Please place on the February 21, 2024 agenda a referral to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee to discuss approving a one-time grant to Clean Miami Beach, Inc.

Clean Miami Beach, Inc. (“Clean Miami Beach”) is a not-for-profit corporation of the State of Florida, founded by Miami Beach resident Sophie Ringel dedicated to the protection of beautiful Miami Beach and its marine wildlife.

In 2023, the Mayor and City Commission approved a one-time grant in the total amount of $15,000 to assist Clean Miami Beach with its efforts to keep the City and its beautiful beaches clean and plastic-free, and directed the City Administration to prioritize the allocation of a $15,000 grant to Clean Miami Beach for its beach clean-up programming, as part of the City’s annual budget process for FY2024.

In 2023, Clean Miami Beach conducted 95 total cleanups, with 29,212 pounds of trash picked up, and has hosted or participated in programming to promote its mission including tabling events, speaking engagements, school presentations, corporate presentations, and art workshops.

While the grant provided has been invaluable in supporting various cleanup initiatives and educational programs, the challenges our community faces in ensuring the cleanliness and environmental sustainability of our beloved Miami Beach are multifaceted and ever-growing.

Clean Miami Beach’s current budget for 2024 is approximately $375,000 including, but not limited to, payroll, insurance, operations, business expanses, contracted services, and facilities (see attached Exhibit A for itemized allocations.

I would like Clean Miami Beach to present a funding request before the Committee, outlining what is needed to implement more extensive cleanup efforts, invest in sustainable practices, and enhance its educational outreach programs, along with deliverables, and for the Committee to ultimately to determine a recommended grant amount to the full City Commission.