Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County, announced on April 1, 2026, that Nicole Tallman will serve as the county’s next Poet Laureate.
Tallman has served as the Mayor’s Poetry Ambassador for the past five years and is known for her community-focused and collaborative approach to poetry. She is the author of four poetry collections, a volunteer editor for South Florida Poetry Journal and JackLeg Press, and serves on the advisory board for SWWIM.
“Nicole is a true poet of the people, and it is a true pleasure to have her serve as the final Poet Laureate that I will appoint during my tenure,” Mayor Levine Cava said. “Given her impressive track record, 24/7 service to our community, and understanding of government and the arts, Nicole is uniquely qualified to work with the Library system, past Poets Laureate, and community partners to continue the program well into the future and create a process for poets to apply to be the next Poet Laureate.”
Before being named Miami-Dade’s third Poet Laureate, Tallman founded the county’s first Poet Laureate program and championed poetry, literacy, and community engagement. She led two collaborative Heroic Sonnet Crown Projects involving the Mayor and local residents, placed poetry in public spaces such as public transit, Miami International Airport, and PortMiami, and supported projects by former Poets Laureate Richard Blanco and Caridad Moro-Gronlier.
“It was an honor to serve as the Mayor’s Poetry Ambassador and it is an honor to serve this community as Poet Laureate for the next few years, and to shepherd Miami’s Poet Laureate program into the future,” Tallman said. “As Poet Laureate, I plan to work on more collaborative projects that will bring our community together through the power of the arts. I am so grateful for this opportunity.”
Tallman also created and hosted the Lunchtime Poetry & Jazz Series, founded the Redacted Books and Be Well Reading Series, and has held editorial and advisory roles with several literary organizations. Her next poetry collection, The Velvet Room, is set to be published in April 2027.
