Miami voters approve $450 million public safety bond, paving way for facility upgrades

Miami voters have approved a $450 million public safety bond to fund new fire stations, modernize aging emergency facilities and build a new headquarters for police and first responders.

The Safe and Ready Miami referendum received approximately 61% support in the Nov. 3 election, defeating opposition by a margin of nearly 22 percentage points, according to unofficial Miami-Dade County results.

Mayor Eileen Higgins is scheduled to hold a press conference Thursday, Nov. 5, to outline the city's immediate priorities and next steps for implementing the projects. She will be joined by City Manager James Reyes, Fire Chief Robert Hevia and Police Chief Edwin Lopez.

The bond authorization will provide up to $450 million for improvements to Miami's public safety infrastructure. Of that amount, approximately $305 million is earmarked for a new public safety headquarters at Miami Freedom Park. The facility is expected to bring together police, fire-rescue, emergency operations and 911 coordination.

The remaining $145 million will support the construction of four new fire stations, the replacement of another station, major renovations and additional improvements to existing facilities.

The investment comes as the city faces significant infrastructure challenges. Eight of Miami's 17 fire-rescue stations are more than 50 years old, with some unable to accommodate modern emergency vehicles.

The existing police headquarters, which opened in 1976, was originally designed to accommodate approximately 560 officers. It now houses roughly 1,390 sworn personnel and 400 additional staff members and has experienced plumbing failures, flooding, roof leaks and outdated electrical systems.

The bonds will be repaid through property taxes within the city's existing capital projects debt millage rate of 0.5935 mills, without increasing that rate. The bond program will also be subject to independent annual audits.

Voters also approved a separate proposal to establish a permanent advisory general obligation bond oversight committee. The committee will monitor and publicly report on the status, costs, timelines and remaining funds for city capital projects financed through general obligation bonds.

The oversight proposal received approximately 71.4% support in unofficial election results.

Higgins' Thursday announcement is expected to provide further details on the implementation process, including the city's immediate priorities and plans for delivering the infrastructure improvements.