Track Record

In April 2025, Mayor Lago ran for reelection on a promise of empowering voters and shaping policy that would ensure transparency and create accountability for elected officials. Holding true to his word, he worked with City Officials and Coral Gables residents to see these changes through.

• Rolled back the 101% Commission pay raises
• Moved Elections to November
• Created an Inspector General to investigate fraud and waste
• Modernized Coral Gables Charter Review process
• Protected our City's Reserve Fund from misuse and fiscally irresponsible spending
• Negotiated 7 new downtown public parks — a ¾-acre green corridor created from former parking lots

Coral Gables features 64 neighborhood parks and open spaces — and Mayor Lago has consistently expanded that footprint.

• Negotiated 7 new downtown public parks — Publix on LeJeune, Regency Parc, Alexan Crafts, 130 Almeria, 4241 Aurora/CORA, Villa Valencia, and Ponce Park Residences — creating a ~¾-acre green corridor where surface parking lots once stood
• Opened Maggiore Park, Lamar Louise Curry Park, and a new accessible playground at Salvadore Park
• Dedicated Dorothy Thomson Park (September 2025); David Thompson Park on Blue Road to be dedicated March 2026
• Advancing The Underline — a 10-mile linear park targeted for completion year-end 2026 — and the 6-acre Lee-Lincoln Park
• Acquired 1031 Valencia for Salvadore Park expansion and 142 SW 37 Avenue for future neighborhood green space
• Sponsored 2025 resolutions requiring every new park to be majority landscaped open space with minimal hardscape, and installing American flags at major city parks
• Authored the 2018 ordinance dedicating park impact fees to acquisitions — now funding work at Bird Road, Pierce, and Phillips Parks

Maintaining a fully-staffed, well-supported police force is essential to the safety residents expect.

• Sustained focus on filling open police vacancies
• Supports competitive officer compensation to recruit and retain
• Backed enhanced training and community-policing initiatives

Open, ethical government is foundational to Mayor Lago's leadership.

• Championed a Charter amendment to establish an Office of Inspector General
• Recused from city discussions involving his business on multiple occasions per legal counsel
• Open Door Office Hours every Friday from 2pm-5pm to discuss city matters with residents

Easing the tax burden without compromising city services.

• Led the charge to require a super-majority vote to tap into the Coral Gables reserve fund, ensuring the City protects its AAA bond rating and our finances would be protected from frivolous spending
• Proposed lowering the millage rate by 2% to give residents economic relief
• Joined the regional commitment alongside Key Biscayne, Miami, and West Miami
• Continues to scrutinize litigation costs and budget growth

Modernizing how residents move through Coral Gables — safely and efficiently.

• Expanded trolley service to weekends
• Traffic calming measures across neighborhoods
• Undergrounding utility lines for safety, resilience, and aesthetics
• Bridge enhancements and pedestrian safety upgrades

From cultural grants to downtown beautification, the city should feel as good as it looks.

• Cultural Grants program supporting Consulates and arts organizations
• Focused downtown cleanup efforts
• Largest municipal EV fleet in South Florida; waived solar permit fees
• Long-standing support for Locust Projects, the Coral Gables Museum, and local arts