Reforming Government

– Mayor Alvarez has worked tirelessly to reform County government, remove politics from the process and restore the public’s trust. He successfully led an effort to change the Miami-Dade County Charter creating an Executive Mayor (Strong Mayor) form of government.  It makes a single countywide elected official accountable for the management of all administrative departments, a responsibility the Mayor has embraced.  More than a dozen new directors have been appointed to key departments, including Park and Recreation, Transit, and Human Services.

Budgeting Smarter

– Mayor Alvarez has worked hard to reduce the size of government while preserving County services.  Positions have been eliminated, departments consolidated and cuts have been made across all departments with little disruption to the programs and services residents not only enjoy, but demand.  Together with the County Commission, a leaner, more financially responsible budget was passed in FY 2007-2008 – unanimously!

Redefining Juvenile Services

– Mayor Alvarez encourages innovative tactics for keeping Miami-Dade County safe.  As Director of the Miami-Dade Police Department he encouraged the formation of the Juvenile Justice Department as a separate entity from the police.  Over the last decade, Miami-Dade County has reduced juvenile arrests and troubled children who commit minor offenses can receive complete targeted treatment services without the baggage of an arrest.  Miami-Dade’s program is considered a national role model by the U. S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Fighting Crime

– As a veteran law enforcement officer, Mayor Alvarez has made public safety a top priority. Violent crime continues to decline as a result of efforts and initiatives that began when he was Police Director.  Most recently, he instituted the Gun Bounty Program which offers a reward to members of the community who turn in someone with an illegal gun.  The program has gotten dozens of firearms off the streets.

Protecting the Environment

– Mayor Alvarez has been a strong advocate for planned growth.  He has consistently and zealously supported efforts to prevent expansion beyond the Urban Development Boundary.  The Mayor has argued that moving the line and allowing unrestrained growth would not only threaten the Everglades, but also strain community infrastructure and severely impact government services such as police and fire protection.

Planning for the Future

– Mayor Alvarez has outlined a vision to ensure Miami-Dade County remains a leading business and tourism destination for generations to come.  He has focused on keeping Miami-Dade County’s major economic engines, the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport, competitive.  During his first term, the airport’s South Terminal opened, expediting the completion of the new North Terminal.  He’s inked a deal with the Florida Department of Transportation to build a direct underwater link between the mainland and the seaport, to ease downtown traffic and increase the port’s cargo capacity.

Tackling Mortgage Fraud

– Mayor Alvarez was one of the first to take action after recognizing that mortgage fraud was a real problem in our community.  His Mortgage Fraud Task Force has prompted hundreds of investigations, toughened penalties for mortgage-related crimes, and educated the public and real estate professionals.   Most recently, a State Mortgage Fraud Task Force was created and patterned after the Miami-Dade County model.

Embracing Technology

– Mayor Alvarez has worked to create an environment that is technologically appealing to residents, visitors and businesses.  His Wireless Miami-Dade Pilot Project has brought free wireless Internet service to four of Miami-Dade County’s largest public parks – Tropical, Tamiami, Goulds and Amelia Earhart.  The wireless systems also include wireless security cameras to monitor park activities and provide an additional layer of community safety.

Decriminalizing Mental Illness

– The Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force successfully implemented a number of recommendations to decriminalize mental illness.  Law enforcement and correctional officers are now trained to respond more effectively to cases involving the mentally ill, and a first-of-its-kind mental health diversion facility is being created to keep the mentally ill out of jail and make sure they receive critically-needed services and a continuum of care.

Serving Senior Citizens

– Mayor Alvarez has shown a continuing commitment to Miami-Dade County’s senior citizens.  He has worked to identify, protect and defend the programs and services for seniors, believing that this community has a moral obligation to care for those who cared for us.  The Mayor’s Initiative on Aging, "To Life," has held promotional, fitness and educational events all across Miami-Dade County specifically geared to senior citizens.

Safeguarding Water Resources

– Mayor Alvarez has worked to achieve a realistic and responsible mentality about water usage.  During his tenure, Miami-Dade County has committed to an ambitious and aggressive water reuse plan.  When this project is completed, Miami-Dade County residents will be recycling nearly half of the water that they use.

Defending Workers’ Rights

– Mayor Alvarez has been a strong defender of workers’ rights, understanding that competitive salaries and benefits are needed to hire and retain qualified professionals.  He has strived to set an example for workplace conditions and let county employees know their work is valued.

Tackling Transportation

– With the understanding that no one project can solve Miami-Dade County’s transit woes, Mayor Alvarez has advocated initiatives, both big and small, to improve traffic flow.  Improved intersections, synchronized traffic signals, and a driver awareness campaign are some of the projects he has championed.  He has also supported the idea of reversible toll lanes to allow motorists additional options for travel during peak hours.  Reversible lanes are currently being implemented along I-95.

Managing Emergencies

– A tested and proven leader, Mayor Alvarez has been out front during some of Miami-Dade County’s biggest emergencies.  He was the face of County government during Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma.  As the former Director of the Miami-Dade Police Department and now as Mayor, Carlos Alvarez has been involved in nearly every crisis and major event this county has faced, including the Mariel Boat Lift, the Crash of Valujet Flight 592, the visit of Pope John Paul II, and the Elian Gonzalez saga.