The latest Miami-Dade County resilience news for you

In this issue:

Celebrating the legacy of Sean McCrackine
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava delivers State of the County address, highlighting results and proposing $2.5 billion bond package to invest in critical infrastructure and resilience
County is saving taxpayers money by lowering flood insurance costs
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava unveils large-scale solar array on County building
Miami-Dade County receives $13.5 million grant to protect Biscayne Bay
Miami-Dade receives over $1 million Department of Energy grant to bring solar to low- to moderate-income households
Office of Resilience trains County employees for LEED Green Associate Certification
Walking tours bring resilience concepts to life in low-lying Adaptation Action Areas
Miami-Dade celebrates the value of water
Village of Key Biscayne kicks off coastal storm risk management study
FEMA to expand funding to help communities reduce emissions
Pavilion Solar emerges as a semifinalist in the American-Made Solar Prize
Catalyst launches cohort on community leadership on environment, advocacy and resilience
Office of Resilience shares insights at conference led by Southeast and Caribbean Disaster Resilience Partnership (SCDRP)
Explore resilience and sustainability with local artists at Deering Estate
What we are reading
Jobs
Events

Celebrating the legacy of Sean McCrackine

With heavy hearts and a deep sense of loss, the Office of Resilience honors the memory and celebrates the outstanding contributions of Sean McCrackine, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s Director of Policy, who passed away on Sunday, Jan. 28.

Sean served as the group consciousness for our County’s diverse resilience efforts. His unrivaled policy acumen and deadpan humor energized our work, with Mayor Levine Cava often concluding senior staff meetings by asking us “What would Sean say?” His insights into complex issues inspired us to focus on the cumulative impact of our work to make Miami-Dade more resilient and future ready.

Sean’s vision was far-reaching, developed over nearly three decades of service to our County. Starting in 1995 as a project assistant in the Department of Environmental Resources Management, he moved up the ranks to serve in senior positions for Commissioners Katy Sorenson, Jean Monestime and Daniella Levine Cava, rising to the role of her Director of Policy and closest advisor when she was elected Mayor in 2020. Over the years, he built relationships and created synergies that helped break down silos between departments. He dedicated his unique talents and exceptional intellect to the meticulous development of environmental policy that was far ahead of the curve, advancing the ideas of “sustainability” and “resilience” long before these words entered our common vocabulary. His expertise encompassed everything from our environment, to planning, zoning, land use, transportation, and infrastructure. The impact of his work has advanced all aspects of resilience, including the expansion of solar and EV programs, the protection of Biscayne Bay, the advocacy of social justice, the response to extreme heat, and the conservation of trees, canals, and open spaces, along with so much more.

On a personal note, I am particularly grateful for Sean’s instrumental role in assisting then District 8 Commissioner Levine Cava in establishing the Chief Resilience Officer position in 2015 and transitioning the former Office of Sustainability into our current Office of Resilience, which has dramatically expanded the scope of our department’s work to unify resilience efforts across all 30 County departments for the long-term benefit of our community.

While we will miss Sean dearly, we know that his spirit shines brightly in Miami-Dade County. As Mayor Levine Cava wrote in her tribute to him, “his legacy will live on through every environmental groundbreaking, every native tree we plant, and every piece of legislation that serves to improve the lives of our residents.”

We thank you, Sean, for your lifetime of devotion to our community.

Jim Murley

Chief Resilience Officer

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava delivers State of the County address,

highlighting results and proposing $2.5 billion bond package to invest in critical infrastructure and resilience

On Jan. 24, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava delivered her fourth State of the County address to more than seven hundred guests at Zoo Miami, highlighting the positive results of her administration’s investments, from housing to resilience and public safety. Mayor Levine Cava also announced that, in collaboration with County Commissioner Danielle Cohen-Higgins, she will present a $2.5 billion bond package to voters this November to invest in critical infrastructure and services that will prepare Miami-Dade County for the future.

"The state of the County is strong. We got here today because we were brave in the face of adversity, we were bold in the face of uncertainty, and we were courageous in laying the foundation for the future," said Mayor Levine Cava after highlighting major accomplishments from her administration, such as historic investments in affordable housing; relief programs for renters, seniors and homeowners that put money in people’s pockets and helped them in the time of need; successful investments in stormwater management projects that have reduced our risk of flooding; installation of solar and shore power that reduce climate pollution; and groundbreaking advancements in septic-to-sewer conversions, among others.

Mayor Levine Cava also mentioned some of the leading plans for 2024, which include the continuation of the SMART Program to build five transit corridors; historic investments in infrastructure and maintenance to transform the Miami International Airport into a future-ready destination; and starting to build a waste sustainability campus that will change the way our County manages solid waste.

"We have laid the foundation, and we must continue to build – so our kids and grandkids can rely on transit to get them where they need to go, enjoy an environment just as beautiful as it is protected, grow up in safe communities, and get good jobs in the new workforce," said Mayor Levine Cava before announcing the 305 FUTURE READY bond package.

This historic initiative will invest in a broad range of resilient projects in every corner of the County.

"This bond will be a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure, preparing Miami-Dade County for a thriving future," said Commissioner Cohen Higgins. "I'm proud to partner with the Mayor in an effort that will transform our County for generations to come."

Click here to watch the full speech.

Miami-Dade County Spotlight

Miami-Dade County and FEMA announce an upgrade on flood insurance ratings, discount of 35% on qualifying premiums

On Jan. 12, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell announced that Miami-Dade County will be upgraded to a Class 3 community in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System (CRS). The new rating will result in an estimated $12 million in savings annually, by providing qualifying residents and business owners in unincorporated Miami-Dade County a 35% discount on flood insurance premiums issued or renewed on or after April 1, 2024.

"Miami-Dade is a shining example of how communities across the nation - large and small - can take bold actions to reduce flood risk and lower flood insurance premiums for their residents,” said Administrator Criswell.

The upgraded classification is a direct result of the flood mitigation activities led by the Division of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) of Miami-Dade County’s Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER). Nationwide, only 19 of the communities participating in the CRS Program have earned a Class 3 or better, and Miami-Dade County is the largest among them. The County went from a Class 5 to a Class 3, making this the first time FEMA has upgraded a community two class levels in a single cycle verification.

“This is a clear example of how investing in climate resilience pays off,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “While we build a climate resilient community that will protect people’s lives and livelihoods now and for the future, we are also providing much-needed relief for thousands of families struggling with rising costs and the direct impacts of climate change.”

Administrator Criswell and Mayor Levine Cava were joined by the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners Oliver G. Gilbert III and District 12 Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, as well as homeowners and business owners.

Overall, Miami-Dade County has invested $1 billion in stormwater infrastructure over the past 33 years since the inception of the County’s Stormwater Utility. Under Mayor Levine Cava’s administration, the County has planned investments of an additional $1 billion in stormwater infrastructure.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava unveils large-scale solar array on County building

On Jan. 16, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava unveiled a large-scale solar installation at the Metro West Detention Center. The new rooftop array includes 1,709 panels that will reduce approximately 880 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The solar panels are projected to produce enough energy to provide at least 24% of the building’s annual electricity use, saving the County and taxpayers thousands of dollars.

“This project showcases the latest step toward the County’s ambitious goals of safe, energy-efficient facilities that save taxpayer dollars while reducing our carbon footprint and helping us to reach net-zero emissions by 2050,” said Mayor Levine Cava.

Participating in the ribbon-cutting were District 12 Commissioner Carlos Bermudez and District 8 Commissioner Danielle Cohen-Higgins.

Serving as an example of the County's commitment to leading the way in sustainable design and building, this solar installation is the second of three large-scale solar pilot projects being deployed in Miami-Dade County. The first was at the North Dade Regional Library, and the next will be completed later this year at the South Dade Regional Library.

“This is a monumental step toward a more sustainable and innovative future for Miami-Dade County’s Corrections facilities,” said Miami-Dade County Director of Corrections and Rehabilitation Sherea Green.

The solar panels were installed by Advanced Green Technologies (AGT), a local South Florida company.

Building on the momentum of this project, Miami-Dade County will soon issue a request for proposal (RFP) for solar power at other County facilities using lessons learned from the pilot installations.

Miami-Dade County receives $13.5 million grant to protect Biscayne Bay

Miami-Dade County is receiving a $13.5 million grant for Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Program projects, following an announcement by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The funding will support transformative stormwater and wastewater management practices by the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources’ (RER) Division of Environmental Resources Management’s (DERM), along with innovative approaches undertaken by the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) to extend the sanitary sewer system to convert properties currently not connected to the sewer system, as well as essential nutrient pollution reducing drainage projects overseen by the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW).

“These critical funds are going to accelerate Miami-Dade's progress in restoring our economic engine and blue heart, Biscayne Bay,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “More advanced and increased water quality monitoring will enable us to pinpoint stressors and make targeted improvements for our restoration programs. My thanks to the state of Florida for prioritizing the health and wellbeing of Biscayne Bay.”

"We are grateful for the commitment of our Governor, State Legislature, the Biscayne Bay Commission, and agency partners. More than ninety-five percent of the Biscayne Bay Task Force's recommendations have been completed or initiated since 2020," said Irela Bagué, Miami-Dade County’s Chief Bay Officer.

An additional $6.5 million for restoration and other projects was awarded to municipalities within the County including North Bay Village, Town of Cutler Bay, and Indian Creek Village. Miami-Dade County is grateful of the commitment of Governor DeSantis, the State Legislative Delegation, and the Biscayne Bay Commission for annually allocating $20 million towards Biscayne Bay water quality improvements. These funds together with legislative initiatives by our county commission have resulted in 95% of the Biscayne Bay Task Force recommendations being completed.

Miami-Dade County receives over $1 million Department of Energy grant to bring solar to low-to- moderate-income households

On Jan. 18, Miami-Dade County was awarded $1,134,700 by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. The grant award will be used to install solar for low-to-moderate income homes, saving those residents thousands of dollars over the lifetime of their solar systems.

Over a two-year period, 44 homes will be selected to receive a 5kW solar system at no cost. Qualifying households will be part of a larger solar cooperative which provides education and support for homeowners to learn about going solar. The solar cooperative is scheduled to launch in the Spring.

“I am proud that Miami-Dade County is leading the way on bringing essential federal funding directly to our people.” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "My administration is focused on energy democratization and a clean energy future for everyone in our community that will save residents money and build a more resilient, future ready Miami-Dade.”

Recipients of the solar systems will see immediate cost savings on monthly electric bills and collectively will save roughly $840,000 in total over the lifespan of their panels.

Office of Resilience trains county employees for LEED Green Associate Certification

On Jan. 24, the Office of Resilience in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) hosted LEED Green Associate training for more than 50 Miami-Dade County employees.

USGBC leaders offered insightful training, providing participants with the knowledge and skills to integrate sustainable building practices into County projects as part of the Sustainable Buildings Program. Those attending also learned from each other about exciting projects they are working on.

The Office of Resilience thanks our friends at the Overtown Transit Village for providing the space to expand our training, as interest grows in this vital work.

We look forward to continuing our work together to build a greener Miami-Dade County!

Walking tours bring resilience concepts to life in low-lying Adaptation Action Areas

Miami-Dade County's Office of Resilience recently supported two climate-themed walking tours in the Little River Adaptation Action Area in collaboration with university partners, municipalities and community groups.

The walk on Jan. 20 was hosted by Village of El Portal Mayor Omarr Nickerson and explored flood-prone streets and parks along with a sacred pre-historic Tequesta burial mound. The tour was followed by a presentation from OOR staff. Florida International University Professor Dr. Tiffany Troxler facilitated a group discussion focusing on work of the Resilient305 Collaborative to expand community-centered learning and to track implementation of the Resilient305 Strategy, with its action Items for equitably meeting the challenges for climate change.

On Jan. 26, OOR led a walking tour for students and faculty as part of a course in the new University of Miami Climate Resilience Academy. The walk started at Soar Park in an Unincorporated Miami-Dade County neighborhood near the Little River that is experiencing sea level rise challenges. Students enjoyed brainstorming climate change solutions with OOR staff and University of Miami Professor Dr. Amy Clement along with Climate Resilience Academy Executive Director Michael Berkowitz and Director Jennifer Posner.

Miami-Dade County celebrates the value of water

From everyday cups of coffee to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, water plays a fundamental role in people's lives, and the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) wants you to share how water has been a part of your life. With a series of videos, the department has launched its “Water is Life” campaign and is inviting you to be a part of it.

Learn more.

Municipal Spotlight

Village of Key Biscayne kicks off coastal storm risk management feasibility study

From Jan. 24-26, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District led a 3-day interactive charrette and series of public meetings in the Village of Key Biscayne focused on scoping the problems and opportunities for the Coastal Storm Risk Management study. Engineering, design and environmental experts from the Village, Miami-Dade County, and the State of Florida were all in attendance. This study is one of many being conducted by the USACE and will help inform a more integrated approach to related flood risk management initiatives, such as the larger Miami-Dade County Back Bay Study.

Community Spotlight

Pavilion Solar emerges as a semifinalist in the American-Made Solar Prize

Pavilion Solar, a Miami-based innovator in solar technology, has been named a semifinalist in Round 7 of the American-Made Solar Prize. This competition, backed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and overseen by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), supports cutting-edge advancements in solar energy. Pavilion Solar is among 20 teams to progress, securing a $50,000 cash prize and the opportunity to compete in the subsequent phases of this multimillion-dollar challenge.

Pavilion Solar is developing a premium solar canopy structure for homes. Their flagship product, the trademarked EnPod, serves as a carport or outdoor living area. Made in the USA and engineered for hurricane zones, it features an iconic design and innovative construction for rapid installation.

"Research from DOE shows that half of U.S. homes are ineligible for rooftop solar, many of which are located in hurricane zones," said Aleksandr Bernhard, founder of Pavilion Solar. "Our EnPods will address this significant yet underserved market, expanding solar access. The funding from the American-Made Solar Prize is crucial in accelerating our launch into this market."

In the next phase of the competition, teams will advance with the assistance of members of the American-Made Network to develop their innovations in a way that addresses real challenges in the solar market. Pavilion Solar will present their work to a panel of industry experts at a virtual event in spring 2024.

The American-Made Solar Prize is a multimillion-dollar prize competition designed to energize U.S. solar innovation. Learn more.

Federal Spotlight

FEMA to expand funding to help communities improve resilience and reduce emissions

Expanding on the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investments in the nation’s climate resilience, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell announced on Jan. 30 that the agency will expand funding to tackle the climate crisis, improve resilience and cut energy costs through net-zero projects.

For the first time, FEMA will fund net-zero energy projects, including solar, heat pumps and efficient appliances, through its largest grant program -- Public Assistance, which covers the rebuilding of schools, hospitals, fire stations and other community infrastructure investments post-disasters. FEMA is also funding net-zero energy projects for its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and now offers incentives through its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) annual grant program to encourage more communities to use net-zero projects that increase community resilience.

The announcement aligns with FEMA’s Year of Resilience commitment to building local capacity to withstand tomorrow’s hazards and furthers the Administration’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2050 and ensures that rebuilt community infrastructure projects are built with the future in mind. These activities are enabled by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in clean energy and climate action in the history of the nation.

This follows the March 2023 announcement that FEMA will fund low-carbon construction materials for the three programs, as part of its work through the Federal Buy Clean Initiative.

Learn more here.

Partner Spotlight

Leave No Trace: Biscayne Bay cleanup event

Please join the Miami-Dade County Office of Resilience, Miami-Dade Division of Environmental Resources Management, Miami-Dade Parks Open Spaces and Recreation and the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve for a pop-up Biscayne Bay Clean Up event in partnership with the nonprofit organization Leave No Trace on saturday, February 24. This is a family friendly volunteer day and Leave No Trace is doing a special pop-up as part of their Biscayne Bay Leave No Trace Spotlight. Please give back to Biscayne Bay by helping us remove litter from Pelican Bay and learn more about Leave No Trace at the pop-up. Volunteers should dress for the weather and bring water.

Catalyst launches cohort on community leadership on environment, advocacy, and resilience

Catalyst Miami is recruiting for its CLEAR Spring 2024 cohort, bringing together participants and community members to discover more about the effects of climate change in South Florida and contribute to solutions that are both for and by you. Join in person to develop community power through awareness and solidarity.

CLEAR (Community Leadership on the Environment, Advocacy, and Resilience) is a 10-week program that provides participants with the groundwork to become climate justice educators, leaders, and innovators in their communities and beyond.

Dates: Tuesdays - Feb. 20 to April 23, 2024

Location:

Co-Space

17560 NW 27th Ave,

Suite 105, Miami Gardens, FL 33056

CLEAR SPRING 2024 APPLICATION

*The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 16, 2024.

Office of Resilience shares insights at conference led by Southeast and Caribbean Disaster Resilience Partnership (SCDRP)

Along with staff from the County’s Department of Emergency Management, members of the Office of Resilience were invited to speak on both the County’s regional and local resilience partnerships and initiatives as part of the Southeast and Caribbean Disaster Resilience Partnership's Annual Meeting in Savannah, Georgia on Jan. 23.

The conference was an opportunity to learn from legendary civil rights leaders like keynote speaker Rev. Gerald Durley of Interfaith Power & Light as well as environmental justice communities and partners advancing equitable climate resilience work in places like Georgia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The conference also featured case studies on nature-based solutions and perspectives from state-level resilience offices to understand how planning, communications, and implementation is being conducted across the region.

Resilience and the Arts

Explore resilience and sustainability with local artists at Deering Estate

Explore a meaningful new art exhibit celebrating environmentalism and sustainability at Deering Estate. Interlocking Dimensions: Eco-Art at the Deering Contemporary reconnects the relationship between the social and natural worlds through the work of local artists. The exhibit opened on Jan. 21 and runs through March 23. Admission to the Deering Estate provides general access to the exhibit.