Mayor John H. Taylor Jr. said the City of Opa‑locka is "financially sound" and "strong and growing better every day" during the 2025 State of the City address on Jan. 31, 2025, announcing an $85 million city budget, $24 million in reserves and a 2% decrease in the millage rate to 9.16.

The mayor led the rededication of the restored historic city hall, a building he said has been renovated after 17 years. He named the capital improvement project manager, Adelina Gross, the contractor, Diamante Construction, and the architectural firm, McCarrie and Associates, as contributors to the restoration and said the city plans to use the landmark as a cultural center.

Why it matters: Taylor tied the fiscal announcements to planned spending on infrastructure, housing and public-safety initiatives. He said audits that had been outstanding were submitted to the State of Florida and that, while the city is not yet released from state financial oversight, the administration expects that chapter to end with continued cooperation from state legislators.

The mayor outlined several specific commitments and completed projects. On parks and public space, he said the city completed work at Segal (trail replacement and parking resurfacing) and redesigned the Rose Titus Butterfly Garden, and will replace playgrounds and add a basketball court at Shabandi Park. The administration reported 2.7 miles of new sidewalks were installed to improve walkability.

On infrastructure and flooding, Taylor said the city replaced drainage and sewer systems in Glorietta Gardens and has allocated $3,000,000 for additional flood mitigation projects, including work on 132nd Street and continued Burlington Street canal bank stabilization. The mayor singled out partnerships with Miami‑Dade County officials on flood-related efforts.

Economic-development and business-support items included a report of 2,082 registered businesses in Opa‑locka and nearly $1,000,000 invested in small-business grants and facade-improvement programs through the city and the Community Redevelopment Agency. The mayor announced the rebirth of a local chamber of commerce and named CRA director Jason Walker and board chair Janie Russell for their roles.

Housing initiatives were highlighted: Taylor said the Mosaic Apartments are complete and house 98 families, a senior facility called Wellsprings Apartments is expected to open soon, and the city is collaborating with the 10 North Group on the City Terrace project. Planning and zoning staff were credited with advancing more affordable housing options.

Public safety and code enforcement also featured in the address. Chief Kenneth Otley and Assistant Chief Dr. Robin Starks were credited with increasing community engagement and youth programs, including an Opa‑Locka Police Activities League (PAL) program and explorers mentoring. The mayor recognized code enforcement manager Wilma Wilcox and said a housing initiative in partnership with Miami‑Dade County and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson is holding landlords accountable to habitability standards.

Taylor reiterated that the administration prioritized rebuilding the finance department, naming the HR director and finance staff who helped fill positions. He gave specific budget figures — an $85,000,000 budget and $24,000,000 in reserves — and said the commission voted to reduce the millage rate by 2 percentage points to 9.16. He also said outstanding audits were submitted to the state but noted the city remained under state oversight pending final review.

The mayor closed by announcing the Arabian Nights Music Fest on April 12 and inviting attendees to a post‑event dinner in the plaza.

Speakers quoted or cited in remarks: Mayor John Henry Taylor Jr., Vice Mayor Joseph Kelly, Commissioner Louis Santiago, Commissioner Natasha Irvin, Commissioner Charlene Bass, Commissioner Veronica Williams, Commissioner Rose Titus, interim City Manager Shamika Lawson, Capital Improvement Project Manager Adelina Gross, CRA Director Jason Walker, CRA Board Chair Janie Russell, Finance Director Naeem McGann, Budget Administrator Robert Aniston, Parks Director Missania Ray, Public Works Director Ariel Austin, Building and Maintenance Manager Owen Carney, Planning & Zoning Director Gregory Gaye, Chief Kenneth Otley, Assistant Chief Dr. Robin Starks, Code Enforcement Manager Wilma Wilcox, HR Director Mary Adams, IT Director Phil Walker.