A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING (AND, AS TO CERTAIN AGREEMENTS, RETROACTIVELY APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING) THE CITY MANAGER, OR HER DESIGNEE, TO APPLY FOR, AND ACCEPT FUNDING, EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS OR AGREEMENTS, AND APPROPRIATE FUNDING RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING GRANTS, PROGRAMS, AND AGREEMENTS: 1) THE CHILDREN’S TRUST, PUBLIC BENEFITS ENROLLMENT PROGRAM, IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $175,000; 2) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY PROGRAM, IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $1 MILLION; AND 3) AFTERMATH, 2023 K9 GRANT CHALLENGE, IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $2,500.

Adopt the Resolution.

The City of Miami Beach applies for various grants and funding allocations from external agencies and organizations. Information regarding the projects and funding sources is included in the Analysis section of this Agenda Item.

1. The Children’s Trust, Public Benefits Enrollment Program, in the approximate amount of $175,000 for Assistance to Families in Need.

The Children’s Trust is committed to cultivating a more equitable community for the diverse populations of children and families of Miami-Dade County. The Public Benefits Enrollment solicitation seeks to fund innovative and effective approaches to maximize economic benefits for low-income Miami-Dade children and their families, ultimately contributing to the broader local economy and child well-being.

The City administration is applying for grant funding in the approximate amount of $175,000 to assist Miami Beach families in need of available benefits such as food and rental assistance. Benefits enrollment assistance will be offered at various locations of the City including the main office at Miami Beach City Hall. No matching funds are required.

2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Urban and Community Forestry Program, in the approximate amount of $1 Million for Beachwalk Reforestation.

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Urban and Community Forestry Program received a historic $1.5 billion to support urban tree-planting, urban forest planning and management, and related activities, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The program provides technical, financial, and educational assistance, delivering nature-based solutions to ensure a resilient and equitable tree canopy where more than 84% of Americans live.

The City administration is applying for grant funding in the approximate amount of $1 Million to bring hundreds of canopy trees to designated disadvantaged areas of the Miami Beach Beachwalk. The project will increase quality of life for the residents and visitors that use the Beachwalk amenity by cooling temperatures and reducing flood risk. The City has requested a matching funds waiver, so no matching funds are required.

3. Aftermath, 2023 K9 Grant Challenge, in the approximate amount of $2,500 for the Miami Beach Police K9 Crisis Response Team.

Aftermath Services is a program that handles crime scene clean-ups, but they also have a branch that promotes K-9 programs throughout the country. The Aftermath K9 Grant Challenge is awarding a total of $15,000 this year to support the creation, maintenance, or growth of K9 units. Six winning agencies are being awarded $2,500 each.

The City administration is applying for grant funding in the amount of $2,500 to support Lincoln, a member of the Miami Beach Police Department’s K9 Crisis Response Team. No matching funds are required.

In the 2022 Resident Satisfaction Survey, 20% of resident respondents stated that City “efforts to address homelessness were “excellent” or “good”.

In the 2022 Resident Satisfaction Survey, 39.4% of resident respondents were very satisfied or satisfied with City efforts to be a “green or sustainable city”.

In the 2022 Resident Satisfaction Survey, 38% of resident respondents rated police services to be within the top five most important city services to them.

Based on the stated analysis, the Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission adopt the Resolution appropriating funding and approving and authorizing the City Manager or her designee to apply for and accept funds and execute all documents or agreements in connection with these grants, award programs and funding requests.