Levine Cava’s $14.3 Billion Budget Holds Tax Rate Flat, Trims Bus Routes

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is asking commissioners to approve a balanced budget of roughly $14.3 billion for fiscal year 2026-27, a plan that holds the county’s operating property tax rate flat for the fourth consecutive year while cutting bus service and shrinking the county workforce to close a widening gap.

The proposal is about $1 billion, or 8%, larger than the current year’s budget, according to The Miami Times. But county officials say slowing revenue growth, inflation, rising health care costs and uncertain state and federal support forced difficult choices. The administration identified more than $42 million in efficiencies and $79 million in reductions, and eliminated more than 400 vacant positions from general fund departments while slowing hiring.

Transit Takes the Biggest Hit

Transit riders will feel the most visible changes. The plan eliminates 12 bus routes — six operated by the county and six by contractors — and cuts several overnight services, even as overall county support for transit rises by $66 million to nearly $336 million. An additional $96 million from a transportation improvement fund would support Metrorail, Metromover and bus operations.

Under pressure from residents and community organizations, Levine Cava later announced updates restoring $66 million for cultural and community priorities that had been slated for reductions in the initial proposal.

The budget is organized around five stated priorities: healthy and safe communities, an economy that works for all, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure investment, and risk reduction and resilience.

Looming over the whole plan is a statewide property tax amendment on the November ballot. County budget officials estimate the measure could strip $385.8 million from Miami-Dade’s general fund in its first year — more than 10% of the fund — and nearly $697 million in year two, with parks, fire rescue, libraries and transportation among the services at risk, The Miami Times reported.

The mayor’s July presentation opened a round of town halls across the county in August. The Board of County Commissioners will hold final budget hearings on Sept. 3 and Sept. 17 before adopting the spending plan, which takes effect Oct. 1.