This item is a referral from Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez and pertains to the potential amendment of the City Charter to implement a strong mayor form of government in Miami Beach.
Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez has expressed that the City Charter should be revisited to consider the possibility of transitioning to a strong mayor system, taking into account the unique needs and challenges of Miami Beach.
In her memo, Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez suggests that such a transition would require careful study and public consultation to develop a model suitable for Miami Beach. She proposes initiating the process by submitting a non-binding, straw ballot question to the voters, followed by final approval of required Charter amendments subject to voter approval in a subsequent Citywide election.
This item was also referred to the Ad Hoc Charter Review and Revision Board (Board) for consideration. At the March 4, 2024 Board meeting, City Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez presented her proposal to transition to a strong mayor form of government. The Board considered this suggestion and opted not to recommend it.
Please find attached the original memo from Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez for your reference. To assist in the discussion, attached as Exhibit 1 is Section 2.02 of the Miami-Dade County Charter, entitled “Responsibilities of the Mayor.”