The North Miami Beach City Commission on Oct. 21 voted to approve on first reading an ordinance to create a Department of Housing and Economic Development, with commissioners adding a condition that second reading not occur for at least two months.

Supporters said the new department would centralize housing programs, business attraction and the city’s economic strategy. Interim Assistant City Manager Marlene Monasteen told the commission the department would include a housing division to manage home-repair and first-time homebuyer programs and an economic development division to implement a recently adopted strategic plan.

“Without a focused team, we cannot implement the strategic plan or pursue partnerships and grant opportunities in a cohesive way,” Monasteen said.

Opponents and some cautious supporters pressed for limits and more time for planning. Commissioner Smith said she supported the idea but urged the commission to be realistic about timing and who would fill leadership roles. Vice Mayor Daniella Jean and other commissioners said they wanted the new department to be coordinated with the incoming permanent city manager and to include clear deliverables.

Commissioners agreed to move forward with the first reading while delaying the second reading to give staff time to supply additional detail, including how existing positions would be reallocated and how new positions would be funded. The motion to require the two-month delay passed 6-1.

What’s next: Staff will return with implementation details and the ordinance’s second reading after the scheduled delay. The commission did not adopt a final staffing plan or funding source at this meeting.