Why Miami needs ballot measure to streamline city sale of non-waterfront properties | Opinion

A city of Miami referendum on the November ballot would streamline how the city sells non-waterfront, city-owned land.

The change would save time and taxpayer money while aligning Miami’s process with those used by Miami-Dade and other major municipalities.

Currently, multiple regulations govern the sale of the city’s 500 properties including whether the property is waterfront or non-waterfront, its appraised value, zoning and intended use.

The proposed change applies only to non-waterfront properties. The process for selling waterfront land would remain the same with voters retaining final approval authority.

At present, all city property sales require an appraisal, advertising and public bidding. At least three bids must be received; if fewer than three bids are submitted, the sale must be approved by voters in a citywide referendum, an approach that adds election costs and delays.

An existing exception allows the city commission to approve a sale without a referendum when the property is appraised at under $500,000 and fewer than three bids are received.

The ballot measure would remove the $500,000 cap for non-waterfront properties and require a supermajority vote, allowing the city commission to approve sales with fewer than three bids just as Miami-Dade, Hialeah and Miami Beach already do.

Few city-owned properties today are valued below $500,000. This proposal acknowledges current market realities and simplifies the process while preserving transparency and oversight. The requirement for fair market value remains unchanged as it is in the charter and will remain so.

In all cases, taxpayers will get fair market value as determined by two appraisers.

Under the measure, the city commission, not voters, would have final authority for non-waterfront property sales, avoiding election delays. Waterfront property sales would still require voter approval.

Approved by the city administration and the Miami city commission in July 2025, the proposal is a practical step toward efficient governance and fiscal responsibility. The proposed ballot measure would enable the city to expedite property sales and acquire sites better suited for projects like affordable housing.

This change reflects the city’s continued effort to modernize its operations and ensure that municipal resources are managed responsibly. By eliminating unnecessary procedural hurdles, the city can act more swiftly on opportunities that serve the public interest such as redeveloping underused parcels or partnering with developers to address community needs.

Streamlining the process does not mean reducing accountability. Public notice, appraisal requirements and commission oversight would remain in full effect. Every proposed sale would still go through a transparent public process including hearings where residents have the opportunity to express their views.

In addition to creating a more efficient process, the measure promotes fiscal responsibility by reducing the financial burden of repeated referendums.

Each referendum can cost taxpayers significant amounts in election administration, advertising and logistical coordination.

By shifting final approval for non-waterfront property sales to the city commission through a supermajority vote, Miami ensures a higher threshold of consensus among elected officials while maintaining robust checks and balances.

Ultimately, this referendum is about good governance. It brings Miami in line with other major jurisdictions, reflects the realities of today’s property market and safeguards taxpayer value.

The measure maintains all key protections while giving the city the flexibility needed to act in the best interest of its residents, businesses and future growth.

City officials believe it is a disservice to taxpayers to keep resources tied up and taxpayer funds frozen in unneeded assets.

Arthur Noriega is Miami’s city manager.