Joint Meeting BCC/Youth Commission

Miami-Dade Commission Agenda

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Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Agenda

OFFICIAL

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Joint Meeting BCC/Youth Commission

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

9:30:00 AM

Commission Chambers

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County Commission Rules - Rule 6.05 DECORUM

"Any person making impertinent or slanderous remarks or who becomes boisterous while addressing the commission, shall be barred from further audience before the commission by the presiding officer, unless permission to continue or again address the commission be granted by the majority vote of the commission members present. No clapping, applauding, heckling or verbal outbursts in support or opposition to a speaker or his or her remarks shall be permitted. No signs or placards shall be allowed in the commission chambers. Persons exiting the commission chamber shall do so quietly.

The use of cell phones in the commission chambers is not permitted. Ringers must be set to silent mode to avoid disruption of proceedings. Individuals, including those on the dais, must exit the chambers to answer incoming cell phone calls. County employees may not use cell phone cameras or take digital pictures from their positions on the dais.

Miami-Dade County provides equal access and equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its programs or services. If you need a sign language interpreter or materials in accessible format for this event, please contact the Miami-Dade County Agenda Coordinator�s Office at 305-375-2035 or [email protected] at least five days in advance.

When a resolution or ordinance is placed on the agenda at the request of a commissioner, the commissioner who requested the preparation of the item shall be designated as the prime sponsor. Any other commissioner who wishes to sponsor the resolution or ordinance shall be designated as a co-sponsor.

Pursuant to Rule 5.06(h), where a commissioner is listed as a sponsor, the first named commissioner is the prime sponsor and all other named commissioners are co-sponsors."

1A

INVOCATION AS PROVIDED IN RULE 5.05(H)

1B

ROLL CALL

1C

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

1D

WELCOME

1E

REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO BE HEARD AS PROVIDED IN RULE 6.06

2

PRESENTATIONS

2A

260624

Presentation

INTRODUCTION

1. RECOGNIZING THE COMMISSION�S EFFORTS 2025-2026, CHAIRWOMAN SYLVANA LONDONO, DISTRICT 6

2. REMARKS BY SECRETARY MADISON MORENO, DISTRICT 11

4/21/2026

Presented

2B

i want to recognize district tends appointee victoria puente was here today and robbie duncan which are my district 10 appointees and I like to recognize that and take a moment of personal privilege that my appointee made it to fsu and will be going to the state capital to go to college so great university, so thank you and congratulations on that huge accomplishment. With that MADAM Attorney if we could move into and I'm sure that there are many others not in the district that have made it to great universities and colleges, those that are graduating and are seniors but if you are a commissioner I want to recognize that if they so wish to. And robbie which is my other district commissioner will be going to boston college. So ronnie, I know you couldn't be here today. It could not make it but congratulations on getting accepted to boston college, I wish both of them continued success as they begin this chapter. Normally but that is a very exciting thing, for someone starting their next chapter in life but normally as a rule of thumb for those that stay beyond this meeting with the use commissioners we don't actually clap in the chamber, we waive or clap but that merited that certainly merited the applause. So with that can we move into our official joint meeting with our youth commission and swear in our new use commissioners. >> that would be appropriate. >>chair: can we have them sworn in, clerk. >> raise your right hand and repeat after me. >>chair: should they stand? >> stand and raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your name do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support protect and defend the constitution. And the government of the united states and the government of the state of florida. That I am duly qualified to hold office under the constitution of the state. And that I will well and faithfully perform the duties as a member of the miami dade county youth commission. On the which I am now about to enter so help me GOD. Thank you and congratulations. >>chair: congratulations on being sworn in officially, for some of you again. Not an attorney can we take item 2 a first. >> now would be an appropriate time for reasonable opportunity. >>chair: reasonable opportunity is now open and we will have, do I have any signed up to speak? There are no public speakers registered to speak, therefore these noble opportunity is now being closed. Now we can take up item 2a? Do you need to read it? >> item 2 a1 recognizing commission's efforts 2025 2026 to solana ladonna, district 6. >>chair: CHAIRWOMAN, you are recognized. >> good morning, mayor daniela levine cava, CHAIRMAN Anthony rodriguez, vice CHAIRMAN Mcghee and members of the county commission. Thank you for your time here today. My name is hugh and I'm a senior lady of lords academy and rep residents of district 6 with commissioner natalie orbis. I joined the youth commission my sophomore year because I've always had a drive to create positive change around me. I've held the position of parliamentarian my first year and as a junior I moved up the ranks of secretary. Now I stand before you as CHAIRWOMAN Of the youth commission and an active member of mayor because america 250 board. This is my third year in these chambers and I pray this will be the year our urgings and dedication are met with the same enthusiasm and care with which we vote them. As a member of our commission we have consistently met standards of excellence. We have not only done our best but I feel we've served as an example that the youth of our county is capable of shedding light on modern issues and tackling them from unique perspectives. While the work we've done has been impressive on paper I'm proud to say the attitudes behind me are stronger. This year I've been in all of what each representative has chosen to be including a proposal for county responses to reports of damaged and unsafe sidewalks combating human trafficking, improving overpasses adding clear warning labels on restaurant menus and establishing fellowships to nurture potential future youth commissioners among others. These items will not only be discussed here but also in the district of columbia where we will be visiting early JUNE our legislative tours and conversations with congressional representatives but our participation would not be possible without the support of the county commissioners and miami-dade community services department, assistant director best, advisor diaz and are dedicated leaders. And of course I want to thank my fellow commissioners who inspire me every day to be a better version of myself. If you're the smartest person in the room you're in the wrong one and with all of you I never am. With that I'd like to introduce our youth commission secretary, thank you. >>chair: MADAM Secretary you are recognized. >> on madison marano, a junior at the school for advanced studies and it's a privilege to stand before you as the secretary of the miami-dade county youth commission cochair of the changemaker award committee and codirector of the youth commission policy fellowship, most importantly I probably represent district 11 as a youth commissioner. His year has created incredible opportunities for the youth commission we've adopted a variety of urgings addressing a wide range of issues that impact youth in miami dade county but our most powerful accomplishment is providing other youth the space to make their voices heard. It started with a simple message, a local student reached out to me asking for advice on a policy project for her school. A few pointers became a lasting relationship. As I mentor to her through the process of developing a strong policy proposal that could become real legislation, ultimately I saw the clear gap. There are countless youth like mira who want the legislative advocacy to make a difference yet many cannot navigate the complexities of county government. Their vision simply remains an idea. I saw a problem in our community so I chose to address it the only way I know how. I submitted a proposal to develop a fellowship and against all odds it passed by a single vote and that belief in my vision empowered me to believe in others. The youth commission policy fellowship empowered 10 high school students across miami-dade county to develop a policy proposal. We lead information on county government, provided resources to streamline the writing process and hosted workshops for students to receive feedback. Their final submissions reflect 10 unique perspectives, united by a shared mission of building a better miami-dade county. The proposals address issues as small as these and as large as towering tree canopies. Importantly many of them have been inspired to apply for the 2026 when he seven youth commission where they continue their work with legislative advocacy. It is my hope like the youth commission you will believe in my vision. We like to collaborate with the mayor's office and the board of county commissioners enhance the fellowship or connect it to existing initiatives. Thank you for your time and support it's my pleasure to introduce mike youth commissioner, chair of the advocacy committee jaden lawson. It's. >>chair: thank you MADAM Secretary. Commissioner watson class thank you fellow commissioners. Nobody moves to miami for the sidewalks but someone's abuela uses one every morning to get to the 11 bus and whether she makes it there safely is in part a policy decision someone made or didn't make, that's what local government is, a collection of decisions so small they are imperceptible until they fail. Our community spent this year looking at those decisions reason my name is jaden one and I serve as youth commissioner and chair of the advocacy and legislation committee. Our committee turns the concerns of youth into concrete policy recommendations this year working alongside some of the most thoughtful determined young people in our county are members produced for some sustained proposals. The first is safe sidewalks offered by our mayor's office representative. When a resident discovers a hazardous sidewalk there causes can be confusing or slow, one office refers you to the next. The loan process intensifies the issue and research found the longer it takes to repair a sidewalk the more expensive it becomes. This is crucial as in florida unintentional falls are the leading cause of fatal injury among adults. We therefore urge the department of transportation to respond to hazardous sidewalk reports within 30 days or notify the appropriateness of the departments within 15 days if it falls under city authority and in doing so we have the unique opportunity to both protect pedestrians and reese reached the counties proposal to a liability. The second is connecting the dots against human trafficking offered by phillipe ashton. Florida ranks second nationally in trafficking cases miami dad ranks first in the state. Et less than 1% of cases are ever identified. The proposal calls for centralized reporting system governed by a joint task force including the mayor's office police department, state attorney's office and the department of homeland security. These agencies currently collect data using different standards and systems. but the unified platform will let investigators identify patterns and strengthen them into agency cooperation, something that's especially crucial as miami prepares to host the world cup later this year. Now the third is one step two wild offered by isabel geraldo. Isabel representing the agendas coordinator office addresses the total that habitat fragmentation takes on wildlife and drivers. Words like tamiami trail cut through some of the most diverse ecosystems in this county. But when animals cross the results are dangerous for everyone. The proposal urges the county commission to advocate at the state and municipal level for wildlife crossing infrastructure along priority corridors documenting how crossings and other areas have reduced collisions by 80%. 80%. Remarkably the proposal goes the extra mile by identifying funding mechanisms that can support these projects without new county expenditures. Lastly young people in our community are facing increasing rates of diet related illnesses including type ii diabetes and obesity. According to the american heart association excessive consumption of added sugar provides no essential nutrients, adds extra calories that contribute to weight gain and are linked to heart disease. Therefore the youth commission encourages local leaders and committees to explore adding clear warning labels on restaurant menu items containing 50 g or more of added sugar. Sex and only high sugar items labeled using simple icons that are easy for all consumers to understand. This work would not be possible without the support of your board and the guidance of our liaison. Every proposed proposal our committee produces is grounded in research drafted it with care and motivated by a genuine belief that young people have a duty and responsibility to improve the communities we call home. Thank you for your time, and I want to introduce you to our education services chair is christina hamilton. >> all right, education service committee CHAIRWOMAN, you are recognized. >> hello board my name is christina hamilton and I represent district to and I have the other of serving as CHAIRWOMAN Of the youth commission's education services committee this year our committee focused on not just talking about students issues actively going into our communities to understand them to rent one of the biggest accomplishments was our outreach tour where we visited schools across miami-dade county connecting with hundreds of students, through these conversations we've raised awareness about the youth commission in the more importantly collected real data of the issues students are building. Academic pressure to lack of access to resources we made sure student voices were heard directly and not just assumed. In addition we participated electing toys for christina's academy toy drive charter one schools, both elementary and laura saunders. When you get a child into life giving them a reason to dream ones like and remind a child the world hasn't forgotten I am proud to sponsor miami-dade counties policy fellowship which we developed in partnership with the changemaker committee. Our work has been centered around outreach opportunity and impact. We did not just represent students, we engaged with them, listened to them and created pathways to leave which is something I believe everyone should represent. As we look ahead I strongly urge each commissioner and each office represented to actively work with youth commission throughout our terms read the expression point for the next term and I encourage you to continue selecting to youth commissioners per district to properly expand youth representation across miami dade county because advocacy is nothing without our own representation. We are citizens of this great country and its dedicated future leaders. Fostering that bridge between government and youth is not an option, it is essential that it is a reason that programs and initiatives exist today and why I stand here before you today thank you for your time and I urge you to keep fighting for the youth because we are here very much to stay and now I am excited to introduce alicia menino, chair for the cultural arts committee. >>chair: thank you committee chair. Committee chair millie. >> thank you very much christina. My name is alicia medina, youth commission member and a senior and I have the honor of serving as chair of the cultural arts community engagement committee of the youth commission. I want to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to stand with you at this meeting and it means a great deal you completed a space to hear from you about the issues that matter most. And today I want to talk about the future of rx access in miami-dade county. It's 290,000 children are reached by the arts in this county every year, an entire generation of young people whose lives are being shaped and enriched by the power of artistic expression and the case committee exists to ensure that number keeps growing the major initiative I want to highlight was that we have the privilege of participating in the reading hotspot out of the community reading project that bought us face-to-face with toddlers. Creating a space for books and imagination were placed at the center of the child's earliest experiences. we are deeply grateful to the miami-dade services department and to wayne rollins and his international organization whose partnership was instrumental in bringing this initiative to life. Also want to highlight a comprehensive policy proposal our committee has been developing to dramatically expand youth access to arts and cultural programming across the county at the heart of this is a grant funded voucher program that would provide students with the opportunity to enroll in arts instruction classes offered by the community or organizations across the county. Third and the major initiative I am thrilled to share is a student arts competition with virtual submission capabilities designed to celebrate and elevate the artistic talent of young people across the county. We are actively developing the infrastructure and outreach strategy for this competition and I am proud to announce I will be running next year we have taken together these initiatives share what it means to be part of this committee. We are here to be the voice of 290,000 young people in touch with the arts in this county every year the even greater number that it should be. Finally I'd like to introduce lucas martinez, cochair of the changemaker award committee. >> thank you for that introduction. My name is lucas martinez at senior high, for the past two years I've had the privilege of serving as a youth commissioner representing district 12 and this year I have the honor of serving as cochair of the committee. Serving as cochair has given me the opportunity to recognize and uplift students making a tangible impact in our county, established in 2024 changemaker award was created to honor those we see the needs of their community but more importantly to take the initiative to solve them. This year our committee reached a significant milestone, receiving a record-breaking define applications, a number that speaks to the growing spirit of service and leadership among our youth. Out of these exceptional applicants we made named 10 finalists and selected three winners who embody the values of this award. Changemaker award celebrates more than achievement, it highlights those who refused to wait for change and take action themselves we had each applicant represents a unique story of change, reminding us that meaningful progress begins with a single idea and a determination to see it through. Building on this momentum we respectfully ask the board of county commissioners to once again consider designating APRIL 30 as youth changemaker day in miami-dade county. Did this request is about shining a light on the expert neri contributions of the students. There service and impact deserve to be recognized the highest level, reinforcing miami-dade's county that honors the youth and who step up to make a difference. What today reaffirms is our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today. Their vision resilience and commitment are already strengthening our community in ways that will be felt for generations thank you for your time and for your continued support in recognizing the young changemakers of miami-dade county area now I'm excited to introduce stacy. >>chair: thank you so much. >> thank you lucas, good morning. I am a senior and for these past two years I had the honor of serving as district to commissioner and this year I was elected as parliamentarian of the miami-dade commission and like many colleagues when I applied I was unsure about my career path or what I need to make of it and overtime being surrounded by individuals who are so committed to making change has completely transformed the way I perceive myself and my community. Watching my colleagues share the life of others have deepened my passion for fostering change and it made me more confident and aware of the issues we face. This taught me leadership is about having the willingness to take action and engaging discussions allow me to see things from other points of views and embrace those perspectives. Today I walked away as a leader, speaker and community leader, whereas blast groups step up scores where he stepped outside our conference will be held to connect with others learning communication and serving the community and when we collaborated with the north miami youth council because of interactions with local state and national politicians and our regular monthly board meetings that gave me works to explore the world. These have shaped me in ways I thought were beyond and now I see my community as more than a place for youth but also the best part of my experience has been you, those of you who take time out of your day, those who despite our ages trust most and provide us with a platform to enact change. You've played a major role in forming my experience with the youth commission and I'm grateful to have had this opportunity and excited for the work to come and now I'd like to call gabriella who will be speaking about community service. >> my name is gabriela lopez, vice chair to the youth commission representative of district 5. On saturday, APRIL 11 the miami-dade youth commission took part in the 44th annual bonanza a countywide cleanup devoted to safeguarding biscayne bay, a place that does more than r county, it sustains it. 5000 people read across 33 sites including ed barnes park chose to give their time to something that asks for effort but offers no spotlight and that choice matters. There's a certain force in client labor, no ceremony, just hands moving lifting and clearing what should not be there. It is easy to speak about protecting our environment, it is harder to act on it on ways that are repetitive unglamorous and un-necessary to read that is where the commitment reveals itself. In miami-dade this gain bay is not simply a job, it's a living presence tied to our economy ecosystem and sense of place and to diminish it is to diminish something essential. To care about it is to affirm who we are as people. What stays with me is not only what was removed that day but what was demonstrated, it willingness to take responsibility without being asked twice and to treat shared spaces as someone else's concern. That mindset carries further than any singular cleanup. Thank you for your time and I will introduce eight enemies. >> good morning, my name is eight enemies representing the mayor's office and I'm a senior. I have the honor of recognizing the graduating seniors of the miami dade county youth commission but first I'd like to thank the people in this chamber who have made our accomplishments possible. Thank you to our parents who encouraged us and enabled us to reach our individual achievements and we are here because of you. I'd like to thank our mayor and commissioners for giving us a voice in local government. Being on the miami-dade youth commission has been an expert near experience which has enriched our understanding and appreciation for county government by making us part of the counties legislative process and as I announce the names and the college they are attending I will highlight some of the other remarkable achievements of my fellow youth commissioners. Julian farrington, district 1, florida state university and the silver night comedy for silver scientist, stacy gutierrez, district to. >> university, christina hamilton district to attending university of miami. Max feldman district 4 will be attending duke university. District 6 attending the university of florida, jennifer ben yarrow, district 8 attending the university of pennsylvania, attending the university of florida, victoria puente district 10 will be attending florida state university silver night nominee for interactive media jaden lawton, district 11 will be attending columbia university, lucas martinez wrote, district 12. Maggie, district 13 attending duke university, diana decostas attending mdc honors, laurasia medina will be attending harvard university, dimarco santos representing the office of the mayor will be attending florida state university silver night nominee for silver sciences and for myself representing the office of the mayor I will be attending university of miami. >>chair: I think a round of applause, for this one we can do a round of applause. [Applause] Since it thank you all, what a group of great, intelligent minds we have in this county. My only hope and request of those going away to those very elite, pristine universities and colleges is you all return back to miami-dade county because we need you here. Do not actually, let me don't say this, you're not supposed to say this, do not stay over there. That's the bottom line, come back. Make sure you come back with that I understand that our joint meeting concludes, MADAM Attorney. >> we need a motion to adjourn the joint meeting and we will convene. >>chair: moved by the CHAIRMAN Of the youth commission to adjourn. Seconded by r vice chair on the commission, all in favor of adjourning signify by saying aye, all opposed, nay. Show us adjourned, thank you youth commissioners, appreciate you being here in the best of luck to those we MAY not see for a bit but I look forward to working with you guys in this capacity and in many other future capacities. Congratulations once more, thank you all. Not an attorney and we now move in to our bcc agenda. Should we move into reasonable opportunity for the public to be heard. >> it would be appropriate