Natalie Milian Orbis: New commissioner brings decades of work for the county

Since being appointed in May, Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis enters office with nearly two decades of experience across major areas of county government, from permitting and infrastructure to housing, public safety, and economic development.

Ms. Milian Orbis said her priorities include lowering taxes, delivering for seniors, a family-first driven solution, supporting public safety, and ensuring government accountability and efficiency.

Filling the vacancy left by now US Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera, Ms. Milian Orbis’ appointment followed community support, including endorsements from residents, every mayor within District 6, labor groups, and elected officials at all levels. She serves as the vice chair of the Government Efficiency and Transparency Ad Hoc Committee and is a member of both the airport and appropriations committees.

She began her county career in 2006, has served under multiple commissioners, and has worked directly with neighbors, small businesses, and agencies to improve government responsiveness and accessibility.

As former vice mayor of West Miami, Ms. Milian Orbis said she championed neighborhood quality of life, supported first responders through autism training and public safety investments, enhanced services for seniors, and launched youth civic engagement programs. She said she also modernized the city’s permitting process, brought transparency to procurement, and authored the Private Property Peace Act to protect the rights and peace of homeowners. 

As a long-time resident of West Miami with her husband, Manuel, and their two children, Ms. Milian Orbis said she is committed to bringing the same results-driven, community-first leadership to every corner of the district.

“This role is truly such a big dream and a blessing for me, and I’ve never wanted, more than anything, to serve this community and be able to do what I’m doing right now,” she said. “If in the future, bigger opportunities [within local government] open up for me where I can continue serving the community, I would love that. But for now, I’m really loving this, and I hope that I can carry this through to have the biggest impact on my community right now.”

Ms. Milian Orbis spoke with Miami Today reporter Abraham Galvan.

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