Bluenest Development has emerged as the leading donor to Miami-Dade County politicians so far this year, according to an April 14 report by the Miami Herald. The company, which is seeking county approvals for its workforce housing projects, contributed more than $190,000 to commissioners and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in the first quarter.
The practice of real estate developers donating significant sums to local officials continues a longstanding trend in South Florida. These donations often come from firms that require government approvals for their projects.
Bluenest is led by brothers Salim and Kamil Chraibi and was founded in 2018. Based in Miami-Dade County, it has completed about 1,000 homes with at least 3,000 more planned. The firm initially built individual homes across the county but later focused on developing residential complexes featuring workforce-priced townhomes and single-family homes in south Miami-Dade. This shift was driven by the area’s availability of affordable land and strong demand for below-market-rate housing.
Commissioner Kionne McGhee received $50,000 from Bluenest for his 1 South Dade committee—the largest share among recipients. Other commissioners who received donations include Marleine Bastien, Danielle Cohen Higgins, Roberto Gonzalez, Vicki Lopez, Natalie Milian Orbis, and Micky Steinberg.
Related Group and Swerdlow Group were also major contributors this year with $115,000 and $105,000 donated respectively. Both companies have been active in redeveloping public housing through the federal Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. Swerdlow secured approval for a project promising over 5,700 apartments in Little River—Miami-Dade’s largest planned RAD development—while Related is developing River Parc on the Miami River with over 1,100 units under construction.
The RAD program allows developers to lease county-owned public housing sites for redevelopment into mixed-income communities that replace existing units while adding affordable options. Some deals have drawn scrutiny due to lease agreements being negotiated without appraisals; however supporters argue these developments are essential amid an acute shortage of affordable housing in Miami-Dade.
Swerdlow also obtained approval last year for a no-bid purchase below market value of a county-owned site in Perrine where it plans new apartments alongside a Costco store.
