Mayor Alix Desulme, Ed.D. shared his plans for North Miami’s future last week in his December 16 State of the City Address. The occasion was the city’s 2024 Induction Ceremony held at the Florida International University’s Roz and Cal Kovens Conference Center, an event that both inducted the Mayor and acknowledged fellow public servants, Councilman Kevin A. Burns, Councilman Pierre Frantz Charles, and City Clerk Vanessa Joseph, Esq.

Desulme, an educator and small business owner, has held office as Mayor since December 2022 and recently won the city’s runoff election on December 3, defeating challenger Hector Medina with 68% of the vote. Preceding his time on the City Council and then as Mayor, Desulme had been elected North Miami’s first Black City Clerk and the first Haitian American to serve as City Clerk in the United States.

The tone of the Mayor’s address was celebratory, listing advancements made toward achieving Desulme’s two-year city plan and calling for a renewed commitment to collaboration and a shared stance of hope in the days ahead.

An evolving infrastructure

Desulme described recent infrastructure improvements, particularly water treatment upgrades and flood mitigation projects—an area of longstanding concern for his constituency due to an aging water tower and repeated flooding in the city streets. Recalling that the water plant had been his top priority since becoming Mayor, Desulme remarked, “These projects are not always at the headlines and may not sound too sexy, but these are the backbone of our functional and resilient city.”

Beyond water treatment, Mayor Desulme labeled environmental sustainability the “cornerstone” of North Miami’s growth, pointing to an improved eco-friendly trolley system, tree-planting campaigns, green space development, and a broader embrace of energy-efficient solutions.

City growth and public safety

Also celebrated were North Miami’s growth into a hub for small businesses and entrepreneurs, steps made toward affordable housing, programs to help seniors remain engaged and connected with city life, and youth programs and scholarships to expand educational opportunities. Desulme also called out a 13% reduction in crime and a 42% decrease in serious crime during the past year. “We have transformed North Miami into a city that works for all,” Desulme emphasized. “We are building programs and partnerships that empower every resident to their full potential.” He also announced, to applause, that his administration had been able to add $5 million to North Miami’s budget reserve.

Looking to the future

“As of tonight, I can firmly say North Miami is strong,” Desulme declared, “but there is still more work to do.” During the address, he committed to advancing the city’s strategic plan during the first 100 days of his new term, stressing the importance of a future built on measurable progress and community accountability.

“The work ahead will require all of us to work together,” Mayor Desulme urged. “We will work, and we will work together to advance North Miami.” He committed to leading with integrity and compassion, promising that “every decision will be guided by the needs, dreams, and aspirations of North Miami’s residents. “The future of North Miami is bright,” he closed. “Let us all move forward together, unified by one purpose, driven by progress, inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead, and trusting. The road may look a little bumpy, but … the brighter days are to come.”