As my second and final term as mayor comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on a journey that began 16 years ago when I first entered public service. Miami has always been more than a city to me. It has been my home, my responsibility and my inspiration. Serving the Magic City has been the honor of my lifetime.
When I became mayor, the question was not whether Miami could grow — but whether it could grow in a way that worked for everyone. From the beginning, our guiding principle was simple: Miami for everyone. Growth was not the goal in itself; opportunity was.
Growth that expanded opportunity
Miami has experienced extraordinary economic momentum. Our population grew by double digits in consecutive years as families and businesses chose Miami for its quality of life, entrepreneurial energy and low-tax environment. That growth expanded our tax base, allowing us to reduce city taxes to their lowest level in more than 50 years — without cutting services. By 2025, unemployment stood at 2.3%, well below the national average, and nearly $4 billion in new construction moved forward because of streamlined permitting and modernized city operations.
But growth only matters if it lifts people up. For three consecutive years, Miami led the nation in median wage growth. This was not an accident — it was the result of welcoming new industries while connecting Miamians to opportunity through workforce development, job training and education.
Education as the foundation of inclusion
If Miami is going to be for everyone, opportunity has to begin early. That is why we created child savings accounts for kindergarten students, giving every child an asset from the start and pairing it with financial literacy programs for parents. It was a statement of belief: Every child deserves a future worth investing in…