Coral Gables residents will feel the effects of the Aug. 25 City Commission meeting for years: new city leadership, higher sewer rates, nearly $7 million committed to a downtown parking overhaul and a half-million-dollar security bill for the FIFA World Cup.

The agenda, published Tuesday, Aug. 18, packs at least five major decisions into a single session at Police and Fire Headquarters, 2151 Salzedo St., starting at 9 a.m.

Mayor Vince Lago is sponsoring Resolution 26-1885, which would formally appoint Deputy City Manager Joe L. Gomez as city manager effective Jan. 8, 2027, with an approved salary and benefits package. Gomez previously served as acting city manager during the 15-month gap between Peter Iglesias's February 2024 termination and May 2025 reinstatement.

Iglesias announced his resignation May 20 and is scheduled to leave Oct. 2. The agenda does not specify who will exercise city manager authority during the roughly 98-day gap between Iglesias's departure and Gomez's Jan. 8 start date.

A companion resolution, 26-1959, sponsored by Commissioner Melissa Castro, would launch a formal national executive search for a permanent city manager. As of late July, the city had not retained a search firm or identified candidates, according to Gables Gazette reporting. Castro told the Gazette on July 30 that "the selection of the next city manager will be one of the most important decisions facing Coral Gables, and I believe residents deserve a process centered on professionalism, transparency and strong leadership for the future of our city."

Three commissioners — Lago, Castro and Ariel Fernandez — face voters in November under the city's new election calendar.

$6.85 million Mobility Hub transfer

Resolution 26-1847 would move $6,853,370 from Parking Fund reserves to fund the Mobility Hub capital project planned for the sites of Parking Garages Nos. 1 and 4 near Miracle Mile. Demolition of Garage No. 1 is tentatively set for October, with construction expected to take about 18 months, Economic Development Director Belkys Perez told the Economic Development Board on Aug. 5.

The finished hub would provide roughly 626 parking spaces, about the same as the two garages combined, while adding a rooftop park, public space and electric-vehicle infrastructure.

FIFA World Cup security grant

Resolution 26-1964 would accept a $558,625 grant from the Greater Miami Sports Commission, operating as the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee, to cover safety and security operations tied to World Cup matches at Hard Rock Stadium this summer.

Sewer rate adjustments through 2031

Resolution 26-1936 would set new sanitary sewer service charges for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. The specific rate figures are not detailed in the published agenda.

301-341 Madeira project modification

Ordinance 26-1955, on first reading, would let the developer of the multi-family project at 301-341 Madeira Ave. pay $300,000 to the city instead of undergrounding utilities on site. A second reading would be required before the change takes effect.

Other notable items

The agenda also includes a $1,028,204 federal drug-trafficking grant for the police department, a $933,000 Cooper Park improvement contract, a $786,985 Rotary Park renovation and a community input session on the proposed 520 University Dog Park.

The meeting is the commission's first regular session since July 7. Residents can attend in person or join via Zoom at (305) 461-6769, Meeting ID 3054466800.