Commissioner
Melissa
Castro
Proven Leadership. Residents First.
Coral Gables Commissioner
Election Day: November 3, 2026
Historic
First Colombian Elected &
8th Woman in 100 Years
Biography
Commissioner
Melissa Castro
Commissioner Melissa Castro was elected as a Coral Gables City Commissioner in April 2023, making history as the first Colombian elected to the Commission and the 8th woman to serve in the City's 100-year history. She brings expertise in business operations, behavioral analysis, and organizational strategy to city governance — committed to transparency, efficiency, and ensuring residents have a direct voice in shaping the city's future.
A graduate of Florida International University, Commissioner Castro holds a bachelor's degree in psychology with a specialization in applied behavior analysis and a master's degree in industrial-organizational psychology. As the owner of M.E.D. Expeditors, a successful permit expediting firm, she gained firsthand experience navigating government processes — a perspective that has guided her work to streamline permitting, improve services, and advance resident-focused policies. She has strengthened public engagement by adding new communication requirements to the zoning code, launching "Tuesdays with Melissa," and holding the city's only town halls on the millage rate and taxes.
Commissioner Castro has been appointed to serve on several Florida League of Cities committees, giving Coral Gables a voice at the state and federal level on growth, governance, and accountability. She served as Vice Chair of the FLC's Development, Code Compliance and Redevelopment Committee in 2025, and has been elevated to Chair of that same committee in 2026, a distinction that reflects the trust her peers place in her leadership on growth and governance issues. She was also named a Home Rule Hero by the Florida League of Cities in 2025, one of the organization's highest recognitions, awarded to elected officials who champion local government authority and the rights of municipalities to govern themselves. She is also recognized for her defense of democracy and the Constitution, securing a victory that restored residents' right to vote on election changes. A proud Coral Gables resident and mother of two, she remains dedicated to preserving the city's charm while promoting smart, sustainable progress.
Florida League of Cities · 2026
Home Rule
Hero Award
Commissioner Castro was named a Home Rule Hero by the Florida League of Cities in 2026, one of the organization's highest honors. The award recognizes elected officials who travel to Tallahassee to fight for local government authority and the right of municipalities to govern themselves.
For Melissa, this is personal. She goes to Tallahassee because Coral Gables deserves a seat at the table when state policy is being written. She advocates not just for our city, but for every municipality in Florida that believes local voices should make local choices.
My Platform
Five Priorities for Coral Gables
Safety
Supporting our police and first responders, protecting neighborhoods, and ensuring Coral Gables remains one of the safest cities in Florida.
Taxes
Delivering four consecutive years of millage rate reductions and fighting to keep Coral Gables affordable for families and businesses.
Overdevelopment
Protecting the character and scale of our neighborhoods from inappropriate density and ensuring residents have a voice in every major development decision.
Transparency
Passing the strongest anti-kickback and anti-corruption measures in the City's history and requiring public disclosure of developer relationships.
Civility
Leading with professionalism, respect, and a commitment to bringing people together rather than creating division.
What I Stand For
My Commitment to You
Accountable
Melissa does not accept campaign contributions from developers. She believes residents deserve to know who is influencing the decisions made at City Hall. She supports transparent government, responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and stronger safeguards against special interests shaping the future of Coral Gables.
Independent
Melissa makes decisions based on the facts, the public interest, and what is best for Coral Gables residents. She is not afraid to question the majority, challenge powerful interests, or cast the lone "no" vote when a proposal threatens our neighborhoods, finances, or quality of life. Her independence is not a slogan. It is reflected in her record.
Dedicated
Melissa believes public service begins with listening and continues with action. Through her weekly "Tuesdays with Melissa" office hours, direct constituent assistance, and more than 147 sponsored legislative and discussion items, she has built a record of accessibility and results. Residents do not need political connections to be heard. They need a commissioner willing to answer, investigate, and advocate for them.
Election Day
November 3, 2026
The choice on November 3rd is clear: proven, independent leadership that puts residents first — or a return to the politics of the past.
Political advertisement paid for and approved by Melissa Castro for Coral Gables Commissioner.