For the first time, top officials from the City of Coral Gables and the University of Miami convened to exchange information regarding future plans and programs of mutual benefit. The inaugural annual meeting between city officials and UM representatives took place on Nov. 29 at the Newman Alumni Center on the Coral Gables campus.
Members of the commission, key city staff, the university’s board of trustees, and top university officers attended the meeting. UM president Donna Shalala and Mayor Jim Cason briefed attendees on several items and projects the university and the city are working on respectively.
President Shalala updated attendees on projects at the UM. Mayor Cason updated the university on the various investments the city is making in neighborhoods through the Neighborhood Renaissance Program to preserve and enhance property values and communities.
Shalala expressed her support of the planned improvements and commented on the positive impact improvements have on the entire community including the university.
The meeting is part of the 20-year development agreement with the University of Miami. The development includes a number of discounted pricing for university events and programs for residents. UM’s CFO Joe Natoli and city manager Pat Salerno also spoke about upcoming projects. The collegial relationship between the city and the university will help lay the groundwork for a better future. Despite challenging economic times, both parties agreed to work together to build a great city and university.
