Mayor Eileen Higgins delivered her first State of the City Address just over a month into her tenure, speaking directly to residents about the city’s current moment and the work ahead. She highlighted early priorities and initial accomplishments, emphasizing a commitment to listening, cutting red tape, and building a city government that works more effectively for the people it serves.
Mayor Higgins praised Miami’s public safety team, noting that crime is down and that Miami remains one of the safest big cities in America. The city’s economy is strong, with unemployment far below national levels, innovative companies continuing to relocate to Miami, and more than 2,000 small businesses opening their doors in the city last year.
The Mayor spoke about listening closely to residents and city workers who are frustrated by outdated processes and unnecessary red tape. From stalled flood protection projects to aging facilities and permitting delays, Mayor Higgins said the city is ready for change, and her administration is ready to act and build a city government that works for all residents.
To meet that moment, Mayor Higgins outlined how her administration will deliver results people can see and feel. She announced the deployment of Sprint Teams to tackle concrete challenges, break down silos, and solve real problems in real time, including ending long permitting delays this year. The Mayor also detailed the team she has put in place to drive reform and shared her decision to move her office into the administration building to work alongside city staff, underscoring her commitment to building a government that is responsive and ready to work for Miami.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
At a time when our rights, freedoms, and futures are under threat, Democratic Mayors are showing the nation what real leadership looks like.
