Overview
- Higgins took the oath at Miami Dade College after defeating Emilio González by about 19 points despite his endorsement from President Donald Trump.
- Her opening agenda targets faster permitting, a local housing trust fund, and use of city-owned land to expand affordable housing.
- She plans to limit the city’s role in a 287(g) agreement with ICE, though she cannot withdraw Miami from the pact on her own.
- Under Miami’s charter, the mayor governs largely through persuasion, with potential charter changes such as moving elections to even years or enlarging the commission requiring voter approval.
- Budget pressures from state proposals, including a plan to eliminate property taxes in 2026, plus cuts to federal grants, threaten to complicate her priorities, while analysts caution against broad national conclusions from low turnout.