As she completed her tenure as Vice Mayor of the City of Doral 2018-2019, Claudia Mariaca was recognized by the Business Forum Group, the Rotary Club of Doral, several community organizations, and residents and business owners for her dedication and success in her leadership role.
The City of Doral Charter determines that the vice mayor position by default rotates every year, at the first Council meeting in the month of November, for the Vice-Mayor to be appointed to serve a one-year term.” From 2018-2019 Seat 1 Councilmember, Claudia Mariaca served as Vice Mayor, working with Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez, and her fellow council members, to take on challenges and champion initiatives that resulted in an amazing year for residents, businesses and visitors.
Mariaca expressed, “I believe the best way to serve our community is by participating. I am proud to see how we have come together in Doral, government, residents, and businesses, to develop projects and policy to continue improving the quality of life. Now we must stay the course to maintain accountability, effectiveness, and responsible growth.”
Accomplishments achieved this past year include:
BUDGET: Millage rate continues to be the second lowest in Miami-Dade County of 34 municipalities;
SAFETY: More officers, vehicles, equipment, new body cameras, officers at every school in Doral, opening of the Doral Emergency Operations Center, hurricane preparedness;
ODOR: Environmental Task Force completed study, the City formally protested the expansion of the Medley Landfill, and continue soil and air sampling/testing;
TRAFFIC & PUBLIC WORKS: New road openings, traffic calming devices along 22 communities, city-wide synchronization of signals, joint agreement with MDC for signals at NW 97th Ave. and 102nd Ave. along NW 74th Street, sidewalk improvements along 10 corridors, storm-water improvements, expanded trolley and FREEBEE services;
YOUTH AND FAMILY: Opening of Doral Glades Park, opening of MAU Park, expanded the Youth Citizens Police Academy, Ritmo Doral, Chairwoman of Autism Speaks, bus for youth programs, enhanced PTSA Grant Program, Coding program, National Kick Butts Day, recreational and sports camps, Silver Club Programs, AARP Senior Community Service Program, Special Needs;
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Unemployment lowest ever, opening of Doral Visitor’s Center, Façade Program Expanded to HOA’s, Hiring Preference for Procurement Projects, Google workshops, cyber security for small businesses, ADA Business Compliance Awareness campaign, Complete Count Committee (Census); and much more.
BOND: Created Oversight Committee, Cultural Center – awarded RFQ, White Course Park Project, Pedestrian Bridge;
ART, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: Art After Dark, Art in Public Places Advisory Board, Art of Music, Blacksmith Art Workshop, Capture Doral Photography Exhibit.
This year, Mariaca took a particular interest in supporting the Doral Police Department to further improve public safety. She participated in Police Ride-A-Longs during different shifts, to understand the situations and challenges our officers encounter while serving our community. Additionally, every school-day in the morning she puts on a vest and volunteers at a Doral school assisting at the drop-off zone, helping to keep children safe and improve the traffic flow in the area.
As part of her dedication to the community, Mariaca this year served as chair of the Autism Speaks Walk, assisting the most urgent needs of our autism community through research, family services, advocacy, and awareness, truly improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families.
As it relates to state legislation, Vice Mayor Mariaca testified at committees for the No-Texting & Driving law helping save lives, and strongly advocated for an Home Owners Association accountability law.
According to Pete De La Torre, president of the Business Forum Group at Doral, “Vice-Mayor Mariaca is a cherished friend of the Business Forum Group. She is and continues to be an unwavering, dedicated, and passionate servant of the residents and business community of Doral.”
Rotary of Doral President Guillermo Palomo stated, “Over the years, Claudia has been one of the best promoters of the Rotary Club of Doral, its values and its projects for the community and its citizens. We are forever grateful for her support and friendship. She embodies the Rotarian spirit and our dedication to serving our community above ourselves.”
