It is recognized that the cost of housing is significantly higher in Miami Beach than in other municipalities in South Florida.

This suggested pilot would be funded at $300,000 which would allow up to 100 full-time employees to receive $250 per month toward their housing expense for one year.

Incentives enabling employees to live in the same community where they work would provide several benefits to the City:

• Economic Development- City salaries would be largely spent in the local economy.

• Employees would be more vested in the community and would have a better comprehension of the experiences of residents.

• Staff would be readily available during emergencies.

Employees would also benefit by having a very short commute which would save them money and promote work/life balance. A 2017 study by the Robert Half consulting company found that 25% of employees nationally quit their jobs due to a difficult commute.

This pilot program would only be a temporary measure as an incentive while we continue our efforts to create additional affordable workforce housing. It is not intended to advocate for a requirement that City employees live in the City as this could adversely impact recruitment 

If recommended by the committee, a funding source would need to be identified; there is no designated funding source currently.

Also there are 142 employees who currently live in the City. It would need to be determined which of those, if any, would be eligible for the incentive.