Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, has decided to abandon her initial proposal for a $2.5 billion municipal bond referendum that was set to take place in November. The purpose of this bond was to fund various infrastructure projects within the county. Instead, Mayor Levine Cava has announced plans to introduce a larger bonding plan that will incorporate funding for transit projects as well. The initial “305 Future Ready” bonds, proposed by the mayor in her State of the County address earlier this year, mainly focused on affordable housing, septic to sewer conversions, flood prevention, and resilient parks. However, it lacked provisions for transportation initiatives.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Mayor Levine Cava expressed that she has heeded the feedback from the community regarding this significant initiative. She highlighted the necessity of implementing a transit plan as part of the overall bonding proposal. The mayor emphasized the importance of crafting a more robust and comprehensive bond proposal that addresses the county’s most pressing challenges and sets the stage for future transformations. She mentioned that the revised plan will be developed over the next 18 months with input from residents and key stakeholders. It will then undergo a public comment period before being presented for a vote in November 2026.
Miami-Dade County has experienced significant population and economic growth in recent years; however, it has also encountered hurdles in the realms of affordable housing and transportation. Mayor Levine Cava acknowledged the constructive discussions she has had with various parties about executing a plan that prioritizes accountability and fiscal responsibility. The consensus among County Commissioners, business leaders, city officials, and residents was clear – the inclusion of a transit plan is crucial for the county’s future development.
The mayor stressed the importance of garnering public support and ensuring that residents have confidence in the proposed plan and process. While there has been some backing for the current bond proposal, Mayor Levine Cava is optimistic that a more comprehensive and visionary proposal will attract even stronger support. She envisions the new bond initiative as bold, fiscally responsible, and aligned with the county’s long-term goals outlined in the expanded ‘Future Ready 305’ plan.
Furthermore, Daniella Levine Cava is currently seeking reelection for a second term in the upcoming mayoral election on Aug. 20. Elected in 2020 with approximately half of the vote, she made history as the first woman and Jewish individual to hold the position of mayor in Miami-Dade County. Recent surveys indicate that she is leading the race against her contenders, including Manny Cid, the mayor of Miami Lakes. In the event that no candidate secures a majority in the initial election, a runoff will be held on Nov. 5 to determine the ultimate winner.