At the heart of the meeting was the discussion on how to allocate affordable housing units for the upcoming year, a concern given the city’s ongoing efforts to address the housing needs of its residents. The Executive Director of the CRA presented information on three major projects: Gardens Residences, Residences at Nomi, and Griffin Park Estates, detailing the number of units, availability timelines, and occupancy criteria for each. Ensuring a transparent and fair process was a priority, as council members debated the most effective way to allocate these units to potential applicants.

A critical part of the conversation revolved around the eligibility criteria for these affordable housing units. The council deliberated on whether to give preference to individuals who have lived in North Miami for two years and, secondarily, to those residing within the CRA boundaries for one year.

The council members also tackled the issue of unit mix within the housing projects, responding to requests for more diverse unit sizes to cater to families.

Further compounding the housing challenge was the matter of rental prices. The council grappled with the disparity between the county’s median income and that of North Miami, a discrepancy that raised concerns about the true affordability of the proposed housing units. During the debate, council members questioned the determination of rental prices and highlighted the need to ensure that both residents and city employees could find affordable housing options within North Miami.

The motion saw amendments specifying the length of residency required for preference, with the final version passing with a unanimous vote.

Public input further enriched the meeting’s discourse. One resident raised concerns about the annexed areas of North Miami, which are not designated as CRA and thus do not receive the same benefits. In response, a council member assured the public that efforts were underway to address this inclusivity issue.