Happy Sunday Friends, Clients & Colleagues,
I hope our brief budget update finds you and yours well.
Big news on the FY 2025-26 budget!Â
Miami-Dade started with a tough $402 million gap, but Mayor Levine Cava working with Commissioners really came through–balancing critical needs while keeping taxes low.
Here’s the quick rundown of what’s changed, courtesy of Mayor Levine Cava’s Sep. 12 Memo to the Board “Information for Second Budget Hearing FY 2025-26”:
- No more gas tax! Plus, solid waste, water, and sewer fees are going down.
- Community groups and arts funding are back! That’s $4M more for CBOs and boards, and $1.3M for arts grants.
- MetroConnect is staying with a $3.75 fare, and parks will get mowed more often (20 cycles instead of 16!).
- Public safety is solid: Air Rescue costs are covered by the General Fund, and school crossing guards are getting $4.8M.
These adjustments are being funded from existing funds, including unused cash from the Supervisor of Elections, FEMA reimbursements, and some savings from other departments.
The budget reflects these efficiencies and prioritizes the community’s critical needs.
Want to dive deeper?
Check out the full details here: Mayor Levine Cava’s Budget Message, visit FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget.
Explore the comprehensive details of these crucial budget adjustments and their impacts, here: “Information for Second Budget Hearing FY 2025-26.pdf”.
Mark your calendars: Final budget hearing is this Thursday, September 18th, starting at 5:01 PM.
As always, we’ll keep you updated on any further developments.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
And, thank you for taking the time to read our update.
Warmest regards,
AR Lopez, JD & Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq.
Governmental Affairs Attorney