By Coral Gables Gazette staff

With ballots arriving in mailboxes across Coral Gables, a local civic group will host a public forum Thursday evening to walk residents through the eight proposed charter amendments on the municipal referendum.

The Gables Good Government Committee will hold the discussion from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on March 26 at the Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Blvd. The event is free and open to the public, with registration required. Former Mayor Don Slesnick, who chairs the Charter Review Committee, will lead the discussion.

The timing reflects the unusual structure of this election. The referendum will be conducted entirely by mail-in ballot, with all registered voters automatically receiving a ballot. Completed ballots must be received by the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21. The final day to register to vote is Monday, March 23.

Eight questions, broad scope

The ballot includes eight proposed amendments that, taken together, would reshape several core elements of Coral Gables governance, from election timing to oversight mechanisms and fiscal policy.

Two questions focus on when city elections are held. One would shift municipal elections from their current spring schedule in odd-numbered years to November elections aligned with state and federal contests. A companion measure would prohibit future changes to the election date by ordinance, requiring any change to go back to voters.

Other proposals address structure and accountability within city government. One amendment would allow commissioners or other officials to remove appointed board members before their terms expire. Another would require a formal review of the city charter every 10 years.

A separate question would authorize the city to retain an inspector general on a contractual basis as needed — a tool supporters say could strengthen oversight and investigations when warranted.

Voters will also consider whether changes to elected officials’ compensation should require voter approval, and whether to eliminate runoff elections in city commission and mayoral races, a change that would allow candidates to win with a plurality rather than a majority.

The final measure addresses fiscal policy, establishing parameters for reserve funding and the use of general fund reserves.

A forum aimed at voter understanding

Organizers say Thursday’s forum is designed to provide residents with a clearer understanding of what each question would do in practice, as well as a space to ask questions and share views before ballots are returned.

The format includes a brief reception followed by a structured discussion of each referendum item. Attendees will be able to engage directly with the moderator and with one another, reflecting the group’s emphasis on public participation.

The Gables Good Government Committee, founded in 2009, describes its mission as promoting transparency, accountability, and civic engagement in local government. The organization does not endorse candidates but regularly hosts forums and discussions on public policy issues affecting the city.

Context: a high-stakes local ballot

The April 21 referendum arrives at a moment of sustained civic focus on how Coral Gables conducts its elections and governs itself. Proposals to move election dates, adjust oversight mechanisms, and modify runoff requirements have generated discussion among residents, elected officials, and civic organizations over the past year.

Because the election will be conducted entirely by mail, voter awareness and participation depend heavily on outreach efforts like Thursday’s forum. Unlike traditional elections, there will be no in-person voting on Election Day unless ballots are dropped off at the Supervisor of Elections office.

City officials and civic groups have encouraged residents to review the ballot carefully and return it early to ensure it is received by the deadline.

What voters need to know

Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on April 21 to be counted. Voters may return their ballots by mail or deliver them directly to the Miami-Dade County Elections Office at 2700 NW 87th Avenue.