Projects approved by the Agency, must seek to eliminate slum and blight.

Applicant must have either proof of property ownership, an executed lease, or signed documents showing a bona fide intent to purchase or lease a property within the boundaries of the Redevelopment area.

Tenants must have a signed lease of at least five (5) years, or documentation showing an intent to sign a lease of at least five (5) years and three (3) years of performance activity documentation in a similar business.

Every effort must be made to hire residents residing within the Agency’s boundaries.

The Agency, at its sole discretion, may consider increasing the funding limits on a case-by-case basis. If the request exceeds the standard amount, the applicant must abide by the following:

1. All entities or contractors receiving grants from the Agency for new commercial and residential developments to be constructed within the Redevelopment Area in an amount of $100,000 or more, will be required to enter into a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with the Agency which will benefit the residents of the Redevelopment Area.

2. To the extent allowed by law, a CBA shall include provisions for hiring local workforce for the project. The Agency will ensure that such entities or contractors comply with requirements as established by Miami-Dade County’s Living Wage or Responsible Wage Ordinance, pursuant to Sections 2-8.9 and 2-11.16 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, Florida, or pay higher wages and benefits, as feasible.

3. All organizations contracting with or receiving a grant from the Agency in an amount of $500,000 or more, or such other amount as may be established by this Agency, shall comply with the following Miami-Dade County ordinances contained in the Code, as may be amended:

   • Small Business Enterprises (Section 2-8.1.1.1.1 of the Code)

   • Community Business Enterprises (Section 2-10.4.01 of the Code)

   • Community Small Business Enterprises (Section 10-33.02 of the Code)

   • Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics Ordinance (Section 2-11.1 of the Code)

   • Living Wage Ordinance (Section 2-8-9)

Each program has specific eligible expenditures and criteria. However, the items detailed below are ineligible across all programs, including but not limited to:

1. Debt/Refinancing Existing Debts

2. Mortage Payments for Real Estate

3. Consultant Fees or Expenses for Services

4. Business payroll/Day-to-Day Operating Expenses

5. Purchase of Alcohol, Tobacco, or Medicine

6. Late Payment Fees

7. Utility Bills

8. Real Estate Rental Deposits or Rental Payments (except if approved by the Business Attraction & Expansion Grant)

9. Any Illegal Activities

10. Improvements Made Prior to Grant Approval