Fighting for Change

- Upon being elected Mayor on November 16, 2004, Carlos Alvarez began ushering in a new era of integrity and accountability in local government.  Even before being sworn-in, the Mayor sent a strong message that responsible and ethical behavior was expected by all of those in County government.  He has led by example. Through his actions and words, he has carried out his duties with dignity and unquestioned integrity, ably leading a government with nearly 30,000 employees and a budget of more than $7 billion.

Getting Results

- Delivering on his campaign promise and determined to remove politics from professional decision-making, Mayor Alvarez successfully led a reform movement – embraced by County citizens – to fundamentally change the structure of government.   Through a referendum in January 2007 and following two years of legal wrangling, the Executive Mayor (Strong Mayor) form of government was adopted.  The Mayor is now responsible for the day-to-day administration of County government.  The County Commission remains the County’s governing body, legislating through ordinances and resolutions.

Since the passage of the Strong Mayor reforms, Mayor Alvarez has quietly and methodically begun a much-needed culture shift in County government.  He has successfully reduced the size of government, made leadership changes in more than a dozen departments, and found efficiencies that have enabled County government to do more with less. The Mayor has worked tirelessly to win back the public’s trust by eschewing business practices of the past, reducing the influence of special interests, and making decisions that are practical, cost efficient and place the welfare of the community before all else.

Experience at Work

- With a distinguished 28-year career in public service, Mayor Alvarez has a unique understanding of the inner-workings of County government.  He possesses historical knowledge that few can match.  As the former Director of the Miami-Dade Police Department, he created the department’s Public Corruption Unit.  During his seven years as Police Director, more than 900 public corruption arrests were made.  He became known as a tough, but fair, leader and earned the respect of many.  Experience, combined with his low-key leadership style and common sense approach, has proven to be the right recipe for bringing about true reform.

Tackling Challenges

- Never shying away from a challenge, controversial projects have been completed or set on a new course during his tenure, including the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center and Miami International Airport’s North and South Terminals.  He has laid out a vision for Miami-Dade County’s future, by championing critical public works projects including the Port Tunnel and an ambitious water reuse plan.   In the face of great opposition, he has consistently advocated smart growth by preventing development beyond the Urban Development Boundary so as not to encroach on the Everglades and further strain County services.

He has shown his true leadership capabilities during times of crisis.  He was out front and the voice of calm during Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma, and following the transfer in power in Cuba from Fidel Castro to his brother, Raul Castro. 

Bringing People Together

- He has championed worker’s rights understanding that Miami-Dade County functions because of the efforts of thousands of committed and hardworking public employees.  He has also proven his ability to work with the County Commission, looking beyond differences and forming alliances to ensure that government continues to move in a positive direction.

Mayor Alvarez is a man of humble beginnings. A native of Havana, Cuba, he came to the United States at the age of eight in 1960.  He is the father of two sons and one daughter.