The centerpiece of the meeting was the presentation of the city’s strategic action plan by consultant Lucas Psychowski from Barry Dunn. The plan, in development since January 2025, outlines five priority areas: engagement, quality of life, infrastructure, economic development, and internal operations. Each area includes goal statements and objectives designed to guide the city’s efforts. Notably, the plan incorporates the core values acronym REAL—Respect, Ethics, Accountability, and Leadership—and proposes the tagline “Homestead keeps it real.”

Council members engaged in a discussion about the proposed mission and vision statements, with some expressing the need for further workshops to refine these elements. One council member pointed out the vagueness of the current vision statement and emphasized the need for a clear endpoint to guide the city’s future direction. The strategic plan’s dashboard, intended to provide transparency on the city’s progress, was highlighted as a important tool for aligning strategic planning with budgeting.

The meeting also tackled significant infrastructure projects, including the reallocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Initially designated for the PAL gym, these funds will now support sidewalk improvements. This decision came after discussions about the prolonged delay in utilizing the funds for their original purpose, as the PAL building’s renovation costs exceeded initial estimates. The urgency of reallocating funds to address immediate needs was emphasized, with council members expressing frustration over the lack of progress in previous projects.

In another infrastructure-related discussion, the council approved a proposal for a stormwater infrastructure survey with KCI Technologies, Inc. This project aims to assess the capacity and locations of existing pipes. Similarly, negotiations with Stantech Consulting Services, Inc. for Brownfield Environmental Consulting Services were authorized.

Rebranding efforts for the city were another focal point, with council members debating the style and color of new signage to enhance Homestead’s identity. Suggestions included traditional static signs and modern digital kiosks, with an emphasis on consistency in color and style across city infrastructure. One council member advocated for the inclusion of a recognizable icon or emblem to reinforce the city’s identity and differentiate it from other areas named Homestead.

The council also addressed the funding allocation for the Seminole Theater, emphasizing its potential for self-sufficiency and increased community engagement. Discussions highlighted the importance of activating additional spaces within the theater to support children’s programming and enhance revenue opportunities. The involvement of the Community Redevelopment Agency in supporting these initiatives was noted as a critical factor in the theater’s future success.

In addition to these major topics, the meeting included updates on the fiscal year 2025-2026 annual action plan for CDBG and HOME funds. The city manager outlined the allocation of $878,963 in CDBG funds and $392,000 in HOME funds, aimed at assisting low to moderate-income individuals and supporting affordable housing development. Questions about the rollover of previous year’s HOME funds and concerns about national-level funding impacts were addressed, with reassurances provided about the stability of current projects.

Further, the council discussed the construction of an interchange on the Homestead Extension of Florida’s Turnpike and authorized a professional services agreement for additional services related to home investment partnership funds. The meeting concluded with a resolution to submit a grant application to the Florida Division of Historical Resources for funding to support the historic town hall museum.