Mayor Eileen Higgins Nominates James Reyes as City Manager

Mayor Eileen Higgins Nominates James Reyes as City Manager

Published on December 29, 2025

James Reyes currently serves as Chief of Public Safety for Miami-Dade County, overseeing operations serving nearly three million residents with an annual budget exceeding $1.2 billion. In this role, he manages multiple departments critical to public safety and community services.

"Mr. Reyes has demonstrated the transformational leadership our city needs," wrote Mayor Higgins. "James Reyes brings the executive leadership skills essential to municipal management: fiscal accountability, process improvement, strategic planning, and the ability to develop high-performing teams. His servant leadership approach emphasizes transparency and empowering others to succeed. He shares my commitment to serving all Miami residents with respect and dignity."

When recruited to lead Miami-Dade Corrections in 2022, he inherited facilities that had been out of federal compliance for over a decade. Within one year, he achieved full compliance, a testament to his ability to work with employees to diagnose systemic challenges and implement sustainable solutions. His success earned him a promotion to Chief of Public Safety just 11 months later.

Before joining Miami-Dade County, Mr. Reyes spent 22 years with the Broward Sheriff's Office, rising through six promotions under both Republican and Democratic sheriffs. As Executive Director of Administration, he oversaw a budget exceeding $1 billion and managed divisions responsible for finance, procurement, fleet services, facilities management, infrastructure projects, and strategic planning for an agency serving all of Broward County.

"I am honored by Mayor Higgins' nomination and grateful for the trust she has placed in me," said Reyes. "My career in public service has been guided by a commitment to listening to our community, leading with integrity, and delivering results that make a real difference in people's daily lives. I look forward to working with the City Commission through the confirmation process and helping deliver results for residents while restoring trust in City Hall through transparent, accountable leadership."

"Our residents have made clear what they expect: faster permitting to help homeowners and businesses, streamlined processes that put customer service first, and a city government that works efficiently for everyone," added Mayor Higgins. "James Reyes has proven he can modernize operations, accelerate service delivery, and build cultures of excellence. His track record directly aligns with our vision for responsive, efficient city services."