Steven Losner, Mayor, City of Homestead

In an interview with Invest:, Mayor Steven Losner of Homestead discussed the city’s progress, economic growth, and efforts to enhance quality of life. From infrastructure improvements to aerospace development, Homestead is shaping its own future. “This is our moment, and we’re taking control.”

What have been the key milestones for the city over the last year?
Homestead operates under a city manager form of government — the Council sets policy and goals, and a professional team implements them. Never before have we had a team as strong as the one we have now.

In the past year, we brought in a new city manager who assembled a stellar team. The progress we’ve made in moving projects forward has been remarkable. While not always flashy, we’ve tackled critical infrastructure issues, like sewage backups, that had been neglected. At one point, a county moratorium blocked new business hookups, but with our manager’s expertise, we cut through delays quickly and efficiently.

It’s a whole new world in Homestead. We now have top-tier leadership — a new city manager, planning director, public works director, and police chief — giving us the professional management needed to shape our future. As Deep South Florida becomes the last frontier for investment, we’re taking control rather than letting others decide our path.

With new officials elected in November 2023 and a revitalized leadership team, Homestead is steering its own future for the first time in 50 years.

What are some of the factors driving the city’s growth?
The primary factor is that we are one of the last desirable areas for homebuilding. While housing prices seem high from my perspective, they are still a relative bargain compared to other parts of South Florida. That affordability is driving people in our direction.

On the commercial and industrial side, we have space available within the designated development area, which is increasingly rare. Additionally, approximately 800 acres of county-owned land around Homestead Air Reserve Base have been designated by the federal and state governments for aerospace technology. That designation is a game-changer.

We expect this to attract a new wave of economic activity — highly skilled and educated professionals, as well as defense contractors and private aerospace companies working on satellite applications. Most importantly, some of those firms are looking specifically at Homestead.

The aerospace designation has also caught the attention of Miami-Dade College, Florida International University, and the Miami-Dade School Board. They’re working to establish educational pathways so students can train for careers in aerospace, manufacturing, research, and development. This sector has the potential to reshape the economic demographics of Deep South Dade and Homestead.

What makes Homestead such a great place to live?
Despite our rapid growth since 2007, we’ve maintained a small-town feel. Our authentic downtown, dating back to 1913, is set for an $8 million revitalization, including wider sidewalks, new lighting, and enhanced public spaces — something rare in South Florida.

We also recognize the challenges of growth. Many residents commute north for work, impacting their quality of life. By creating more jobs in aerospace, small businesses, and restaurants, we hope to ease that burden. Even a few thousand fewer commuters on the Turnpike or US-1 would make a difference.

A major hospital chain is planning an expansion, bringing high-quality medical jobs. Two assisted living facilities — one new, another doubling in size — will also add jobs and improve local amenities.

New development on the east side of Homestead is attracting nationally recognized restaurants. Something as simple as getting a Chick-fil-A might not seem significant elsewhere, but it signals that major brands recognize our growth. We’re also working to expand entertainment and dining options so residents don’t have to travel elsewhere.

Plans are underway to transform the former Sports Complex into Homestead Regional Park, a 100-acre recreational hub. We’re also in discussions to bring a golf course and water park, with exciting announcements coming soon.

When I campaigned in 2023, residents’ top concern, aside from traffic, was the need for more things to do. We heard them, and we’re making it happen.

How is the city navigating regional economic trends and potential challenges?
We’re fully committed to aerospace development and working with colleges and public officials to stay the course. However, some officials are trying to divert land away from that mission, and we strongly oppose any effort that could diminish aerospace opportunities or threaten the viability of Homestead Air Reserve Base.

We must be cautious about encroaching development — whether it’s excessive building height, density, or even issues like light and glare. The base has long been a pillar of our economy, and we need to protect it.

Another key economic driver is the Homestead-Miami Speedway, which plays an integral role in job creation and tourism. Instead of treating these as separate projects, we’re finally looking at the big picture — how all these pieces fit together for long-term economic success.

What are your top priorities for the city in the coming years?
Our top priority is improving roads and increasing capacity. We’re working with state and federal partners to deploy impact fees to fix potholes and upgrade infrastructure—basic but essential needs.

Job creation closer to home is also crucial, along with expanding local amenities so residents don’t have to leave Homestead for dining, entertainment, and recreation.

For investors, my message is clear — Homestead is open for business. We have the land and a forward-thinking City Council focused on long-term growth. This is our moment, and we’re taking control. We are committed to sustainable development.

A key challenge is the state legislature’s push to preempt local control over housing density and height restrictions. While we acknowledge the need for affordable housing, one size doesn’t fit all. Homestead isn’t meant to be another high-rise, high-density city. Brickell is great to visit, but that’s not our vision.

What’s the key to shaping Homestead’s future?
A strong professional staff is essential, particularly in Development Services and city management. Like me, our city manager is focused on building a lasting legacy—laying a strong foundation for the future, not just making short-term decisions.

We’re at a turning point. For too long, others have dictated our path. Now, we’re taking control.

People still use Hurricane Andrew as a reference point, but we’ve moved beyond that. Homestead is no longer a struggling community. I see us as the capital of South Miami-Dade, a place where the future lives.

We offer the best of both worlds — opportunity, jobs, and entertainment while preserving our hometown feel. This is where people will want to be.