By Coral Gables Gazette staff

The Coral Gables Economic Development Board met September 3, receiving updates on the city’s newly formalized Permitting Assistance Program (PAP). Economic Development Director Belkys Perez told members that a marketing campaign will soon be launched to highlight the program and send a clear message that Coral Gables is committed to being “business friendly.”

Although the city has offered permitting assistance for more than a decade through a partnership with the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, the initiative had never been officially codified. That changed on August 26, when the City Commission approved a resolution giving the PAP formal recognition and a stronger public profile.

Permitting Assistance Program gains traction

The PAP is designed to help both new-to-market and existing businesses navigate the city’s permitting process more efficiently, reducing costly delays and providing a smoother experience. According to city officials, the program aims to:

• Help businesses open faster by cutting down on permitting delays that often increase rent, payroll, and lost revenue.
• Reinforce Coral Gables’ reputation as a business-friendly city, especially important in regional competition for new companies.
• Support multinational firms, corporate headquarters, and national companies seeking to establish a presence in the city.
• Provide clarity and enhanced customer service, reducing uncertainty for entrepreneurs.

“This is a huge deal because of the reputation the Gables has in permitting,” said Board Chairman Thad Adams, who noted that the city’s process has long been a sticking point for business owners.

Perez said the program will assign a dedicated liaison to businesses, building on the city’s existing ombudsman role but with greater focus on expediting permits and improving customer service. She added that companies such as Ryder and Quest have already benefited from early versions of the program, opening significant square footage in about three months.

Commission discussion

During the August 26 commission meeting, Perez told commissioners the PAP represents more than a customer service tool. “It’s really a strategic economic development initiative that directly benefits both businesses and residents,” she said. “The faster that our businesses can open, the faster they can start making money and lower their costs. We want to streamline this for them.”

Perez noted that the program generates revenue through permitting fees and business tax licenses, which in turn help reduce pressure on residents. She said the city is competing with other municipalities to attract multinationals, professional services, and corporate headquarters.

Former Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce chair Addys Kuryla voiced support, calling the program a valuable incentive. “It encourages them to do business with us when we offer incentives such as this one,” she said.

Mayor Vince Lago described the business community as playing “a major role in propping up this city on every front.” Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson added that the city has offered mobile permitting and expedited services for residents, and said it was now important to extend that level of support to businesses. She praised the city manager for working to enhance building services and make them friendlier to residents and business owners alike.

A broader business-friendly strategy

Board members also discussed reviving the city’s annual small business forum, once held at the Coral Gables Youth Center. The event, which drew 60 to 80 participants in past years, brought permitting officials and entrepreneurs together for workshops and information sessions. Several members said restoring the forum could help small businesses better understand and navigate the permitting process.

The PAP will be administered by the Economic Development Department in coordination with the Development Services Department. Officials said the program will provide concierge permitting assistance, inter-department coordination, and technical support as part of the city’s economic development strategy.

Next steps

With the commission’s resolution now in place, the Economic Development Department will roll out a marketing campaign to raise awareness of the PAP among businesses. Perez said the goal is to make sure companies know the city wants their business and is committed to reducing obstacles.

“We want businesses here,” she said. “We want multinationals, headquarters, professional services. We’re working with them from the beginning, and we’ve seen that it cuts down on the time they’re in permitting.”