Miami-Dade Approves $12.9B Budget Scrapping Transit Fare Hikes

Miami is proactively addressing potential federal budget cuts to hurricane forecasting by proposing the STORM initiative to maintain science-based storm tracking and coordinate regionally, as NOAA and the National Weather Service face significant funding reductions that could weaken local preparedness. Miami-Dade County approved a $12.9 billion budget for fiscal 2026 after closing a $400 million gap through various measures, including fee increases and office consolidations, while avoiding property tax hikes and transit fare increases. The budget faced community pushback initially but ultimately reinstated arts and charity grants, and maintained some transit subsidies with minor fare adjustments, though some services were cut, such as the Office of New Americans and park services. In Lakeland, Florida, a nearly $815 million budget was approved for fiscal 2026, emphasizing infrastructure improvements and maintaining stable property tax rates despite rising property values. Meanwhile, Miami County recently adopted a comprehensive plan to guide future development, focusing on balancing growth with environmental sustainability and community input. Together, these measures reflect regional efforts to manage fiscal challenges while prioritizing public safety, infrastructure, and sustainable growth.