The city of Miami experienced a historic moment with the election of Eileen Higgins, who became the first female mayor in the municipality’s history and the first Democrat in more than two decades to hold the office. Higgins also breaks another barrier: she is the first non-Hispanic person to become mayor after several years of Latino political dominance in the city.
After her victory with 59.46% of the vote, surpassing candidate Emilio González (40.54%), the new mayor spoke with the media to outline her governing agenda and the priorities that will shape Miami’s course in the coming years. Higgins will be officially sworn in on December 18.
A change of direction in Miami’s policy
During her first remarks, Eileen Higgins asserted that her victory represents a turning point for the city: «The people decided to change direction in the city of Miami», she said, alluding to the political wear and tear and the lack of trust that had marked previous administrations.
His arrival in power takes place in a complex context, with political tensions, climate challenges, and a growing housing crisis affecting thousands of residents.
Government priorities: sustainability, housing, and urban modernization
Higgins presented a series of concrete objectives to transform Miami into a more modern, equitable, and future-ready city.
Prepare Miami for the future
The mayor pointed out that climate change, rising sea levels, and aging infrastructure require urgent planning. Her administration will seek to implement resilience and sustainability measures.
Protection of Biscayne Bay
One of his core commitments is to protect Biscayne Bay, one of South Florida’s most important ecological areas. Higgins will push for regulations and programs to improve water quality and reduce pollution.
Improve public transportation
The mobility crisis in Miami is one of the issues most frequently highlighted by residents and experts. Higgins promises to promote more efficient and accessible transportation systems to reduce dependence on cars.
Create affordable housing
In response to the high cost of living in Miami, the mayor will seek to accelerate the construction of affordable housing. She assured that she will work to modernize the permitting process and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that delay housing projects.
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Transparency and professionalization of local government
Eileen Higgins also announced measures to transform the city’s internal operations:
- Administrative efficiency
- Transparency in public management
- Changes in the rhetoric and functioning of the municipal commission.
The mayor criticized the politicized and chaotic atmosphere of past meetings:
«I am very confident that we will change the culture of the commission meetings—which are more or less a reality show—into a professional gathering. We have to act like the government of one of the world’s most famous cities».
Higgins’s stance on immigration in Miami
On one of the region’s most sensitive issues, Higgins stated that he will evaluate the legal limits of cooperation between local police and federal authorities.
He declared that his goal is to ensure that officers focus on protecting neighborhoods and not on participating in immigration proceedings that affect Miami residents.
Relationship with President Donald Trump: «I’m not afraid»
Despite his opponent receiving support from President Donald Trump and Republican figures such as Rick Scott, Higgins assured that he is not afraid of any potential political retaliation against Miami: “No, I’m not afraid of him at all».
His victory represents an unexpected blow to the state’s conservative leaders and marks a significant shift in the local political landscape.
