Vicki Lopez | The Long Game w/ Jay Roberts #31

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On this episode of The Long Game, Prosper Group CEO Jay Roberts sits down with Miami-Dade County Commissioner Vicki Lopez, who represents District 5, including Brickell, Downtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and surrounding communities.

Vicki shares her journey from earning an accounting degree at Notre Dame and working as an investment banker to entering public service, first as a county commissioner and later serving in the Florida House before returning to local government.

Jay and Vicki discuss Miami-Dade’s housing affordability crisis, the influx of new residents and capital into South Florida, and why increasing housing supply and incentivizing developers are critical to keeping Miami accessible to working families, first responders, teachers, nurses, seniors, and young professionals.

Vicki also breaks down her work on Florida’s Live Local Act and explains how the legislation has evolved to encourage more attainable housing while accounting for the unique needs of communities such as Miami Beach.

The conversation also explores the condominium reforms passed in the wake of the Surfside tragedy, including stronger reserve requirements, structural inspections, special assessments, and the realities of maintaining aging condominium buildings throughout South Florida.

Jay and Vicki discuss property tax reform, government spending, Miami International Airport, the future of transit between the mainland and Miami Beach, PortMiami’s continued expansion, the Fisher Island fuel facility, the I-395 Signature Bridge, and the transportation challenges facing Miami’s rapidly growing urban core.

Vicki also explains why she believes effective government requires collaboration between residents, developers, capital markets, community organizations, and public officials—and why local government gives her the opportunity to directly address the issues affecting the people she represents.

🎯 TAKEAWAYS:

• How Vicki Lopez went from investment banking to public service
• Why housing affordability remains one of Miami-Dade’s biggest challenges
• How the Live Local Act incentivizes developers to build more attainable housing
• Why Miami needs more housing for teachers, nurses, firefighters, first responders, seniors, and young professionals
• How the Surfside tragedy reshaped Florida’s condominium safety laws
• Why condo reserves, structural inspections, and special assessments have become major issues for Florida homeowners
• Vicki’s perspective on property tax reform and government spending
• Why Miami International Airport and PortMiami need continued investment and expansion
• The transportation challenges connecting Downtown Miami, Miami Beach, and the surrounding urban core
• Why collaboration, negotiation, and listening to constituents are essential to effective local government

Stay up to date with Jay Roberts:

Instagram: @jayroberts
Website: ProsperGroup.com