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Via direct email on August 27, 2026, the Advocacy Committee made AIA Miami members aware of the September 1, 2026 second reading of the Miami-Dade County ordinance on small business. While AIA Miami did not take a position on changes to the ordinance, this committee felt it important to inform members of the upcoming meeting should they wish to take individual action. This article provides a debrief on key outcomes from the vote on the ordinance:
- The morning of and prior to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting, Chair Anthony Rodriguez offered a substitute version of each ordinance posted on the final agenda. These alternates removed all items that diluted the benefit of locally headquartered businesses.
- During the discussion and following the public comment period, Chair Rodriguez removed all items that would have created the most harm to Small Business Enterprises (SBE). They will reach out to the SBE community for recommendations on these items. This is an important step toward inclusion, as no SBE or Locally Headquartered Businesses (LHB) A&E firms had been included on the original Special Task Force to Reduce Inefficiencies in Procurement. SBEs comprise almost half of A&E firms (246 of 497) certified in Miami-Dade County and contribute significantly to the local economy.
- While not of substantive impact, the requirement for three full-time employees to receive local preference was not removed from the ordinance. Staff team members explained that this requirement does not pertain to SBEs.
- A further provision to eliminate affirmation by a prime firm to meet SBE goals was retained. Once again, the staff assured concerned parties that SBE participation would continue to be monitored by the county.
For further information, please feel free to contact one of your Advocacy Committee leaders:
- Robert Graboski, AIA | Chair
- Javier E. Cordova, AIA | Co-chair
- Angel Saqui, AIA | Co-chair
