, Janinha Piazzetta, and Blanca Villarello.
Motion#1: The Sisfer Ghes Commrttee recommends fhe approval ol amendments fo Sister
CIhES By-LdWS
267
MOFbn #2' The Sister CRres CommMee recommends the appoval o/a bWgef, not fo
excced E800 la the payment o/Sisfer Cifies/nfernatqnal(SCI) annual tlues.
Please conlact Heather Shaw, Ewnomic Development Depariment Intedm Direcbr, at
hea�her5haw�miamiDeaC��.00v 5hou10 you heve eny que5iion5.
H ;
+ Y)
268