Vince Lago is a dedicated public servant, community leader, loving husband and father, and advocate for the residents of Coral Gables. With a background in urban planning and a commitment to family values, he prioritizes residents' interests while spearheading initiatives to enhance the city's infrastructure and cultural fabric. Educated at Florida International University, Vince's professional expertise and tireless dedication to enriching the community through public service and philanthropy reflect his unwavering commitment to Coral Gables' well-being and prosperity.
His journey in public service began eight years earlier when he was elected City Commissioner, later serving as Vice Mayor from 2019 to 2021.
Mayor Lago's commitment to the community extends far beyond his elected positions. He has actively participated in South Florida's civic and philanthropic spheres, notably as a member of the Coral Gables Planning and Zoning Board. His balanced and innovative approach to urban planning has always prioritized the residents' interests, safeguarding the city’s distinctive charm and heritage.
Under his leadership, Coral Gables has taken significant strides in sustainability. He spearheaded numerous legislative initiatives focused on energy conservation and enhancing the city's infrastructure. His passion for the arts and culture shines through his long-standing involvement with Locust Projects, a non-profit that supports artists, and his contributions to the Coral Gables Museum and Miami’s Arts and Entertainment Council.
Educated at Florida International University, Mayor Lago holds a master's degree in Construction Management and a bachelor’s in Business Administration. His professional expertise is reflected in his role as an executive at a leading management and design firm specializing in healthcare and educational facilities.
Since 2017, Vince has also been instrumental in regional planning, particularly in transportation, by serving on the board of the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization. In 2021, he took on the role of Vice Chair for the Biscayne Bay Watershed Management Advisory Board, focusing on the bay's long-term health and sustainability.
Mayor Vince C. Lago of Coral Gables stands as a testament to the profound impact that family and heritage can have on one's life and leadership. Alongside his wife, Olga Mari Saizarbitoria, and their daughters, Mirentxu and Catalin, Vince is deeply embedded in the community he so passionately serves. The Lago family embodies the spirit and values of Coral Gables, reflecting a commitment to public service and community welfare.
Vince's dedication to family is mirrored in his illustrious family background, which is rich with professional and public service accomplishments. Coming from a family of achievers—his parents are respected doctors, his siblings are successful attorneys, and his grandfather served as the Surgeon General of Cuba and was a renowned politician—Vince has always valued the importance of family and the influence it holds. This heritage of dedication and service has profoundly shaped Vince's approach to governance and community engagement, driving him to pursue policies that nurture and protect the community, ensuring it thrives for generations to come.
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Mayor Vince C. Lago’s deep-seated commitment to philanthropy is evident in his tireless dedication to enriching and uplifting the Coral Gables community. Over the years, his contributions have not only enhanced the cultural and historical fabric of the city but have also fostered a strong sense of unity and celebration among its residents.
His philanthropic endeavors are both creative and impactful. Vince has donated an original antique historic map to the Coral Gables Museum, enriching the city's appreciation for its past. He also established a little library at the Coral Gables Women's Club, promoting literacy and learning in a communal space. In a historic first, he donated a large ceremonial menorah that was inaugurated in front of City Hall during Hanukkah in 2023, celebrating diversity and inclusion within the community.
Furthermore, Vince spearheaded the inaugural Mayor’s Ball, a landmark event that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for vital local causes, including the League Against Cancer. This event not only highlights his ability to rally the community around important issues but also underscores his dedication to health and well-being. His ongoing contributions to the Coral Gables Community Foundation and personal involvement in city-wide clean-up efforts further demonstrate his commitment to the city’s aesthetic and communal health.
Vince is also a staunch advocate for human rights, passionately opposing human trafficking and sex trafficking. His donations and support for anti-trafficking initiatives reflect his dedication to safeguarding the dignity and rights of all individuals. Through these initiatives, Mayor Lago has shown that philanthropy is more than just donations—it’s about creating lasting change and fostering a community that cares deeply for its environment and each other. His efforts reflect a true dedication to service and an unwavering belief in the power of community involvement to generate positive outcomes.
Personal Philanthropic Donations:
