A Note of Gratitude, From Your City Staff

August 14, 2020

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Dear Residents,

This year has been unexpectedly and exceptionally difficult. It has challenged our wellness, our safety, our sense of security, and the routine of our daily lives. Yet still, the City of Miami Beach remains to be a place of beauty, passion, creativity, and community. Historically, it is a city that is known to adapt and then thrive again after any significant setback, and that is because of you.

 

Just after the November 2018 election, city staff received word that voters approved the $439 million Miami Beach General Obligation (G.O.) Bond Program with a 70% vote of confidence. We were impressed by your commitment to invest in the future of your community. We felt honored to work for a city where its residents would be involved partners with their local government in bettering the quality-of-life of their neighbors and future generations. We appreciate it, and especially now, we want to thank you.

 

For the last year and a half, our departments have been hard-at-work upgrading public safety, parks and public infrastructure across the city. Six of the 57 approved G.O. Bond projects have already been fully completed, and seven of 29 other active projects have partial completions. There is still a lot of work to do, but progress is being made every day. The G.O. Bond Program is key to the future quality-of-life in Miami Beach.

 

Thanks to Miami Beach residents and the G.O. Bond Program, we remain confident that this is THE best place to live, work and play. As we continue our work over the next decade, you will see more and more G.O. Bond-funded improvements being installed around town. Keep your eyes peeled for everything from shady tree canopies to smoother streets and sidewalks; upgraded sports fields to renovated community centers; more bike lanes to new streetlights; and that is because of you.

 

If one thing has been made clear this year, it is the power of collective impact. Together, we will rise out of this crisis. Together, we will create positive change for our community. Together, we will keep Miami Beach beautiful and thriving. Thank you residents, for your partnership in the Miami Beach G.O. Bond Program.

 

Love,

Your Local Government

"It is during emergency situations like this pandemic, when every resource is needed, when we are extra-appreciative of programs like the G.O. Bond - which continues to fund critical improvements for our city's first responders. Thank you!"
Shari Lipner, Emergency Management Division Administrator
"Last year, we completed a great renovation of Polo Park baseball fields and we installed new LED lights to 3 parks in North Beach. This year, we beautified Collins Park and we continue to make major improvements to our two popular Youth Centers - Scott Rakow and North Shore. With many more improvements in the works, we thank Miami Beach residents for investing in the parks bond". 
John Rebar, Park & Recreation Department Director
“G.O. Bond funding has enabled the Property Management Department to install new cool roofs at three of the city’s hallmark cultural facilities, helping to waterproof the facilities for many rainy seasons to come and ultimately, helping to reduce the cooling costs for these older buildings. Additionally, the funds have helped us execute many enhancements at our recreation centers, helping to both beautify and harden these facilities for this and future hurricane seasons.  We appreciate the contribution from all of our residents that helped to make this happen.”
Adrian Morales, Property Management Director
“Your Public Works Team is committed to delivering an array of citywide infrastructure enhancements. We have already been able to re-pave nearly 18 miles of roadway and we look forward to the vital work ahead. Thank you, Miami Beach residents, for making our city stronger."  
Roy Coley, Public Works Department Director
“We appreciate the confidence that our residents have bestowed on our city administration. For years, the Office of Capital Improvement Projects has delivered dozens and dozens of projects, all thanks to funding opportunities provided by programs like the G.O. Bond Program. It is exciting and rewarding to have the responsibility to develop and deliver so many marquee projects that will greatly impact every corner and neighborhood in this fabulous city.”
David Martinez, Office of Capital Improvement Projects Director 
"Thanks to the residents of Miami Beach that voted to approve the G.O. Bond Program, we are able to work quickly towards our goal to increase our citywide tree canopy to 22%!"
Elizabeth Wheaton, Environment & Sustainability Department Director