MIAMI – Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava delivered her State of the County speech on Thursday night.
The mayor spoke at Miami Senior High School for just over an hour, laying out her vision for her remaining time in office.
“In the next four years, I pledge to roll up my sleeves and reach across the aisle as I always have done to continue building a county government that helps more people, not just get by, but get ahead,” said Levine Cava.
The mayor laid out five areas of focus for her remaining three years in office.
The economy - transportation - infrastructure - the environment - and health and safety.
“That’s why people must be able to afford to live here,” she said. “And to not just survive, but thrive. We’re making historic investments in housing, transit, and the economy, to bring down the cost of living.”
Levine Cava also took questions before the speech, addressing the ICE raids taking place across the county as part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
“We have prided ourselves on being an open and affirming community and we know we are really a community of immigrants here,” she said. “Of course we follow the law, and we will always follow the law.”
The mayor also addressed the federal funding freeze that has now been reversed, and how such a measure would affect local non-profits and county services.
“I just think it’s important to understand what are the priorities of this administration and realize that there are some changes,” said Levine Cava. “I don’t think everything is going to go away. I think we have to understand which areas are most vulnerable. We are going to do our very best to work with this administration and get support for this county. We’ve already made approaches through various people, we’re very hopeful.”
With gubernatorial elections coming up next year, the mayor was asked whether she’s considering a run.
She did not answer, for now saying she’s focused on finishing out her term as mayor.