In a recent meeting of the Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust (CITT) on July 23, 2025, significant discussions centered around the county's budget and the impact of state tax policy changes on transportation funding. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by Miami-Dade County in maintaining its transportation initiatives amid fluctuating surtax collections.

One of the key topics was the projected reduction in surtax collections, which was anticipated to drop by approximately $27 million due to the state's elimination of the business rent tax. This tax, previously unique to Florida, had contributed to the county's revenue from sales tax on business leases. The elimination of this tax, effective October 1, has prompted the county to revise its budget projections, now estimating collections to be around $406 million, down from earlier figures.

In response to these financial constraints, the county's administration proposed a budget that remains under 1% of projected surtax collections. To achieve this, officials plan to implement several cost-saving measures, including not filling a recently added position, maintaining operational efficiencies, and potentially curtailing community engagement efforts. The administration expressed confidence in its ability to manage the budget effectively, drawing on past experiences during economic downturns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when similar measures were successfully enacted.

The meeting also touched on the methodology behind the revised budget figures, with officials noting that the original projections from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) were outdated and not reflective of current trends. Instead, the county relied on its internal calculations, which have historically proven to be more accurate in forecasting revenue.

As the meeting concluded, the CITT unanimously approved the proposed budget, signaling a commitment to navigate the financial challenges while continuing to support transportation projects in the region. The discussions underscored the importance of adaptive financial strategies in the face of changing economic conditions and state policies, ensuring that Miami-Dade County can sustain its transportation infrastructure and services.