environmental best practices. From tree-planting initiatives, butterfly gardens, using native plantings, to promoting energy-efficient homes, the Village fosters a culture of sustainability that extends beyond policy and into everyday life. The Village’s recycling efforts are lauded and well celebrated as they boast the lowest contamination rate in MiamiDade County and indeed throughout the adjoining South Florida communities. FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND FUTURE INVESTMENTS Maintaining financial stability is crucial for the Village’s growth. “Money is always the biggest challenge,” Scott says. Federal funds, such as the $5 million received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), have helped fund essential projects. However, the Village’s revenue primarily comes from property taxes, which benefit from rising home values. At the heart of Miami Shores lies its historic Miami Shores Golf Course & Country Club, a 100-acre gem in the middle of the Village.“It’s essentially the heart of our community,” Scott explains. The golf course occupies a significant portion of theVillage’s small footprint, as Miami Shores spans just 3.5 square miles, with one mile being water. “Landmass-wise, we’re only a 2.5 square-mile village,” Scott notes, highlighting the golf course’s central role. George Burch, Mayor 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
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