C7I - Establish Parking Program for Educational Insti...

Resolutions - C7 I

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission hereby accept the recommendation of the Public Safety Neighborhoods Quality of Life Committee, at its July 9, 2025, meeting and adopt a resolution authorizing the City of Miami Beach Parking Department to establish a parking program for educational institutions and educational-related organizations by allowing the sale of parking codes in City parking spaces located nearest to such institutions, thereby enabling administrators, educators, and affiliated staff to access cost-effective and flexible parking solutions that meet their operational needs while ensuring continued compliance with the City’s adopted parking rate structure.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

At the February 26, 2025 City Commission meeting, at the request of Commissioner Alex Fernandez, the Mayor and City Commission (City Commission) referred an agenda item (C4 X) to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC) to discuss a potential parking program with discounted rates for educational institutions and educational-related organizations.

Educational institutions and education-related organizations within the City continue to expand both in size and influence. Concerns from the staff and employees of various educational institutions in the City regarding insufficient parking availability in close proximity to schools and other educational institutions have become more pronounced particularly when these organizations are located within or adjacent to restricted residential permit parking zones or areas in the City where municipal parking is limited and/or in high demand.

At the July 9, 2025 PSNQLC meeting, the administration presented the item and the members unanimously recommended going forward to the full commission.

ANALYSIS

The intent of this program is to establish a structured parking payment mechanism tailored to the needs of educational institutions and educational-related organizations within the City of Miami Beach. Rather than applying a traditional rate reduction at the meter or pay station, the program would authorize the City to issue parking codes that allow payment only at the standard hourly rate. Currently, dedicated parking spaces vary in cost from $16 to $46 per day throughout the

City, which can create a financial burden for institutions and educators with temporary or flexible parking needs. By offering hourly parking codes instead of requiring the purchase of dedicated spaces, the City provides an alternative that is both affordable and adaptable. This approach ensures the hourly parking rate itself remains consistent with the adopted citywide structure, maintaining fairness and compliance with the City’s ordinances and revenue practices, while introducing flexibility for educational partners.

Educational institutions, particularly those operating in dense urban areas like Miami Beach, face ongoing challenges in providing adequate parking for staff, administrators, and visiting educators. Many of these institutions are located near City parking assets, creating a natural opportunity for collaboration. By offering parking codes, the City enables institutions to purchase blocks of hourly parking in advance and distribute them to their employees, faculty, or affiliated staff. This system supports predictable budgeting for both the institutions and the City while ensuring the program remains financially sustainable.

Operationally, the Parking Department can administer the program through its existing pay-by- plate and mobile payment platforms. Parking codes can be generated in hourly increments to match anticipated usage, and institutions can be billed directly for the total purchase at the hourly rate instead of paying a larger flat fee for dedicated spaces. This minimizes administrative burden, keeps enforcement consistent, and allows for smooth integration into current systems. In addition, this structure allows the City to monitor usage, track occupancy trends, and make adjustments to the program as needed based on demand and fiscal performance.

In short, the proposed program aligns with City goals of supporting community partners, improving neighborhood quality of life, and providing parking solutions that are flexible, equitable, and financially responsible.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

TBD

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

N/A

CONCLUSION

The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission hereby accept the recommendation of the Public Safety Neighborhoods Quality of Life Committee, at its July 9, 2025, meeting and adopt a resolution authorizing the City of Miami Beach Parking Department to establish a parking program for educational institutions and educational-related organizations by allowing the sale of parking codes in City parking spaces located nearest to such institutions, thereby enabling administrators, educators, and affiliated staff to access cost-effective and flexible parking solutions that meet their operational needs while ensuring continued compliance with the City’s adopted parking rate structure

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

Parking

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Alex Fernandez

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Accept Rec/Establish Parking Program, Educational Institutions/Organizations. (Fernandez) PK

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)