Miami Beach may pay monthly housing stipends to commission aides

Miami Beach officials are looking into authorizing a $500 monthly stipend for commissioner aides in order for staff to find housing in the city. In December, commissioners unanimously passed the item to action by the Finance Committee.

According to the resolution, the city is committed to supporting its workforce, especially individuals who play a vital role in public service.
Additionally, the resolution says it is necessary to provide “reasonable assistance” to commissioners’ aides in order to help them “secure suitable housing” in the city.

The fiscal impact, included in the resolution, says if 12 aides receive a monthly $500 stipend, the city’s outlay would be $72,000 per year.

The resolution said mayor’s and commissioners’ aides “are critical members of the staff who provide invaluable support in the performance of city business, often working demanding schedules that require in-person commitments during unpredictable hours, late nights, weekends, and holidays.”

The legislation, sponsored by Commissioner Joseph Magazine, was pulled by Commissioner Alex Fernandez in order to suggest the referral to the Finance Committee.

Costly housing in the city along with limited availability of workforce and attainable housing options, says the resolution, introduces the challenge of “retaining qualified and dedicated individuals in positions that require regular in-person presence and performance.”

The resolution said the “current wage structure” for aides doesn’t “adequately align with the high cost of living in the city, which further exacerbates the housing challenges faced by these essential staff members.”