Last month, North Miami Vice Mayor Kassandra Timothe hosted a State of the District Town Hall at the North Miami Public Library, where she welcomed constituents, city officials, and local residents. She reflected on her initiatives and accomplishments from the past four years, while also sharing key updates and outlining a long-term vision for the city’s future.
The event also included informational displays from various city departments and offered NoMi residents a complimentary dinner and gift bags filled with nutritional resources to take home.
PROGRESS IN THE MAKING
(Paloma Pimentel)
North Miami resident expressing recognition for Timothe's leadership and improvements.
At the event, North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme highlighted key fiscal achievements under his leadership, including growing the city’s reserves to over $5 million, closing the year with a $3.5 million surplus, and reaching a $21 million fund balance.
When Timothe took center stage, she outlined NoMi's accomplishments in economic empowerment, such as registering 500 new city vendors, 20 new chamber of commerce memberships, and the arrival of new businesses in the city.
She also highlighted the city’s investment in community services, including the launch of a NoMi computer class at the North Miami Public Library, which served residents. Emphasizing digital equity, she stated that access to technology should not be a luxury, but a fundamental right for all citizens.
Timothe added her support in resources for seniors with the help of the Parks and Recreation Department.
“My office has delivered love and support to over 600 seniors across our nursing homes,” she said. “Whether it was in hats knitted by our Parks and Recreation center or cozy blankets, every gesture reminded our elders that they are seen and cherished.”
Resources were also distributed to families in need, said Timothe, where the city partnered with Extended Hands Inc. to deliver over $1 million worth of brand-new merchandise, including clothes and other essential resources.
In her attempt to raise awareness about important issues, such as Black maternal health, Timothe emphasized her partnership with Tabu Fitness, a personal training agency located in NoMi. She hosted an eight-week challenge that helped more than 30 residents lose a combined 50 pounds.
Timothe also pointed out her initiatives for cleaner streets and sustainable growth through code enforcement reforms, infrastructure improvements, and neighborhood beautification efforts.
“We raised the standard for District 2 thanks to the North Miami CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) where over $30 million in infrastructure and TIFF grants were invested in key projects,” she said.
North Miami District 2 Vice Mayor Kassandra Timothe.
She emphasized projects such as the Gardens Residences, located at 12640 NE 12th Ave., a 3.7-acre residential multi-family apartment complex that will include new restaurants, and SoLe Mia, a mixed-use development located at the intersection of NE 151st Street and Biscayne Boulevard.
Timothe emphasized that North Miami is safer than ever, citing the North Miami Police Department’s 2024 report, which showed historic declines in crime, including a 13% drop in overall incidents, a 41% decrease in violent crime, and zero homicides recorded for the entire year.
Ending her remarks on progress and initiatives, Timothe highlighted her proudest accomplishment.
“My proudest achievement by far has been launching the Teach to Fish NoMi Business Summit,” she said, referring to the free, three-day public conference held in October 2024, which featured expert speakers, interactive sessions, grant opportunities, raffles, and networking events.
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
(Photo by Paloma Pimentel)
During the event, Timothe honored a community volunteer Ricardo Dormevil for his "unwavering dedication and complimentary service" to his community.
The meeting concluded with a public comment period, during which residents voiced their concerns. While some residents celebrated the vice mayor’s progress, others pointed out room for improvement.
A NoMi resident residing in Sans Souci on the eastern side of District 2, expressed the need for park renovations in the area.
“The playgrounds near my home are terrible,” they said. “They are full of bugs, and our kids cannot go to them. I see the beautiful playgrounds you have built on the west side with our tax dollars, but there is no extra anything for us in the east. We are forgotten.”
Timothe responded by stating how she has spearheaded the city’s investment of $15,000 for revitalization efforts along Sans Souci Boulevard and added how the city is in the process of allocating funds to develop Alfred Besade Park on NE 19th Dr., which will take another $2 million that the city plans to fund with resources such as impact fees.
The same resident also expressed concerns about traffic holdups and the need for mitigation efforts.
“The traffic is getting worse after all these new projects in the area, we can’t get in and out, we are stuck,” they said.
Timothe agreed that the increase in development near Sans Souci will increase traffic in the area and that traffic calming devices are not working.
“Our traffic calming devices on the NE 125th corridor impose anywhere between 25 to 30 miles per hour, but no one is doing that,” she said. “We are trying to find ways to deter speeding along different directions.”
Another resident demanded more support for single mothers in low-income households, stating that there are not enough resources for single moms, who represent a large percentage of the local population, adding the need for childcare facilities that are city-funded.
Timothe responded to this concern by sharing that she, too, is a single mother with a young child. While she highlighted existing support programs, such as the city’s partnership with Extended Hands, which provides resources for new mothers, she acknowledged the need for more and committed to expanding opportunities and resources for mothers in the community.
A resident who was left economically unstable after a divorce shared a positive comment about being able to move into a mixed-use residential building located at 950 NE 124th Street, which offers affordable housing opportunities for various income ranges.
“I had the opportunity to work with that developer to get more than 20% of housing allocated for different ranges of income,” said Timothe.
“Now I can afford a two-bedroom apartment,” said the resident. “I congratulate you, keep going and I will vote for you anytime.”
On Nov. 3, 2026, North Miami voters will head to the polls for the city commission and mayoral elections, where Timothe will seek reelection.