Miami’s new mayor, Eileen Higgins, has selected her choice for Miami City Manager. This significant Miami City Manager appointment puts James Reyes, the current Chief of Public Safety for Miami-Dade County, in line to lead daily city operations. This news emerges shortly after Higgins assumed office, marking a pivotal moment for the Miami city administration and signaling a potential Miami leadership transition.
The City Commission is slated to vote on this nomination on January 8th. Reyes is expected to succeed the current City Manager, Art Noriega. This selection represents a significant shift in Miami’s city administration, with the appointment of a new Miami City Manager at its core.
Mayor Higgins Takes the Helm with a Vision for Miami City Manager
Eileen Higgins recently made history as Miami’s first female mayor and the first Democrat in decades to hold the office, winning a nonpartisan seat and ending a nearly 30-year Republican streak. Higgins campaigned on modernizing city government, focusing on issues like faster permitting and housing affordability. The selection of a strong Miami City Manager is central to her vision for effective Miami government operations.
Higgins’ administration prioritizes efficiency and streamlining city services. Reyes’ potential appointment as Miami City Manager aligns perfectly with these strategic goals.
Introducing James Reyes, the Candidate for Miami City Manager
James Reyes brings a wealth of experience in public safety, currently overseeing extensive Miami-Dade County public safety operations. This includes managing police, fire rescue, and corrections departments, overseeing a budget exceeding $1.2 billion, and leading departments that serve nearly three million residents. His proven track record as a public safety chief makes him a highly qualified candidate for the Miami City Manager role.
His public service career spans over 25 years. He dedicated 22 years to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, ascending through six promotions and holding executive roles in administration and detention. This deep experience is invaluable for the responsibilities of a Miami City Manager.
A Public Safety Leader Poised to Become Miami City Manager
Reyes joined Miami-Dade County in January 2022, initially leading the Corrections and Rehabilitation Department. He successfully brought facilities, which had been out of federal compliance for over a decade, into full compliance within a single year. This remarkable achievement led to his promotion to Chief of Public Safety, showcasing his adeptness in handling complex issues and positioning him well for the city manager role.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava lauded Reyes’ leadership, calling his compliance work a major accomplishment. Her endorsement underscores his readiness for a significant leadership position, such as Miami City Manager.
The Sheriff’s Race and Future Prospects for the Miami City Manager
In 2024, James Reyes ran as the Democratic nominee for Miami-Dade County Sheriff. Although he was defeated by Rosie Cordero-Stutz in the general election, this marked Miami-Dade’s first elected sheriff race in decades and demonstrated his public profile and understanding of regional dynamics. This experience is relevant to his candidacy for Miami City Manager.
Following the sheriff’s race, Reyes continued as Chief of Public Safety, earning an annual salary of approximately $350,000. His legal first name is Jems. The Miami City Manager position represents a significant career advancement.
While some reports mention Reyes’ residential address is in Broward County, and he previously stated he would relocate if elected sheriff, it remains to be seen if he will move if confirmed as city manager. This detail is often a consideration for the Miami City Manager position.
The City Manager’s Crucial Role in Miami
The city manager serves as Miami’s chief administrator, responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the city government. This critical position holds hiring and firing authority for city employees and plays a key role in setting the city’s budget. The City Manager serves at the pleasure of the mayor and commission, making the upcoming decision on the Miami City Manager exceptionally important.
This role demands strong leadership, fiscal accountability, and strategic planning capabilities, along with the ability to develop high-performing teams. Reyes’ proponents believe he possesses these essential skills for the demanding Miami City Manager role.
Confirmation and Expectations for the New Miami City Manager
Mayor Higgins has formally nominated Reyes via a memorandum, requesting commission approval on January 8, 2026. Higgins is confident that Reyes will modernize city operations and enhance service delivery. The confirmation of this Miami City Manager is eagerly anticipated.
Reyes expressed his honor at the nomination and gratitude for the trust placed in him. He stated his public service is guided by listening, integrity, and results, with a goal to restore trust in City Hall. He is prepared to embrace the full responsibilities of the Miami City Manager.
A New Direction for Miami Under a New Miami City Manager
This appointment is a significant development for Miami, reflecting Mayor Higgins’ priorities for her term. While Reyes’ background is firmly rooted in public safety leadership, and some observers note his limited direct city management experience, his supporters emphasize his proven ability to transform large organizations and manage complex budgets. His selection as Miami City Manager is a bold and forward-thinking move.
The City Commission’s approval will finalize this crucial decision, setting the operational direction for the city. Miami looks forward to a new era under Mayor Higgins and her chosen City Manager. The current news cycle is focused on this Miami leadership transition and its potential impact on Miami government operations, with the new Miami City Manager at the forefront of these discussions.
