Where Are So Many Millions Coming From? Transparency in Miami-Dade

Where are so many millions coming from? Transparency in Miami-Dade

Questioning the transparency of our government system in Miami-Dade County.

The recent acquisition of strategic land by Miami-Dade County, totaling $32.9 million, raises serious doubts not only due to the disparity in property prices but also because of the lack of clarity regarding the source of these funds.

Lack of Transparency and Priorities in Miami-Dade County

In a context where the approved budget for 2024-2025 already amounts to $12.7 billion, residents are wondering if these purchases were contemplated or if they represent an additional budget modification that has not been communicated transparently.

Questions About the Origin of the Funds

1. Were these acquisitions planned in the 2024-2025 budget? The $12.7 billion budget is the largest in the county’s history and, according to official statements, was already facing multiple demands, such as:
   • Road infrastructureImprovements to the sewer systemEssential community services
   If these purchases were not originally included, the question arises: Was money diverted from other priority projects to finance these acquisitions?
2. Where do the budget modifications come from?Any significant change in the budget requires identifying a funding source. Possible sources might include:
   • Reallocation of unused funds: Which projects were affected or delayed to free up these resources?
   • Reserve funds: If emergency or reserve funds were used, how does this affect the county’s ability to respond to future unforeseen events?
   • Federal or state grants: If these acquisitions were financed with grants, why doesn’t this information appear in detail in the Aviation Capital Program reports?
3. What does this investment imply for future projects?If these acquisitions were not contemplated, they could further strain the county’s finances. This raises questions such as:
   • What other essential areas might face cuts?
   • How does this investment affect the ability to finance long-postponed projects, like expanding sewer services in neighborhoods that have lacked this service since 1926?
   • Is it sustainable to finance a new airport in addition to these purchases?
   Alongside the recent acquisitions is the dream of building a new airport, which demands an even more rigorous financial analysis. Considering that Miami International Airport (MIA) is already undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, how does the county plan to finance an additional project without overburdening taxpayers?

Lack of Transparency in Funding Sources

The absence of clear details about the source of these $32.9 million feeds the perception of opacity in the management of public funds. Key concerns include:

• Discrepancy with the approved budget:
  • Were these purchases included in the initial budget discussions, or were they added later without proper public scrutiny?
• Impact on other priorities:
  • If these acquisitions were financed by reallocating funds, which essential projects were displaced or sacrificed?
• Lack of clear reporting in monthly statements:
  • The Aviation Capital Program reports have not mentioned these acquisitions in sufficient detail nor explained their impact on the overall budget.

The Relationship with the Historic $12.7 Billion Budget

The county’s budget for 2024-2025, although historic in size, has been criticized for not prioritizing essential needs:

• Neighborhoods without sewer systems since 1926
• Pothole-ridden streets and deficient road infrastructure
• Insufficient resources for community and cultural programs, such as public art development

In this context, multimillion-dollar acquisitions generate doubts about whether residents’ basic needs are being sidelined in favor of mega-projects that primarily benefit private interests.

Conclusion: The Need for Transparency and Accountability

The recent land acquisitions totaling $32.9 million and the plans for a new airport highlight the lack of transparency in how the county manages its financial resources. Residents have the right to know:

• Where did these funds come from?
• Which projects were sacrificed or delayed to prioritize these purchases?
• How does the county plan to finance these mega-projects without compromising other essential needs?

If the Miami-Dade government does not respond clearly to these questions, the result will be a further weakening of public trust. Transparency in financial management is not a luxury but a fundamental obligation in a county with so many pending social and economic challenges.