Miami / West Flagler / District 4

Commission Commits $5 Million to the Ludlam Trail

Unanimous vote after a debate over how district-funded advances get repaid.

The Ludlam Trail's City of Miami stretch has its money. The Commission voted unanimously, as amended, to put $5 million toward design and construction of the segment inside city limits, after a long line of supporters, including county parks leadership, trail advocates and Transit Alliance Miami, asked for a yes.

How it's paid. The administration said the advance would be repaid starting in five years at $1 million a year for five years from district or other available funds, and that the money is subject to the fiscal-year closeout in late October. The city must keep about $218 to $220 million in reserves under its financial integrity ordinance; anything below that would need Commission approval.

What was discussed. One commissioner said he supported the trail but questioned the growing number of district advances with repayment pushed into future terms, calling it a 'constant competition' among districts, and voted yes 'reluctantly.' Another said the city should set policy and guardrails on borrowing to fund district projects. The county said it will prioritize the city segment as it moves from design to construction.

Sources: Video

Reported from the Oct. 8, 2026 City of Miami Commission meeting. Meeting video