MIAMI- Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava outlined her economic accomplishments on Tuesday during her first term in office in the county.
"A strong economy means opportunities for all. In my first term, we’ve boosted small businesses, created good-paying jobs, and strengthened #OurCounty’s economy to support residents and families," Cava said.
Specifically, Daniella Levine Cava highlighted STRIVE305, a program designed to "accelerate the growth of small businesses countywide and support budding entrepreneurs as they launch and grow new businesses."
Cava noted the program has reached 15,000 small businesses.
In addition, Cava mentioned the county has generated $22 million in non-tax revenue from innovative marking projects, including naming rights partnerships with the Kaseya Center and the UHealth Jackson Metrorail station.
On the environmental front, the county launched our public innovation challenges through the Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (MDIA). The MDIA awarded $1 million to companies to pilot solutions to "improve sargassum, infrastructure, and traffic.
She also previously addressed other climate and sustainability efforts during her first term. In addition, Cava detailed efforts to improve affordable housing.
Cava's rundown comes three weeks after hiring former mayoral challenger Manny Cid as Senior Advisor for Economic Opportunity in the Miami-Dade Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED).
Cava defeated Cid, previously mayor of Miami Lakes, for a second term in office by nearly 35 points in August. Cid received 23% of the vote while a third opponent, Alexander Otaola, received 12%.
Cava, 69, was first elected mayor of Miami-Dade County in 2020. She previously served as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner from 2014 until her election.
Her August victory was one of few bright spots for Democrats in Miami-Dade. The county overwhelmingly voted for President Donald Trump while Republicans dominated down-ballot races in November.
The City of Miami also has a Republican Mayor in Francis Saurez and elected a Republican sheriff in Rosie Cordero-Stutz. Republican House Speaker Daniel "Danny" Perez is also from Miami, representing HD 116.
Cava recently praised Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried on her re-election as the party looks to regain traction in Florida in 2025.
Cava was sworn in as mayor for her second four-year term on Nov. 20. Her current term ends on Nov. 21, 2028.
