Dear Colleagues,

Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez announced his FY 2020-2021 budget recommendations yesterday. As part of his proposed budget, the Mayor has recommended renewing full funding for our Department’s grants programs.

Given the challenges facing our community, the County and our budget, this is very encouraging news.  Xavier Cortada, Chair of our Cultural Affairs Council, wanted us to share his reaction: “This is a gigantic vote of support from Mayor Gimenez and a testimony to the importance of sustaining the work of artists and cultural organizations. This news comes as the cultural community is struggling to survive the massive financial and job losses caused by COVID-19. The Mayor and County Commissioners understand – especially now - how urgent the crisis is and how essential the arts are to our economy, our recovery and our lives.”

You can see the full set of the Mayor’s budget recommendations for FY 2020-2021 at:  https://www.miamidade.gov/proposed-budget/.

It also is important to note that the Mayor’s recommendations must be reviewed and acted upon by the Board of County Commissioners.  Here are highlights of the next steps:

• On Thursday, July 16th, the County Commission is scheduled to set the upper-most limits for the millages (i.e., tax rates) which will be finalized at the Budget Hearings in September; and
• The two County Commission Budget Hearings are scheduled for:
o Thursday, September 3, 5:01 pm in the County Commission chamber; and
o Thursday, September 17, 5:01 pm in the County Commission chamber.

We promise to stay in touch regarding progress on the budget.

Michael Spring
Senior Advisor to Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor and
Director, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs