Housing Advocacy Office enhances eviction diversion and community services tracking

Miami-Dade County's Government Efficiency & Transparency Ad Hoc Committee meeting on July 10, 2025, spotlighted the critical role of the Office of Housing Advocacy in managing eviction diversion services. During the session, officials emphasized the importance of understanding the impact of federal and state funding on local operations, with Director Grice highlighting that a significant portion of the county's budget is derived from these sources.

Commissioner Cohen Higgins raised pertinent questions regarding the effectiveness of these funding streams, prompting a discussion on the county's proactive measures to monitor and adapt to these financial influences. The committee underscored the necessity of leveraging technology, with Director Grice's team utilizing a county scorecard and dashboard to track the families served by various programs, including Head Start.

The meeting also touched on the "no wrong door" approach adopted by Community Action Human Services, which aims to provide comprehensive support to families in need. Officials expressed gratitude for ongoing support of these initiatives, stressing that metrics are not merely for accountability but also serve to demonstrate the department's effectiveness in addressing community needs.

As Miami-Dade County continues to navigate funding challenges, the committee's discussions reflect a commitment to transparency and efficiency in delivering essential services to residents. The next steps involve further evaluation of these strategies to ensure they meet the evolving demands of the community.