ARPA Community Projects: The Mayor

The following programs and projects are initiatives that the Mayor of Miami has identified to be funded with the ARPA grant.

Project Title Project Description Project Location District/Office City Resolution Project City ID Budget
Homeless Functional Zero - Advocate Program As a part of the Homeless Functional Zero Program, Advocate Program, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit, 501 c (3) organization which offers a range of public health services in behavioral health and substance use. These services are aimed at individuals with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders who often find themselves in the criminal justice system and other acute care treatment systems. As the managing and fiscal agent for the Miami Foundation for Mental Health and Recovery (Center), the Advocate Program takes on the responsibility of overseeing the wide-ranging system of care provided at the Center. This includes coordinating and managing the various services offered and combining research and education to ensure that individuals receive the support they need to address their mental health and substance use issues. The services provided are based on best and evidence-based practices. This means that the agency utilizes approaches and interventions that have been proven effective through research and experience. By following these practices, the Advocate Program aims to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, as well as contribute to broader social change and public safety. ARPA funding will go towards the Advocate Program's Key Staff Salaries, Technology expenses, Center Supplies, Professional and Legal consultation costs, subcontractor startup costs (Licensing and accreditation), training and travel expenses, and indirect costs. 40 NW 3rd St #305 Mayor R-23-0333 45-A1-12-0010 750,000.00
Circle of Brotherhood The Circle of Brotherhood is an organization of primarily Black men from all walks of life dedicated to community service, economic development, crime prevention, conflict resolution and mediation, educational services, and youth mentorship. With the ARPA funds provided by the City, the organization will address public health needs by providing outreach and information to at-risk communities. This will educate residents on available resources for rent, food, essential services assistance, wellness program support and mental health referrals. The project also aims to address the direct impacts of COVID-19 and provide recovery by improving health, wellness, and fitness. It will educate at-risk citizens, identify mental health needs, provide youth mentoring, and offer job training to address economic losses created by the pandemic. Additionally, the project will focus on ways to reduce violence and improve relations among law enforcement and citizens. 5120 NW 24th Ave Mayor R-23-0111 15-A2-37-0005 1,000,000.00
Miami-Dade College Workforce Program

The program provides educational training from Miami-Dade College for eligible City of Miami residents, allowing them to enter the workforce. The college will offer educational training in various career-focused credentials in emerging technology-related programs of study, upskilling, and retooling. They will also provide early engagement opportunities for middle school and high school students and build a sustainable talent pipeline. The college will offer three components for City of Miami residents: 1) College & Adult Learners Skilling & Upskilling 2) K-12 Student Pathways 3) Tech Pitch Competitions & Ecosystem Building Through this partnership with the City of Miami, Miami Dade College will offer educational training to residents negatively affected by COVID-19 in various career-focused credentials, such as emerging technology-related programs of study, upskilling, and retooling. Additionally, also provide early engagement for middle school and high school students and build a sustainable talent pipeline to high-demand, high-wage jobs. Subject to the terms and conditions contained in the agreement between the City and Miami Dade College, the City shall make available to the College an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 in ARPA (SLFRF) funds, pursuant to the schedule below:

  • First Payment: $666,666.67 (2022)
  • Second Payment: $666,666.67 (2023)
  • Third Payment: $666,666.67 (2024)
 300 NE 2nd Ave Mayor R-22-0019 15-A2-00-0001 2,000,000.00
Homeless Functional Zero - Sundari Foundation - Lotus House Lotus House Women's Shelter is an integral part of the Homeless Functional Zero-Program, dedicated to providing essential support services for women, youth, and children. Lotus House's mission is to empower these individuals to achieve their educational, employment, and life goals beyond the confines of the shelter system. The project's Scope of Work focuses on providing supportive services that include comprehensive employment and education programming, tailored to equip residents with the skills and knowledge necessary for sustainable success. Additionally, Lotus House offers individual and group counseling and therapy sessions, fostering emotional well-being and personal growth. Their holistic programming approach addresses the diverse needs of participating residents, incorporates elements of physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. ARPA funding in the amount of $200,000, will cover the expansion costs of the program services provided by the shelter, the supporting staff, and support life-changing resources that will make a significant difference in the lives of the women, youth, and children at Lotus House. 217 NW 15th St Mayor R-22-0019 45-A2-10-0005 200,000.00
Homeless Functional Zero - Chapman Partnership Chapman Partnership is the private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, operating two Homeless Assistance Centers in downtown Miami and Homestead. Chapman Partnership offers a comprehensive approach through on-site services and through its valued partnership with the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust to help residents attain self-sufficiency and housing stability. As part of the Homeless Functional Zero program, Chapman Partnership will be providing workforce services. The Workforce Trades Program was launched in January 2020, offering individuals experiencing homelessness ages 18 and above short-term, 15-week apprenticeships. Considered a post-secondary alternative to college, the Workforce Trades Program's free, intensive training focuses on sustainable trades relevant to the South Florida economy and is a huge step toward this community's efforts in reducing homelessness to functional zero. Using innovative approach in addressing the negative impacts of the public health crisis and related homelessness, the Workforce Trades Program links graduates to nationally recognized certifications in high-demand fields and promotes entry-level employment in living wage jobs. Providing individuals experiencing homelessness with up-skill training is a move aimed to close the racial wealth gap among low-income households that has been further exacerbated by COVID-19 and reduce recidivism within the Homeless Continuum of Care. 1550 N Miami Ave Mayor R-22-0019 45-A2-10-0006 200,000.00
Homeless Functional Zero - Camillus House - Supportive Housing Services Camillus House is a 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Agency serving the poor and homeless, as an essential part of the Homeless Functional Zero Program. The organization provides a broad range of social and health services to over 12,000 men, women, and children on annual basis. Persons experiencing homeless have had reduced opportunities for outreach, housing navigation and workforce development services during the COVID-19 pandemic. ARPA Funding will have three major components geared towards assisting the City of Miami achieve Functional Zero homelessness: Supportive Housing/Services component for homeless persons which includes 10 beds of overnight shelter (1 year-completed), a Rapid Rehousing Mobile team (2 years), and a Supportive Services for RRH team (2 years). 1603 NW 7th Ave Mayor R-22-0019 45-A2-18-0011 800,000.00
Homeless Functional Zero - Camillus House - Project Lazarus Specialized Outreach Camillus House is a 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Agency serving the Poor and Homeless, as an essential part of the Homeless Functional Zero Program. The organization provides a broad range of social and health services to over 12,000 men, women, and children on annual basis. The program has three major components geared towards assisting the City of Miami achieve Functional Zero homelessness. Persons experiencing homeless have had reduced opportunities for outreach, housing navigation and workforce development services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project offers services that are provided under the Project Lazarus Expansion (Specialized Outreach): Specialized Outreach - Project Lazarus Expansion provides on-street outreach to engage chronically homeless individuals with mental illness and substance abuse issues, aiming to assist them in accessing housing and/or treatment. 1603 NW 7th Ave Mayor R-22-0019 45-A1-12-0012 400,000.00
Homeless Functional Zero - Camillus House - Workforce Development - Culinary Arts-Life Skills Camillus House is a 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Agency serving the poor and homeless, as an essential part of the Homeless Functional Zero Program. The organization provides a broad range of social and health services to over 12,000 men, women and children on annual basis. The program has three major components geared towards assisting the City of Miami achieve Functional Zero home-lessness. Persons experiencing homeless have had reduced opportunities for outreach, housing navigation and workforce development services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project offers services under the Workforce Development - Culinary arts and Life Skills segment of the program. The Workforce Development Culinary Arts and Life Skills is a 2-year program providing culinary arts and life skills training to homeless individual working with Miami Dade College. This training covers all aspects of food handling, safety and entry level food preparation, certifying clients to work in restaurants in the community. Training is conducted by Miami Dade College (MDC). MDC is also providing life skills training to equip persons served with the skills needed to retain employment and function meaningfully in society. 1603 NW 7th Ave Mayor R-22-0019 45-A2-10-0013 400,000.00
Homeless Functional Zero - Camillus House - Workforce Development - Construction Trades Camillus House is a 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Agency serving the poor and homeless, as an essential part of the Homeless Functional Zero Program. The organization provides a broad range of social and health services to over 12,000 men, women and children on annual basis. The program has three major components geared towards assisting the City of Miami achieve Functional Zero homelessness. Persons experiencing homeless have had reduced opportunities for outreach, housing navigation and workforce development services during the COVID-19 pandemic. This project offers Workforce Development Construction Trade services. The Workforce Development will provide 2 years of Construction trade classes working with Florida International University with slots for up to 20 individuals. Individuals will be trained in construction safety and taught entry level construction skills including carpentry, masonry, foundations, and forklift operations. 1603 NW 7th Ave Mayor R-22-0019 45-A2-10-0014 400,000.00
STEM Talent for Miami Project STEM Talent for Miami is an intergenerational, technology workforce readiness initiative, which prepares youth and adults to engage in the anticipated Miami Technology Hub. The project offers superior research-based training in computer coding coupled with job placement assistance for 60 marginalized Miami-Dade residents. The program will be administered by Overtown Youth Center, Inc (OYC), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to uplift South Florida communities by offering equitable, high-quality programs and assistance. OYC requested $200,000.00 to benefit 55 youths in grades 9-12, and 5 adult family members who are enrolled in the hallmark OYC education support program. Upon completion of training and workforce readiness, cohort members work with the OYC Workforce Development Specialist and/or Family Specialists who assist with identifying suitable STEM-based job placements to meet projected Miami workforce needs. The project embeds priorities for adult subgroups including unemployed or earning less than $15 per hour, Disconnected Youth ages 18-25, Returning Citizens (i.e. formerly incarcerated), Women and Veterans. The funds will be used to pay for key staff salaries and fringe benefits, contracted services, office and program supplies, participants incentives, marketing and advertising, and indirect costs. 450 NW 14th St Mayor R-22-0339 15-A2-10-0002 200,000.00
Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Flagler Business Assistance

The Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA) is an independent agency of the City of Miami funded by a special tax levy on properties within its district boundaries. The Miami DDA adopted a Flagler Recovery Grant Program as part of the agency's business retention strategy, and construction mitigation efforts to assist small businesses located in Flagler Street which continue to struggle through the post-COVID-19 recovery. The Flagler Project (construction project started May 2021 to transform Flagler Street into an iconic, festival-style boulevard to enhance its operations, and spur economic growth) has temporarily reduced visibility and access to the ground level businesses within construction zone of Flagler Street. While businesses are still recovering from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Miami DDA recognized that business would need some extra assistance. The program's objective is to support the downtown business community and limit the negative economic impacts of the construction project and COVID-19 on small businesses located within the construction impact zone. ARPA (SLFRF) funding in the amount of $500,000, will aid eligible impacted small businesses with the Flagler Recovery Grant Program. Each business must submit the following for eligibility:

  • Each business must submit an application online and download a copy of their business entity formation document from Division of Corporations, FL Department of State and a copy of their lease to verify their tenancy
  • Application is reviewed and approved by Miami DDA Staff
  • Once the application is approved, a business owner must execute a Flagler Recovery Grant Acceptance Agreement
  • Once the agreement is fully executed, funds are disbursed Eligible small businesses receive a grant in the amount of $5,000.00 to be used for the following business expenses: rent or mortgage payment, utility bill(s), purchase of business equipment, business marketing or advertisement, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) or cleaning/disinfecting supplies Grant funds cannot be used for non-business-related expenses, private debts, or legal costs. Grant recipients will be required to submit a proof of purchase(s) and payment(s) within the deadline provided by Miami DDA staff.
 200 S Biscayne Blvd #2929 Mayor R-21-0502 15-A2-29-0006 500,000.00
Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Incentive Program The Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA) is an independent agency of the City of Miami, that offers business development incentives, grants, and resources. As an extension to their business development efforts, which focuses on retaining and recruiting businesses and talent, the Miami DDA has implemented the Incentive Fund Program. This program aims to support new-to-market businesses or expanding businesses intending to relocate or hire a minimum of 10 new employees within the Miami DDA District within a 3-year period. This program is open to financial and professional services, technology companies, as well as headquarters, including regional head-quarters. 200 S Biscayne Blvd #2929 Mayor R-21-0502 15-A2-32-0007 500,000.00
Center for Black Innovation - D.A Dorsey Project - YEAR 1

The Center for Black Innovation is a nonprofit organization committed to dramatically shifting the way Black communities engage and create value within the innovation economy. They aim to achieve this by building asset and talent-filled spaces in Black communities and creating equitable capital pathways to rid Black communities of innovation deserts. The nonprofit is proposing to fund the Budget for DA Dorsey Restaurant & Culinarian Revitalization Project. The Restaurant Revitalization Project comprises two groups: (1) Restaurant owners and (2) Culinary Art Students. Restaurant Owners Over the course of 12 weeks, three to five restaurant owners will receive one on one coaching and consulting from experts in the following areas:

  • Financial Planning - Budgeting, Recordkeeping & Reporting
  • Vendor Sourcing and Inventory Management
  • Branding & Marketing
  • Operational Efficiency & Business Expansion Strategies
  • Accessing Capital & Loans
  • Technology & Software Training
  • Human Resources - Staffing, Employee Development, Hiring and Conflict Resolution
  • Customer Service Relations & Evaluation
  • Assistance to replenish the missing employees and fix talent gap Culinary Arts Students In partnership with CareerSource South Florida and private entities ten (10) students will receive:
  • Practical Culinary Training Sessions
  • Individual and Group Training
  • New Business Development and Strategy Planning
  • Technical Training
  • Paid Stipends ARPA funding will go towards administrative staff to operate the program and provide technical assistance, academic stipends (to cover educational and living expenses while going through the program), culinary instructors, program supplies, technology equipment, online digital software, and marketing workshop symposiums.
 937 NW 3rd Ave Mayor R-23-0051 15-A2-32-0003 250,000.00
Bayfront Park Trust Considered Miami's waterfront playground for the whole family, Maurice A. Ferre Park and Bayfront Park provide a space for families to relax, exercise, and connect with other community members and visitors to the city. The park hosts over 171, 000 visitors with over 45,600 dogs annually. The trust requested $500,000 in ARPA funding to install turf in dog parks located at Maurice A. Ferre Park and Bayfront Park. The goal of the project is to prevent flooding in the parks, which will subsequently decrease the number of complaints received regarding the unsanitary conditions of the dog parks due to dirt and mud. The funding will also cover the costs of replacing trash cans in both parks. Current trash cans in the parks have rusted and rotted due to saltwater air coming from the bay. These specific types of replacement trash receptacles will be resistant to saltwater and air to help keep the parks clean. The new receptacles will also keep animals out as rats have started using the broken cans as homes. 301 Biscayne Blvd Mayor R-22-0417 15-A2-22-0008 500,000.00
Total: $8,100,000.00

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