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Balancing a county budget is more than an exercise in numbers it’s a test of leadership. Every dollar we spend belongs to the taxpayers, and every choice we make must reflect both fiscal discipline and a commitment to the people we serve.
The proposed FY2025-2026 budget brought difficult decisions, including cuts to arts programs, community organizations, and parks. These aren’t luxuries they are essential to our county’s quality of life, supporting our cultural identity, strengthening neighborhoods, and providing safe spaces for families. But we cannot restore them recklessly; we must do so responsibly.
Through focused negotiations and conversations with Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez, we secured $20 million in accelerated refunds to the County and an additional $6 million in surplus from last year for a total of $26 million. This was not luck; it was persistence, strategic action, and a willingness to explore every avenue to protect taxpayer interests. I extend my sincere thanks to Tax Collector Fernandez for his vision, responsiveness, and partnership during this critical time.
Here’s how I propose these funds be distributed:
- $8 million (31%) to County reserves protecting us from future economic volatility.
- $6.25 million (24%) to partially restore cultural arts funding.
- $6.25 million (24%) to support community organizations.
- $5.5 million (21%) to parks including eliminating proposed parking fees that would have created barriers for working families.
This plan strikes the right balance: nearly a third of funds secured for the future, while strategically reinvesting in programs that strengthen our communities today.
As Chairman, I have been clear public parks should remain free. Green spaces are not a privilege for the few; they are a right for every resident. Charging families to enjoy their own public spaces would undermine the very purpose of those spaces.
We must also think beyond today’s fixes. Long-term sustainability requires innovative public-private partnerships. County funds can be the spark, but true growth comes from collaboration with the philanthropic community and the private sector. This approach multiplies the impact of every taxpayer dollar and reduces reliance on limited public funds.
In challenging times, it’s easy to cut deeply and hope for the best. Real leadership means protecting the future without abandoning the present. By safeguarding reserves and making smart, targeted investments, we can prepare for tomorrow while preserving what makes Miami-Dade vibrant and livable today.
The budget is more than a financial plan it’s a reflection of our values. My commitment is simple: lead with vision, protect taxpayer dollars, and ensure Miami-Dade grows stronger, fairer, and more resilient for years to come.
