Coral Gables Mayor announces plans for transparency and November elections

The City of Coral Gables held an investiture ceremony on April 27, 2025, marking the beginning of a new term for Mayor Richard Lara and the city council. During the ceremony, Mayor Lara expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve a third term, emphasizing the city's rich history and vibrant community. He acknowledged the challenges faced during his campaign, including personal attacks and misinformation, but highlighted the resilience of Coral Gables residents who chose progress and transparency at the polls.

Mayor Lara framed his victory as a mandate for change, calling for a return to ethical governance and a focus on the needs of the community. He announced plans to repeal a controversial salary increase and car allowances for city officials, urging his colleagues to support this initiative at the upcoming special commission meeting on May 6. He stressed the importance of good governance, stating that the city council must prioritize the interests of its citizens.

In addition to addressing immediate governance issues, Mayor Lara proposed moving local elections to November to increase voter participation. He also committed to advancing accountability measures, including a referendum on establishing an inspector general for the city. The mayor reiterated his dedication to open communication with residents, promising to remain accessible through town halls and regular office hours.

As Coral Gables approaches its second century, Mayor Lara expressed optimism about the future, focusing on key issues such as neighborhood protection, infrastructure improvements, and fiscal responsibility. He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to lead with integrity and work collaboratively with the city council for the benefit of all residents.