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City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
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| | | | | | | | | | Item 1
COMMITTEE MEMORANDUM | | | |
| | | | | | | | TO: Land Use and Sustainability Committee
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| FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City Manager
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| DATE: February 26, 2024
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| | | | | | | | | TITLE: | DISCUSS EFFORTS THE CITY CAN TAKE TO RECRUIT QUALIFIED ARCHITECTS AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE CITY'S LAND USE BOARDS (BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, DESIGN REVIEW BOARD, HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD, AND PLANNING BOARD) |
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| | | | | | | | HISTORY:
| On December 13, 2023, at the request of Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt, the City Commission referred the subject discussion (C4 Q) to the Land Use and Sustainability Committee (LUSC).
BACKGROUND
As noted in the attached referral memo, the item sponsor would like the LUSC to discuss how the City can better recruit qualified architects and landscape architects to serve on the City’s land use boards (Board of Adjustment, Design Review Board, Historic Preservation Board and Planning Board).
Each of the City’s land use boards have different requirements for architecture or landscape architecture professionals, as follows:
• Design Review Board: a minimum of one (1) architect and one (1) landscape architect registered in the State of Florida.
• Historic Preservation Board: a minimum of one (1) architect registered in the State of Florida.
• Board of Adjustment: a minimum of one (1) architect registered in the State of Florida.
• Planning Board: a minimum of one (1) architect or landscape architect registered in the State of Florida. However, for the Planning Board, there is an option for a member of the faculty of a school of architecture or a professional practicing in the field of architectural or urban design or urban planning to fill this membership position. |
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| | | | | | | | ANALYSIS:
| In the past, an issue raised by architecture and landscape architecture professionals when considering whether to seek appointment to a City of Miami Beach land use board is the ability to work on projects within the City. Often potential board members are concerned about a conflict with Section 2-459 of the City Code, pertaining to prohibited appearances. Specifically, Section 2-459 of the Code prohibits professionals, whether directly or indirectly, from engaging in any lobbying activity within the city.
While having development review boards with balanced perspectives is desirable, not having enough members with practical experience in the fields of architecture or landscape architecture can be counterproductive. The following are potential strategies that may be helpful in recruiting qualified professionals in the fields of architecture and landscape architecture.
Enhanced Outreach
Currently, when a land use board seat is available for appointment, recruitment is done largely by word of mouth, limiting the applicant pool to individuals that are actively engaged in City activities. Enhanced outreach strategies could include the following:
• Posting vacancies on a more visible location of the City’s website.
• Sending a notice through the City’s email notification service.
• Posting on the City’s social media platforms such as Facebook and X.
• Engaging civic groups including the local chapters of the American Institute of Architects and the American Institute of Landscape Architects, arts & cultural institutions, and the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.
• Engaging universities with architecture and landscape architecture programs such as Florida International University, University of Miami, Miami-Dade College.
Incentives
The following incentives may be helpful with the recruitment of professionals who primarily work outside the city, as well as increasing the ability to retain such professionals:
• Discounted memberships to City cultural and recreational facilities.
• Discounted admission to City sponsored events.
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| | | | | | | | CONCLUSION:
| | The Administration recommends that the Land Use and Sustainability Committee discuss the proposal and provide any applicable recommendations to the City Commission. |
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| | | | | | | | | Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-14? | | Does this item utilize G.O. Bond Funds? | | | Yes | | No | |
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| ATTACHMENTS: | | Description | Type |  | REF C4Q | Memo |
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