Chief of Public Safety James Reyes is set to become the next City Manager for the City of Miami, pending approval from the City Commission.
Rumors began to circulate on social media regarding the nomination, and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has now confirmed it on social media, congratulating Reyes and praising his experience as an official.
"I appointed James in December 2022 to take on one of Miami-Dade County's most challenging assignments, leading the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department during a critical period of reform," Mayor Levine Cava shared in a statement. "His steady leadership, focus on accountability, and commitment to long term improvement helped guide the department to the lifting of a long standing federal consent decree earlier this year."
Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins, who was sworn in earlier this month, issued a memorandum to commissioners, expressing that Reyes has "demonstrated the transformation leadership our city needs."
In a news release, Mayor Higgins' office praised Reyes for "overseeing operations serving nearly three million residents with an annual budget exceeding $1.2 billion" in his current office.
In a statement, Reyes said that he was "honored" to receive the nomination, adding that he is "grateful for the trust [Mayor Higgins] has placed in me."
In 2024, Reyes ran against Rosie Cordero-Stutz for Miami-Dade Count Sheriff, losing in a 56% to 44% race.
Despite the loss, Mayor Higgins reportedly sees Reyes as someone who will help streamline and modernize city government.
“James Reyes brings the executive leadership skills essential to municipal management: fiscal accountability, process improvement, strategic planning, and the ability to develop high-performing teams," Mayor Higgins wrote in a memo.
