County commission gives residents of Brownsville a path to self-governance and preserving their history
Taking steps toward incorporation
Residents of historically Black neighborhoods in Miami-Dade County, including Brownsville, Gladeview, and Twin Lakes, are one step closer to determining whether incorporation into a city is financially viable. The Miami-Dade County Commission recently voted 11-1 to extend the North Central Dade Municipal Advisory Committee, a move that will allow these communities to collect vital data on land values, municipal service costs, and other economic factors tied to incorporation.
Advocates see this as an opportunity for greater autonomy and preservation of the area’s rich history.
“If we can do it, that would be great,” said Kenneth Kilpatrick, president of the Brownsville Neighborhood Civic Association. Kilpatrick emphasized that incorporation would give residents more control over local governance, a sharp contrast to the annexation efforts made by Hialeah in 2023 that Brownsville residents fiercely opposed.
“One thing we do know is that we don’t want to be annexed,” Kilpatrick added. “Annexation versus incorporation are two different animals. We do have a rich history that we do want to preserve.”
Support and concerns among residents
While many see incorporation as a chance to address local issues like illegal dumping and underfunded services, some residents remain concerned.
A local business owner in Brownsville expressed concerns about the financial implications of incorporation, noting that higher taxes could be a burden. “I wouldn’t like the idea because I can’t afford to pay more taxes,” they explained.
Meanwhile, neighboring Gladeview, which shares similar struggles, is closely monitoring Brownsville’s efforts. Estelle Barr, president of the Gladeview Homeowners and Civic Association, expressed hope for what incorporation could mean for her community.
“We’re all dealing with similar problems, and this could be a step in the right direction,” Barr said.
The North Central Dade Municipal Advisory Committee will now begin compiling financial data to assess whether incorporation is practical for Brownsville and other unincorporated areas. Their findings could determine the future of self-governance in these communities.
What’s Next for Brownsville?
The journey toward incorporation is an important moment for Brownsville and its neighboring communities. It’s about more than just governance—it’s about preserving cultural heritage, gaining local control, and addressing long-standing issues. However, challenges like potential tax increases must be addressed transparently to ensure residents are fully informed and involved in the process.
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