HomeMy WebLinkAboutLTC 116-2026 City of Coral Gables Resolution Nos. 2026-65 and 2026-66MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
No.116-2026
LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
Rafael E.Granado,City Clerk 'f1
March 19,2026 \.
CITY OF CORAL GABLES RESOLUTION NOS.2026-65 AND 2026-66.
Attached for your information are Resolution Nos.2026-65 and 2026-66,adopted by the Mayor
and Commission of the City of Coral Gables on February 24 and March 10,2026.
Resolution No.2026-65
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR
THE PRESERVATION OF THE MIAMI-DADE URBAN DEVELOPMENT
BOUNDARY ("UDB")AS IT CURRENTLY EXISTS TO PROTECT
DOWNSTREAM WATER RESOURCES,INCLUDING THE BISCAYNE
AQUIFER,REGIONAL GROUNDWATER SUPPLIES,AND CONNECTED
COASTAL WATERS,AS WELL AS THE EVERGLADES WETLANDS,AND
AGRICULTURAL LANDS;URGING THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO REJECT THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
OUTSIDE THE UDB;URGING THE FLORIDA STATE LEGISLATURE TO
OPPOSE ANY LEGISLATION THAT WOULD WEAKEN THE UDB IN THE
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CHARTER;ENCOURAGING ADVANCEMENT OF
ATTAINABLE AND WORKFORCE HOUSING WITHIN THE UDB TO
ADDRESS HOUSING AFFORDABILITY WITHOUT EXPANDING
DEVELOPMENT INTO ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LANDS;ADDING
PRESERVATION OF THE UDB TO THE CITY'S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES;
AND FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF
THIS RESOLUTION TO THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS,THE SPEAKER OF THE FLORIDA HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES,THE PRESIDENT OF THE FLORIDA SENATE,THE
MIAMI-DADE STATE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION,ALL OTHER
MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY,AND THE CITY'S
LOBBYING TEAM.
Resolution No.2026-66
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF CORAL GABLES,
FLORIDA,DECLARING PRINCIPLES OF INCLUSION FOR INDIVIDUALS
WITH AUTISM AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS,AND URGING ACTION BY
NATIONAL,STATE,AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS,BUSINESSES,AND
RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES CONSISTENT WITH THESE PRINCIPLES.
The City of Coral Gables Clerk has requested that copies of these resolutions be provided to the
Miami Beach Mayor and Commissioners.
If you have any questions,please contact the Office of the City Clerk at 305.673.7 411.
REG/le
F:\CLER\$ALL\LILIA\LTC's -Transmittal's\Coral Gables\Resolutions 2026-65 and 2026-66 City of Coral Gables.docx
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CITY OF CORAL GABLES,FLORIDA
RESOLUTION NO.2026-65
A RE SOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMI SSION AFFIRMI NG
SUP PORT FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE MIAMI-DADE
URBAN DEVELOPME NT BOUN DARY ("UDB")AS TT CURRENTLY
EXISTS TO PROTECT DOWN STRE AM WATER RE SOURCES,
INCLUDING THE BISCAYNE AQUIFER,REGIONAL
GROUND WATER SUPPLIES,AND CONNECTED COAST AL
WATERS,AS WE LL AS THE EVERGLADES WETLANDS,AND
AGRICULTURA L LAND S;URGING THE MIAMI-DADE COUN TY
BOARD OF COUN TY COMM ISSIONERS TO REJECT THE
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OUTSIDE THE UDB;URGING THE
FLORIDA ST ATE LEGISLATURE TO OPPOSE ANY LEGISLATION
THAT WOULD WEAKE N THE UD B IN THE MIAMI-DADE
COUN TY CHARTER;ENCOURA GING ADVANCEME NT OF
ATTAINABLE AND WORKF ORCE HOUSING WITHIN THE UDB
TO ADDRESS HOUSING AFFORDAB ILITY WITHOUT
EXP AND ING DEVELOPME NT INTO ENV IRONME NTALLY
SENSITIVE LAND S;ADDING PRESERVATION OF THE UD B TO
THE CITY'S LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES;AND FURTHER
DIRE CTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS
RE SOLUTION TO THE MIAMI-DADE COUN TY BOARD OF
COUN TY COMMI SSIONERS,THE SPEAKER OF THE FLORIDA
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,THE PRESIDENT OF THE
FLORIDA SENATE,THE MIAMI-DADE STATE LEGISLATIVE
DELEGATION,ALL OTHER MUN ICIPALITIES WITHIN MIAMI-
DADE COUN TY,AND THE CITY'S LOBBYING TEAM.
WHEREAS,the Urban Development Boundary ("UDB")in Miami-Dade County
was established as a core growth-management tool to limit urban sprawl,protect
environm entally sensitive lands,preserve agricultural areas,and safeguard natural
systems critical to regional water supply and flood resilience;and
WHEREAS,lands located outside the current UDB include wetlands,
agricultural soils,and open spaces that play a vital role in protecting downstream water
resources,including the Biscayne Aquifer,regional groundwater supplies,and connected
coastal waters,upon which Bay Harbor Islands and other coastal communities depend for
drink ing water,environmental health,and resilience to flooding and sea level rise;and
WHEREAS,wetlands and prairies west of the UD B function as natural filtration
and storage systems that support groundwater recharge,reduce pollutant loads,and
maintain hydrologic connections between inland ecosystems,the Everglades,and
downstream coastal waters;and
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WHEREAS,the UDB also serves to protect South Dade agricultural lands by
maintaining contiguous farming areas,preserving permeable soils,supporting food
production,and preventing land-speculation pressures that arise when urban development
expands into rural areas;and
WHEREAS,in January 2026,the Miami-Dade County Board of County
Commissioners approved amendments to the County's Comprehensive Development
Master Plan to allow development of a large heavy-equipment facility on hundreds of
acres of predominantly protected wetlands outside the existing UDB,raising significant
concerns regarding impacts to wetlands,water resources,flood control,and long-standing
growth-management policies;and
WHEREAS,on February 2,2026,Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine
Cava vetoed the proposed development,citing the County's obligation to protect
environmentally sensitive lands,uphold the integrity of the UDB,and ensure that
development outside the boundary occurs only when there is a demonstrated and
compelling public need consistent with long-range planning principles;and
WHEREAS,on February 18,2026,the Miami-Dade County Board of County
Commissioners voted to reconsider its January 2026 approval of the amendments at a
later date;and
WHEREAS,weakening or bypassing the UDB through legislative or
administrative action risks accelerating sprawl into wetlands and agricultural lands,
undermining Everglades restoration efforts,and increasing long-term public costs
associated with infrastructure expansion,flood mitigation,and environmental
degradation;and
WHEREAS,the City Commission recognizes that addressing housing
affordability is a critical public-policy goal,and acknowledges that developers have
argued for expanding the UDB westward to accommodate industrial and commercial
projects as a means to preserve sufficient land within the UDB for affordable and
workforce housing;however,the City Commission firmly believes such housing
objectives are best achieved through strategies within the existing UDB,including infill
development,redevelopment,zoning reforms,and infrastructure-efficient growth,rather
than by encroaching upon environmentally sensitive lands;and
WHEREAS,protecting upstream lands and water systems is directly tied to the
long-term environmental,economic,and public-health interests of the City of Coral
Gables as a downstream coastal city;
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES:
Page 2 of 3-Resolution No.2026-65
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SECTION 1.That the foregoing "WHEREAS"clauses are hereby ratified and
confirmed as being true and correct and are hereby made a specific part of this Resolution
upon adoption hereof.
SECTION 2.That the City Commission hereby affirms its support for the
preservation of the Miami-Dade Urban Development Boundary ("UDB")as it currently
exists to protect downstream water resources,including the Biscayne Aquifer,regional
groundwater supplies,and connected coastal waters,as well as the Everglades wetlands
and agricultural lands;urges the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners,
to reject the proposed development outside the UDB;urges the Florida State Legislature
to oppose any legislation that would weaken the UDB in the Miami-Dade County
Charter;encourages the advancement of attainable and workforce housing within the
UDB to address housing affordability without expanding development into
environmentally sensitive lands;adds preservation of the UDB to the City's Legislative
Priorities;and further directs the City Clerk to transmit a copy of this Resolution to the
Miami-Dade County Mayor,each member of the Miami-Dade County Board of County
Commissioners,the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives,the President of the
Florida Senate,the Miami-Dade State Legislative Delegation,all other municipalities
within Miami-Dade County,and the City's lobbying team.
SECTION 3.That this Resolution shall become effective upon the date of its
passage and adoption herein.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS TWENTY-FOURTH DAY OF FEBRUARY,
A.D.,2026.
(Moved:Anderson /Seconded:Castro)
(Yeas:Lara,Anderson,Castro,Fernandez,Lago)
(Unanimous:5-0 Vote)
(Agenda Item:F-3)
APPROVED:
r-=:OocuSigned by:
L~93824A5
VINCE LAGO
MAYOR
ATTEST:
GDocuSigned by:
3°Z-()I
35841702FA884FF
BILLY Y.URQUIA
CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
liOocuSigned by:
["«t s
cRIs#ft'3/"sUAREZ
CITY ATTORNEY
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CITY OF CORAL GABLES,FLORIDA
RESOLUTION NO.2026-66
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF CORAL
GABLES,FLORIDA,DECLARING PRINCIPLES OF
INCLUSION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM AND
OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS,AND URGING ACTION BY
NATIONAL,STATE,AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS,
BUSINESSES,AND RESIDENTIAL COMMUN ITIES
CONSISTENT WITH THESE PRINCIPLES.
WHEREAS,April is National Autism Acceptance Month;and
WHEREAS,Acceptance Month emphasizes the need for public awareness to promote
acceptance,celebrate differences,and be more inclusive towards autistic individuals around us;
and
WHEREAS,approximately 1 in 31 children have an autism spectrum disorder according
to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;and
WHEREAS,the United States of America is a signatory of the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,which supports the inclusion and
accommodation of children and adults with special needs and disabilities;and
WHEREAS,the Convention has identified the following core principles of inclusion:
a.Respect for inherent dignity,individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's
own choices,and independence of persons;
b.Non-discrimination;
c.Full and effective participation and inclusion in society;
d.Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human
diversity and humanity;
e.Equality of opportunity;
f.Accessibility;
g.Equality between men and women;
h.Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right
of children with disabilities to preserve their identities;and
WHEREAS,inclusion is an attitude,an approach,and a mindset,that welcomes and
facilitates participation by those with disabilities and special needs,and encourages
accommodations beyond those required by law;and
WHEREAS,meaningful acceptance extends beyond awareness and includes inclusive
education,employment pathways,accessible public spaces,and first responder training that
supports the safety and well-being of individuals with autism;and
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WHEREAS,the City demonstrates its commitment to inclusion through its
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs,which advises and provides input to City staff
regarding matters affecting individuals with disabilities in Coral Gables in an effort to
support full inclusion and accommodation;and
WHEREAS,with participation from the Disability Affairs Board and the School &
Community Relations Committee,the City obtained a self-contained classroom for students
with disabilities in a public school located within City boundaries at Ponce De Leon Middle
School;and
WHEREAS,the City is committed to integrated employment and has partnered with
Best Buddies and the de Moya Foundation to hire individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities to help people with IDD reach their full potential and become as
independent as possible and the City is also working with the Chamber so that City businesses
can deliver meaningful employment,fair wages,and career advancement for individuals with
disabilities;and
WHEREAS,the City has hosted Project Victory students from Coral Gables
Highschool and has done so since the 2022-2023 school year.Project Victory is a program
developed by Miami-Dade County Public Schools to prepare students with disabilities for
financial,personal/social,and/or independent functioning through the acquisition of
employability skills essential for success in the workplace.Project Victory students work at
City Hall,the 427 Building,and the Public Safety Building and benefit from on-the-job
training and real-life experiences;and
WHEREAS,the City is committed to the principles of inclusion as demonstrated
through the Coral Gables Police Department's collaboration with the Disability Independence
Group and UM-NSU CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities)in the development
of The Wallet Card Project of the Disability Independence Group,and related training
videos,which is a nationally regarded program that assists individuals in informing
governmental and police officials of their special needs through The Wallet Card,and trains
police officers in interactions with individuals on the autism spectrum and with other special
needs;and
WHEREAS,the City's Police Department,to further autism education and promote
inclusion,acceptance,and understanding,has wrapped a City Police Vehicle with the autism
logo;and
WHEREAS,the City in April of 2021 launched its GUIDE Program.The GUIDE
Program is a voluntary program offered to residents with individuals and/or "special
circumstances,"who live within the City.Residents or parents/legal guardians of a resident
can provide information about themselves or about the resident that they are registering that
can be crucial to GUIDE the City's first responders to more effectively interact with that
individual.Understanding the enrolled individual's disability or complex medical need prior
to responding to a scene,allows first responders to continue acting with care and diligence
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while providing more efficient services,primarily in cases involving safely locating an
enrolled individual;and
WHERE AS,the City's commitment to the principles of inclusion also can be seen in
the City's Community Recreation Department,where all programs are inclusive.Sensory
Friendly 4 of July,Gentle Practice Trick or Treat and a Gentle Egg Hunt have been
developed as inclusive activities and are hosted annually.In addition the Community
Recreation Department hosts other activities such as My Squad,which is a monthly social
gathering hosted by the City for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and
autism;and
WHERE AS,the City's commitment is also demonstrated in the passage of a
resolution declaring principles of inclusion for individuals with Autism and other special
needs each April beginning in 2016 as well as the passage of a resolution declaring principles
of inclusion for all individuals with disabilities each October beginning in 2016;and
WHERE AS,for World Autism Acceptance Day in support of understanding and
acceptance for individuals with autism,and on April 2,an autism flag designed by students
with autism will be raised at the Coral Gables Public Safety Buidling;
NOW ,THERE FORE,BE IT RESOLVE D BY THE COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF CORA L GABLES:
SECTION 1.The foregoing "WHERE AS"clauses are hereby ratified and
confirmed as being true and correct and are hereby made a specific part of this Resolution
upon adoption hereof.
SECTION 2.The City expresses its commitment to the principles of inclusion of
children and adults with special needs and disabilities in all aspects of its governance
and services,and seeks to welcome and facilitate such participation.
SECTION 3.The City urges businesses to express their commitment to the
principles of inclusion in both employment and commerce.
SECTION 4.The City urges developers,homeowner associations,and
condominium associations to adopt policies supporting the principles of inclusion in residential
communities.
SECTION 5.The City urges universities and other places of learning to prioritize
programs supporting inclusion of individuals with special needs and disabilities.
SECTION 6.The City urges national,state,and local governments to express their
commitment to the principles of inclusion as well,and to continue expanding services to
children and adults with special needs and disabilities.
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SECTION 7.The Advisory Board on Disability Affairs is commended for its
excellent work in this area and is directed to review the City's initiatives to promote
inclusion on an ongoing basis,and provide input to City staff to assist the City in fulfilling
this goal.
SECTION 8.The School and Community Relations Board is commended for its
excellent work in this area as well and is directed to continue its Special Needs Initiative
and to continue working with Miami-Dade Public Schools and UM-NSU CARD to expand
opportunities in Coral Gables for individuals with special needs and disabilities.
SECTION 9.The City Clerk is directed to send a copy of this resolution to the
National League of Cities,National Association of Counties,Florida League of Cities,Florida
Association of Counties,Miami-Dade County League of Cities,Miami-Dade County,
Miami-Dade Public Schools,and municipalities in Miami-Dade County.
SECTION 10.This Resolution shall become effective upon the date of its passage
and adoption hereof.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS TENTH DAY OF MARCH,A.D.,2026.
(Moved:Fernandez/Seconded:Anderson)
(Yeas:Anderson,Castro,Fernandez,Lara,Lago)
(Unanimous:5-0 Vote)
(Agenda Item:H-1)
APPROVED:
!âś“DocuSigned by:
L~93824A5
VINCE LAGO
MAYOR
ATTEST:
GDocuSigned by:
32~·
35841702FA884FF
BILLY Y.URQUIA
CITY CLERK APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGAL
SUFFICIENCY:LEE.
CRISiN"SUAREZ
CITY ATTORNEY
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