By Coral Gables Gazette staff

Mayor Vince Lago’s latest newsletter, From the Mayor’s Desk, outlines a slate of upcoming projects and priorities for the 2025–26 fiscal year, emphasizing financial discipline, transparency, and investment in both the city’s infrastructure and its historic assets.

In the message to residents dated Oct. 18, Lago framed the new year as “a season of optimism, focus, and renewed commitment to serving our community,” highlighting initiatives that span from a citywide referendum to capital projects and the long-planned restoration of City Hall.

Citywide referendum next April

A central theme of the newsletter is the upcoming April 2026 referendum, which Lago said will allow voters to decide on several governance reforms:

• the timing of general elections,
• the structure of elected officials’ compensation,
• the potential creation of an independent Office of the Inspector General, and
• the criteria for utilizing reserve funds.

“These questions go to the heart of transparency and accountability,” Lago wrote, calling them “a core principle” of his administration. The referendum is expected to appear on the same ballot as several charter-related measures discussed earlier this year by the City Commission.

Capital projects under way

Lago’s message also detailed progress on several major parks and recreation projects reaching completion this fiscal year.
The list includes:

• the David Lawrence Neighborhood Park on Blue Road,
• the Coral Gables segment of the Underline linear park,
• the full restoration of the historic Venetian Pool, and
• the renovation of Phillips Park.

“These investments are part of our long-term commitment to enhancing quality of life for residents,” Lago wrote. He added that “new parks projects will be announced soon.”

Early next year, the long-anticipated Fire Station No. 4 on Sunset Drive will open. The new facility will shrink the city’s fire-response coverage gap from five miles to two miles, providing service within a two-mile radius citywide.

Restoring City Hall

One of the city’s signature projects will be the restoration of Coral Gables City Hall, which Lago described as a key investment in both preservation and function. The building, completed in 1928, will be restored “to its original architectural grandeur” while being upgraded to serve as a working civic space for the next century.

“This restoration honors our city’s rich history,” the mayor wrote, framing the project as part of Coral Gables’ broader effort to preserve its Mediterranean Revival heritage while ensuring modern usability.

Fiscal discipline pledged

Lago noted that the city has adopted a FY 2025–26 budget that “reduces debt, allocates funding for key capital projects, and preserves a strong reserve fund.” The budget, he said, continues a long-standing commitment to “responsible financial management” and “the high level of service our residents expect and deserve.”

The full budget is available on the city’s website and includes allocations for public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and parks improvements.

Looking ahead

Lago closed his message by encouraging residents to stay engaged through direct communication. He invited the public to reach him via email at vlago@coralgables.com or during his open office hours every Friday at 2 p.m.

“Through thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future,” he wrote, “I am confident that we will continue to strengthen our community and build on the excellence that defines Coral Gables.”