Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, who took office in 2023 after defeating Michael Gongora, has implemented policies aimed at limiting new development density. Last year, the city commission unanimously approved Meiner’s proposal requiring six out of seven commissioners, including the mayor, to approve any requests to exceed the city’s maximum floor area ratio for new buildings. The commission also mandated that developers conduct neighborhood impact assessments for such proposals.
Meiner’s tenure has not been without controversy. In March, he faced community backlash over his unsuccessful attempt to terminate a lease with O Cinema at a city-owned historic building because the theater continued to show a Gaza War documentary that Meiner claimed was offensive to Jewish people. Additionally, Meiner resigned from his position as a lawyer at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission following the start of a human resources investigation into allegations of sexual harassment involving three colleagues and an intern.
Despite these issues and his efforts to curb development, Meiner has received significant financial backing from real estate and hospitality interests ahead of the upcoming November 4 election against city commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez. Prominent developers with pending business before the city are barred from donating directly to candidates, but Miami Beach First—a political action committee supporting Meiner—has raised $134,000 from notable figures in Miami’s real estate and hospitality sectors.
“Residents and businesses recognize our success and want to keep the momentum going for Miami Beach,” Meiner said.
Rosen Gonzalez is raising funds only through her individual campaign account and has not set up a separate PAC. She reported indirect support from organizations such as Save—the region’s longest-serving LGBTQ rights group—and the Miami-Dade Democratic Party. Rosen Gonzalez noted she has some backing from restaurant and hotel owners in Miami Beach’s Art Deco District.
“They are very upset with the current state of the city,” Rosen Gonzalez said. “They have more confidence in me than the mayor. When the streets are empty and hotels aren’t full, that is a problem.”
Lennar co-CEO Stuart Miller contributed $50,000 to Miami Beach First. Earlier this year, federal authorities dismissed complaints against Miller regarding alleged attempts to conceal his identity when making political donations in 2022.
Other major contributors include real estate investor Michael Simkins ($25,000), Marc Roberts ($10,000), David Grutman of Groot Hospitality ($20,000), Alex Kleyner ($18,000), Scott Robins ($10,000), Naftali Group ($10,000), Julia Grimes of Hilton Bentley Hotel South Beach ($5,000), entities managed by Jimmy Resnick ($5,000), and Faena Hotel Miami Beach ($2,000).
Meiner’s individual campaign also received $5,500 from entities linked to Infinity Real Estate; David Berg of Infinity donated an additional $1,000 personally. An affiliate of Infinity also gave $1,000 to Rosen Gonzalez.
Last month saw Infinity acquire property on Alton Road previously owned by developer Michael Shvo.
Overall fundraising totals show Miami Beach First collecting $540,745 for Meiner compared to $97,727 raised through his personal campaign account.
Rosen Gonzalez has raised $146,806 for her campaign so far; about $28,000 came from local real estate and hospitality professionals. Notable donors include members of the Mirmelli family (each giving $1,000), Catherine and Anthony Arrighi (owners of Ocean’s Ten restaurant) along with two related entities (each giving $1,000), five affiliates of Think Hospitality led by Shawn Vardi (combined $5,000 donation), Alan Lieberman and associates (combined $3,000), five entities managed by Jim Cavanaugh (each giving $1,000), as well as Palace Bar, Mango’s Tropical Cafe, Prime 112 and Big Pink restaurants (each contributing $1,000).
