In a landmark decision, the Coral Gables City Commission voted 3–2 on May 20 to move city elections from April in odd-numbered years to November in even-numbered years beginning in 2026, aligning them with general elections for the first time in the city’s 100-year history.

The vote marked a significant turning point. Not only does it abbreviate the current terms of office for Mayor Vince Lago and Commissioners Melissa Castro and Ariel Fernandez—cutting them short by four months—but it also signals the new majority’s intent to reshape the city’s political and administrative direction.

“This is about increasing turnout and bringing our elections in line with broader democratic participation,” said Mayor Lago. Critics, however, contend the change was politically motivated. Castro and Fernandez, who cast the dissenting votes, argued that the move benefits incumbents allied with the mayor and dilutes local control. “This is not about participation,” Castro said. “This is about political convenience.”

The shift to November elections was just one of many consequential actions taken during the long session—12 hours from start to finish. It was emblematic of the broader dynamics now at play.

Swift course reversal

Mayor Lago and Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson with newly elected Commissioner Richard Lara, allowing them to reverse course on several issues passed by the previous commission. Tuesday’s meeting made that shift unmistakable.

The commission rescinded the Expedited Permit Review Services Program, a pilot initiative championed by Commissioner Castro that aimed to streamline permitting for residential and commercial remodels. Despite Castro’s pleas—and the fact that the program had already been approved in February—the new majority struck it down without proposing an alternative.

“This is a solution to a problem everyone agrees exists,” Castro said. “But it’s being undone because it didn’t come from the right side of the dais.”

Mayor Lago offered a different rationale. “We need to be focused and deliberate,” he said. “This wasn’t the right model.”

Other major actions, votes

• Commission salaries rolled back: The commission finalized a rollback of its own pay, reverting to 2022–2023 compensation levels after public criticism and campaign promises to undo commission raises.

• Trash fee on the chopping block?: The commission directed staff to develop a plan to eliminate the city’s annual solid waste fee. Lago warned that doing so without revenue replacement could require cuts to city services.

• Budget scenarios ordered: Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution directing staff to prepare five budget models for FY 2025–2026, including millage rate reductions ranging from 1% to 5%. Staff cautioned that deeper cuts could require “significant reductions in departments” and capital projects. Final discussions will be held in August, with the budget adopted in September.

• New public comment rules: In another 3–2 vote, the commission approved a change that will limit public comment to the beginning of each meeting, rather than allowing comment on every agenda item. Fernandez and Castro opposed the change, calling it a reduction in public access.

• Mayor gains clarity on delegation authority: The commission voted 3–2 to clarify that the mayor has the authority to designate commissioners to attend state and federal lobbying delegations, provided those appointments occur in public meetings. “We need a unified front,” Lago said, noting the city had received no state appropriations last year when the delegation process lacked coordination. Castro, who opposed the ordinance, called it a political move to exclude dissenting voices. “This is a power grab,” she said, adding she would travel to Tallahassee at her own expense if needed.

• $2.4 million artwork approved for Ponce Circle Park: In a unanimous vote, the commission approved the acquisition of Puffton Inverted Star II, a monumental aluminum sculpture by the late American artist Frank Stella, for installation in the redesigned Ponce Circle Park. The 18-foot-tall piece will be funded with $2.4 million from the city’s Art in Public Places Reserve.

• Traffic enforcement plan near Gables High: Commissioners also approved a resolution to increase traffic enforcement near Coral Gables Senior High, citing safety concerns for students and pedestrians.

• Tree relocation plan gets go-ahead: The commission debated at length a plan to relocate several trees for a townhouse project known as “The George.” One tree, dubbed “Tree 41,” became the focus of an unusually impassioned debate that lasted nearly one hour. Though staff said it was in poor condition, the commission approved its relocation and even jokingly nominated it for “Tree of the Year.”

• Commission dodges DOGE: A resolution Commissioner Fernandez sponsored that would have directed the city manager to transmit the city’s budget to the Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for review and recommendation failed to pass. Vice Mayor Anderson, and Commissioner Lara voted against the measure and so did Mayor Lago after saying he was initially in favor of it but then changed his mind after receiving input from city staff.

The long view: A commission in a hurry

The May 20 meeting was instructive for observers trying to understand Coral Gables’ new political era. The new commission majority appears determined to advance its agenda swiftly—and to undo what it views as missteps from the previous two years.

Whether this realignment leads to improved services and stability or deepens partisan rancor remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the city’s political dynamics have shifted decisively, and the next chapter is already underway.