MIAMI—Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced on Monday that former challenger Manny Cid will serve as Senior Advisor for Economic Opportunity in the Miami-Dade Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED).
"I’m excited to announce that Manny Cid will join my administration as a Senior Advisor for Economic Opportunity," Levine Cava said. "As a small business owner himself, Manny will be a champion to empower small businesses and create more opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive in Miami-Dade."
In his new role, Cid will work to improve Miami-Dade's business environment by easing excess regulation, supporting small businesses, helping first-time homeowners, increasing investment and hiring opportunities, and other economically innovative measures.
The county also noted the job will catalyze a "Future-Ready" Miami-Dade.
"OIED strengthens our region’s global competitiveness by engaging community stakeholders and prioritizing solution-focused, people-first policies and programs. We align private, public, academic, and philanthropic sectors to enable collective action. Together, we are building for today and investing in tomorrow," the county said.
The appointment comes after Levine Cava faced Cid, a Republican, in the nonpartisan Miami-Dade County mayor election last August. Levine Cava defeated Cid by a comfortable margin with 58% of the vote.
Cid received 23% of the vote while a third opponent, Alexander Otaola, received 12%.
Cid served as mayor of Miami Lakes from 2016 until this past December. He also served as Vice-Mayor and a town Councilmember before becoming Miami Lakes' youngest mayor at age 33.
Before public office, Cid earned a bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership and a master's degree from St. Thomas University. He also owns and operates the Mayor's Cafe in Miami Lakes.
A native of Miami-Dade County, Cid is the son and grandson of Cuban exiles.
Levine Cava, 69, was first elected mayor of Miami-Dade County in 2020. She previously served as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner from 2014 until her election.
Her victory over Cid and Otaola for her second term was one of few bright spots for Democrats in Miami-Dade County after President-elect Donald Trump carried the area.
Levine Cava was sworn in as mayor for her second four-year term on Nov. 20. Her current term ends on Nov. 21, 2028.
