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Community Focus
This year is off to a wonderful start.
With the Council’s support, I successfully implemented the Infill Housing Program in collaboration with Miami-Dade County Chairman Oliver Gilbert’s office. Through the program, Miami-Dade County allocates lots specifically for workforce housing development, allowing for an easier transition to homeownership. We established a Miami Gardens version of Habitat for Humanity, working alongside companies like Home Depot, Ozinga, Floor & Decor, a trucking company, and our partner local developer Palmetto Homes. Eligible residents are only required to put 1% down for closing. We have completed one house and are about to break ground on the second.
Another important project we partnered with Chairman Oliver Gilbert on was the Septic to Sewer Program. Some of our residents live in homes built more than 40 years ago. They still have septic tanks, which need to be switched over to the sewer system. To avoid costs to the residents, the City, along with Chairman Gilbert and Miami-Dade County, are securing funding for this program to bring a number houses up to date.
We have accepted applications for and launched the Senior Beautification Program, which helps senior citizens enhance their homes. They receive up to $2,500 per house for painting, re-sodding, and other improvement methods. We also offer the Weatherization Program, where the City helps repair roofing issues, cracked driveways, and other similar problems.
In May, up to 10,000 guests attended the new, free event, Karaoke in the Gardens, spearheaded by my office. It provides entertainment and offers local businesses, like technology vendors, videographers, and food trucks, the opportunity to showcase their services. The residents enjoyed it, and it will be back next quarter.
Looking Ahead
Recently, I sponsored an agenda item regarding the Sister Cities International initiative that was approved by the Council. We’ll partner with Ghana to do business, exposing them to some of our business owners and sharing best practices. I’m looking forward to taking this relationship to the next level, including creating opportunities for our college students at St. Thomas and Florida Memorial Universities and our high school students to learn more about what’s happening in other countries worldwide.
My hope for Miami Gardens is that in the next 20 years, we’ll continue to build upon the legacy already being created to become a world-class City. I’d like to see us still providing affordable housing so we won’t price current residents out while still bringing new businesses in. We also want to stabilize the tax base so we don’t have to raise residents’ taxes and still generate enough revenue to maintain all the amenities we’re adding for our residents. That’s my goal for the next 20 years.
To stay connected, residents can follow me at @reggiealeon on Instagram.
