Infrastructure, Harris Field, Housing and Budget Plans Advance in Homestead

Homestead is moving forward with several projects that could affect the city’s infrastructure, housing supply, recreational facilities and finances in the coming years.

Recent discussions by the Homestead City Council have included $3 million in state funding for infrastructure improvements, the redevelopment of an affordable housing community, a private proposal involving Harris Field and the city’s proposed property tax rates for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

$3 Million Supports Infrastructure Priorities

The City of Homestead received $3 million in state appropriations to support two major infrastructure projects.

Florida Sens. Ana Maria Rodriguez and Alexis Calatayud and state Reps. Kevin Chambliss and Jim Mooney presented the funding to the city during a recent council meeting.

The money will support upgrades to Homestead’s potable water system and improvements to the Northeast 18th Avenue bridge.

The funding comes as continued residential and commercial development increases demand on Homestead’s roads, utilities and other public infrastructure. Both projects are intended to improve essential services while preparing the city for continued population growth.

City officials did not provide a breakdown showing how much of the $3 million will be allocated to each project.

Affordable Housing Redevelopment Advances

The City Council is also considering final plat approval for the redevelopment of Homestead Gardens.

The proposed development includes 250 rental-assisted and affordable housing units spread among six multifamily buildings. The project would redevelop 150 existing units and construct 100 additional units.

The final plat, titled “HG Redevelopment,” would establish the official boundaries of the property and include the required approvals and restrictions from the property owner, mortgage holder, surveyor, Miami-Dade County and the City of Homestead.

Final plat approval is one of the steps required before a development can move closer to construction. The process confirms the property’s legal boundaries, designated tracts and other development requirements.

The project would preserve existing affordable housing while adding new units at a time when housing costs remain a major concern for families throughout South Florida.

Negotiations Begin Over Harris Field Proposal

The council is also reviewing a proposal that could bring approximately $5.4 million in private investment to Harris Field Park.

During its July 7 meeting, the council directed the city manager to begin negotiations with VSGS Facilities regarding the proposal on a noncompetitive basis.

The proposal was submitted June 25 along with the $25,000 application fee required under the city’s code. It was reviewed by the city manager for completeness before being presented to the council.

The plan calls for a 30-year concession and operator agreement under which the private operator would invest approximately $5.4 million to renovate and activate Harris Field.

The city would continue to own the park throughout the agreement.

Under the proposal, Miami FC would use the facility as a temporary home. Existing community users, youth sports organizations and Miami-Dade County Public Schools athletic programs would continue to receive scheduled access to the property.

The start of negotiations does not represent final approval of the agreement. The city and the proposer must still negotiate the terms governing construction, operations, community access and the responsibilities of both parties.

Council Reviews Proposed Millage Rates

Homestead officials are also beginning the city’s budget process for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.

The council is considering an operating millage rate of 5.9604 mills, the same rate used during the current fiscal year. One mill represents $1 in property tax for every $1,000 of taxable property value.

The proposed voted-debt millage rate is 0.2316 mills. That would represent a reduction of 0.013 mills from the current debt rate of 0.2446 mills.

Homestead has a gross taxable property value of approximately $6.75 billion.

At the proposed operating rate, the city estimates it would collect approximately $34.1 million in property tax revenue, while the Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency would receive approximately $4.1 million. Together, the operating millage is projected to generate approximately $38.2 million based on a 95 percent collection rate.

The proposed debt millage is projected to generate approximately $1.48 million for debt-service obligations.

Keeping the operating millage rate unchanged does not necessarily mean every property owner will receive the same tax bill. Changes in property values, exemptions and individual assessments can affect the amount owed.

The first budget hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 5:30 p.m. The final budget hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 5:01 p.m.

The council is expected to continue reviewing the projects and financial proposals before taking final action.