Kionne McGhee: Planning to create community-based organizations district

Presenting determination and leadership, Miami-Dade County Commissioner and Vice Chairman Kionne McGhee has overcome the challenges of a difficult childhood to shape policies that benefit millions.

Since being elected to the county commission in 2020, Mr. McGhee said he has secured over $11 million in funds for nonprofits and small businesses for District 9, driving economic development and supporting recovery efforts in underserved communities.

In addition to his leadership role, he spearheaded the creation of an Affordable Housing Blueprint for Miami-Dade, alongside numerous impactful policies and initiatives aimed at improving residents’ quality of life. 

This year, Mr. McGhee has begun mom-and-pop small business grants and broken ground on a new community center and library at Chuck Pezoldt Park and an affordable housing development in West Perrine.

A formerly elected Florida state representative and Florida House Democratic leader, Mr. McGhee is currently working on a new community-based organization hub and advocating for those entities that serve residents within his district, including much-needed funding and resources to keep those organizations open, he said. 

“Miami-Dade’s nonprofit organizations provide lifesaving, transformational services to thousands of residents every single day,” he said. “I intend to ensure their voices are heard and that we work together to preserve the critical support systems that hold our community together.”

Mr. McGhee is moving closer to establishing the Community-Based Organization (CBO) Trust Fund, which would be a permanent funding source to sustain nonprofit and community-based organizations for generations. He said he is looking at all aspects of funding cutbacks, including the FIFA World Cup, to allocate funds to support critical community programs devastated by recent budget cuts.

“Every single day, our CBOs and nonprofits are on the frontlines – fighting poverty, lifting families, and saving lives. Too often, their hard work and resources are stretched thin,” he said. “With this trust fund, we are saying loud and clear: your work matters, and we will preserve it. This is about honoring their sacrifice, safeguarding their mission, and ensuring that the people of Miami-Dade are never left behind.”

Mr. McGhee spoke with Miami Today reporter Abraham Galvan.

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