MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – The FIFA World Cup coming to Miami-Dade County next summer may be getting another $10.5 million from county taxpayers.
Commissioners voted 9-to-3 in the first of two votes to allocate the cash infusion to the host committee.
Supporters call it an investment.
They expect the World Cup to generate much more in tourism income.
The opponents on the commission call it “corporate welfare” at a time when the county is streamlining to avoid budget cuts.
“Why are we writing checks to these organizations when the event is already coming?” asked Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins. “We should be investing those dollars within our community.”
Added Commissioner Oliver Gilbert: “Our protections for the income is a lot greater than the money we are investing. Just the money in hotel rooms alone, just in food and beverage alone.”
The second and final vote on World Cup money is scheduled for next month.
“We can give them their opportunity to speak up and say what the investment is going to be used for and what we the taxpayers of Miami-Dade County are going to get for it,” said Commissioner Rene Garcia.
