C4T - Discuss Bookstore Lease Subsidy

Committee Referrals – C4 {{item.number}}

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

ANALYSIS

Please place on the September 3, 2025 agenda a referral to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee to discuss a City subsidy to support a bookstore lease at Oolite Arts.

Since the closure of Books & Books in 2020, Miami Beach has been without a dedicated bookstore, creating a cultural gap for residents, visitors, and the City’s literary community. Bookstores serve as important cultural anchors, fostering literacy, supporting local authors, hosting events, and contributing to the vibrancy of urban districts. I wish for the City to explore opportunities to restore a bookstore presence in Miami Beach, particularly in a location that complements the City’s arts and cultural offerings.

Oolite Arts, a Miami Beach–based nonprofit dedicated to advancing contemporary visual arts and culture, is headquartered at 924 Lincoln Road. The ground floor of its Lincoln Road location includes retail spaces that could be suitable for cultural or community-oriented uses.

I would like the Committee to discuss and consider engaging with Oolite Arts to negotiate the City’s subsidy (potentially up to $5,000 per month) toward the lease of one of its ground-floor retail spaces for a bookstore operator .

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)

If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CONCLUSION

Applicable Area

Citywide

Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No

If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):

Department

City Attorney

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Ref: FERC - City Subsidy to Support Bookstore Lease at Oolite Arts. (KRG) CA

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)