HomeMy Public PortalAboutLTC 045-2021 Hall of Fame NominationBAL HARBOUR
- VILLAGE -
OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER LETTER TO COUNCIL
NO. 045-2021
To: Mayor Gabriel Groisman and Members of the Village Council
From: Jorge M. Gonzalez, Village Manag
l�
Date: March 26, 2021
Subject: City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame
The purpose of this Letter to Council is to inform you that this week, I was nominated to
the City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame.
The City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame was established in 2018 to honor legendary
people who have made a significant contribution to the City of Miami Beach.
Nominees come from all walks of life and have made distinguished achievements
across a variety of fields, including arts, architecture, design, science, athletics,
business, and community leadership. Nominees must be well known in their field of
expertise and recognized as a leader. This is the second cycle of consideration for this
program. The inaugural honorees included Norman Braman, Barbara Capitman,
Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Matti Herrera Bower and Morris Lapidus.
As you know, prior to joining Bal Harbour Village, I served as City of Miami Beach City
Manager for 12 years and have lived in Miami Beach for more than 20 years. Needless
to say, I am honored and humbled by this recognition as it acknowledges my service to
the community over that time.
Attached is the nomination package for your information. I will keep you informed of
the progress as the selection process proceeds
Should you have any questions or require additional information please do not hesitate
to contact me.
JMG/RF/MH
NAME BEACH 1-i,ALL OF FAME NOMINA TJOIV FORM
›.›..Please. Type Aff inforrnatiorrc
Nominee's Marne; JOrge Gonzalez
Nominee's Occupation, Field o,} Achievement ar rtte:
Civic Leader City Manager and Re ldentt Cif 1aa.mJ Roach, 2OOO-W21
Ski EMITTER FNFORMATIQN
Nomination Submitted by: Fernandez
Titerecxupatirirr SzsbniIt r! ?utsI c SerVant
Reiafi unship to the Nominee: colleague
(thaw 0e; friend, CiailiSagde, SiLeent empfayee, relative, etc)
Address of Srrbma ,er 320 Chi Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 331414
(Skaat Acrefeast,City, ate, zrp )
Telephone: (Day) 7 945662
(Evening) 786-699-5662
(Fax) t 1
-1Mad Address:
femande Ier as I. m
Data; laar 21.202#
Biography Jorge M. Gonzalez
City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame
Jorge M. Gonzalez is a professional public administrator with more than 30 years
experience in the field aerving at the highest levels of local government adt inistration.
He has seared as the Village !Manager of Bal Harbour '' Ilage :since November 12, 2013
Mr. Gonzalez is responsible for providing executive level leadership, vision and
guidance to the organization, providing recommendations to the Village Council and
implementing policy directives in an efficient and effective manner — all part of an
incredibly diverse and dynamic community
Previously, Mlr. Gonzalez served as the City Manager of the City of Miaml Beach frotri
August 21, 2000 through September 30, 2012, becoming the Cityls 19th Manager since
l°m, incorporation in 1915 To date he was the youngest and longest -serving City
Manager in the .City's modem era_ Miami Beach has a rich history as an entertzinment
and cultural €testiration. and during his tenure, Mr, Gonzalez made significant
contributions to ensure the City's position as a world -class destination, while confronting
the challenges of managing and servicing approximately 90,000 residents, along with
an average daily population 'of more than 15Q.O00 and over 'l5 .million Visitors per year.
Prior to joining the City of Miami Beach, Mr_ Gonzalez was the Senior Assistant Chief
Administrative Officer (CAC) for Montgomery County. Maryland, the highest position in
the County merit employment system. As Senior Assistant. Chief Administrative Officer,
Mr_ Gonzalez was part of the County's management team and was responsible for the
coordination, direction and guidance of all aspects of the organization's operations, with
special focus ort'technology, budget personnel and labor/management issues_
From 1995-1999, Mr. Gonzalez was an Assistant County Manager for Arlington County,
Virginia_ While at Arlington County. he helped to coordinate the functions of a variety of
departments, developed the County's plan and budget to prepare for Y2K, and was the
County's point person on all inters ions with Arlington Public Schoolt, In addition, he
served concurrently as acting director of the Haman Resources Department for almost
two years.
From 10 — '12a5„ Mr Gonzalez hell a number of positions with Miami -Dade County,
including Assistant Direr of Administration for the Center for the Fine Ate;
Management Consultant with the Audit and Management Services Department; and a
Management Trainee with the Office cif the County 'tanager_
In 2004, Mr. Gonzalez received the first -ever City Manager of the Year .Award from
the Florida League of Cities_ This award was created to honor a city manager in the
state of Florida who displays exceptional excellence in the areas of judgment, initiative,
integrity, innovation, professionalism, commitment, and citizen relations_ The Florida
League Of Cities preened this, award to Mr. Gonzalez in recognition of his commitment
to public services„ innovative thinking, and results -oriented accomplishments. In 2005
the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce prrtwited Mr_ Gonzalez with the Citizen ofthe
Year Awr it. in 200Z Mr_ Gonzalez rived the Miami; -Dade City/County Management
Aviation's first ever Leadership Award. This award was established to honor
Biography Jorge M. Gonzalez
City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame
individuals who by force or initiative. innovation and perseverance have made are
outstanding and significant contribution to the public interest it the area of government
performance, leadership_ ethics and policy. In 2009 Mr Gonzalez received the Publics
Official of the Year frorn the South Florida Hispanic Chamber cf Commerce and in 2010
the Member- of file Year Award from the International Hipnii Network, in 1999, Mr,
Gonz,alez was named by the Washirmonian Magazine among the "100 Peopire to
t in the New Mifienniumr.
Mr_ Gonzalez receive .a Bachelor of Art in Politics and Public Affairs and a Master
Degree in Public Administration from the University of Miami. Heis a graduate of the
University of Virginia's Senior Executive Institute and both Leadership Washington, D.C.
and Leadership Florida,
Mr. Gonzalez is a member of the International al City/County Management Association
(I MA), Florida City/County Management Association (FC MA). and the Local
vernment Hispanic Network (LGHN). Mr_ Gonzaiez also serves as are Adjunct
Professor at the University of IVIiarni,, since 2010_ As a result of his distinguished career
and record of achievement. Mr. Gonzalez has been invit e to speak atvarious
international, national and state conferences on a range of dies._
Mr_ Gonzalez contributes his experience and leadership by actively serving/leading en
the governing boards of severalnational, state .and focal organizations including: Miami
Beach Chamber of Commerce Executive Board of Governors, Greater Miami and the
Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau (Executive Committee), Bass Museum r}f art
(Executive Retard), t"oifscnlan-FIU, Miami City Ballet, Mimi Beath United Board of
Directors, Adopt A Classroom, United Way of Arlington County, t_ Patrick Catholic
Church and School (Parish Council and FErtartceCommittee). as well as pritfassional
organizations such as: I MA -RC Client Advisory Board, ICIVEA Task Force on the
Future of the Profession, ICMA International Committee. IGMA Strategic Planning Task
Force, Low Government Hispanic Network, the Miami -Dade City/County Management
Association and the Florida City/County Management Association Board l of Directors
(District V Representative)
In addition to these affiliations, as a resident Jorge has supported the community
through the North Beach Elementary PTA, Friends of North Beath. and the SL Patrick
Home and School Board Association.
Mr. Gonzalez was born and raised in South Florida, and has rrnade Miami Beach his
home for the past twenty years with his wife and children_
7
Nomination Jorge _ Gonzalez — Civic Leader
City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame.
It is with great pleasure that I nominate Jorge - GOnzalez for the City of Miami Beach
Hall of Fame in the category of Cerro Leader
Jorge has been a resident of Miami Beach for over 20 years. making Miami Each his
home upon relocating his family to our beautiful coastal city in 2000. Since arriving in
Miami Beach, Mr. Gonzalez hos served the community in both personal and
professional capacities_ F r twee (12) of these years, from August 21, 2000, through
September 30, 2€ 12, he served as City Manager of Miami Beach, where he was
instrumental in establishing programs and legacy projects that have transformed our
community in long lasting and meaningful ways_ These efforts have contributed to
making- Miami Beach a highly desirable place to be for residents and visitors alike.
Miami Beach has a rich history as an e rta€rrment and cultural destination and during
his tenure,. Mr. Gonzalez made significant contributions to ensure theCity's position as
a world -class destination, while confronting the challenges of managing and servicing
g
approximately 90,000 residents:, along with an average daily population of more than
160,000 and Over 15 million visitors per year.
Pori#inning the City as a cultural destination, Mr. Gonzalez zalez successfully cessfully negotiated to
make the City of Miami Beach the home of Art Basel Miami Beach, the sister event of
the worlds most prestigious art show, Art Basel. The City has hosted the most
important art show in the Western Hemisphere, bringing an exctusive se;ection of more
than 250 leading art galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and
Africa to exhibit 20th and 21st century artworks by over 2,000 artists_ He secured the
permanent home for the Miami City Ballet and spearheaded the New World Center.
home to the New World Symphony, the Country's Orchestra& Academy, and oversaw
the region's only convention center, which encompasses one million square fit_ Mr.
Gonzalez' leadership and initiative led tothe nearly reinragined convention center
renovation and convention center hotel project;., which resulted in a 00 million piu4
investment in the facility, completed in 2019. Mr. Gonzalez was atso instrumental in
attracting and promoting high -profile special events for the destination, ranging from
Super Rbwl (2007 and 2010), the Lin Gramrnys, MTV Latin Music Awards, the
SOURCE Awards, the Latin Billboard Awards, and the ever -popular Food Network &
Cooking Channel South Beach Wire &. Food Festival, celebrating its 201.1' anniversary
this year_ As a result, the City of Miami Bah continues to enjoy a reputation as a
trend -setting destination.
Laing the City of Miami S adh' into a number of exciting joint partnerships. Mr.
Gonzalez successfully negotiated and entered into a joint development agreement with
the New World Symphony in 2004 to develop a sac -acre site, consisting of a symphony
building, a public garage designed by worki-renowned a hite t Frank 0, Gehry, with a
total =instruction value In exc of $200 million, and the spectacular ' oundscape part
designed by the Dutch firm. Vet 8_ The project's unique deign alto enjoyment of
indoor concerts and performances_ which can be hro least outdoors into .Bourrds e
Nomination Jorge M. Gorizalez is Leader
City of liani Beach Hall of f=arm
Park Soundscape Park continues to be programmed nearly year-round vrfth fry
outdoor cars , movie and other events for residents and visitors to enjoy.
In addition, the City of Miami Beach vitas in an enviable position with the two top
producers live music, AEG and Live Nation, and a world-renowned brand, Cinque du
oleil, competing to use and manage the Jackie Gleason Theater_ In 2007, Mr.
Gonzalez succe €ugly negotiated a management agreement with Lure Nation,
considered the world's largest produoer of live music, which brought the City over $.1
million in distributed proceeds in its firs' full year_ Re -branded in its newest rei#.era i r�,
the Fillrnore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater opened in October 2007 and
continues to offer live entertainment in Miami Beach.
As the Chief Executive Weer of a full -service urban community, Mr, Gonzalez was
responsible for the development and oversight of an operating budget of approximately
$400 million and more than 1,700 employees. His twelve year tenure resulted in the
City's highest bond ratings from Moody's and Standard and PDDFs in the City's history,
the City's rawest tax rates in dudes, the City's highest reserves in history, a lesser tax
burden on residents by having more of the Citybudget supported by non- property tax
revenue, and successful navigation through the 2008 financial crisis — one of the most
challenging economic periods tar [-Gnat governments in our generation.
This .strong -fiscal management enabled the City to attract investment, and undertake a
Five Year Capital Improvement Plan of more than 1 Billion to both renovate the City's
aging in'fr i re, as well as design and develop new parks, facilities and signature
green spate. Projects revitalized all areas of the City, fortified underlying
infrastructure. activated new spaces, and beautified public ptaces. It is difficult to
imagine our city today withoutthe renovated and iconic South Pointe Park and Baywalk,
credited with air lerating the revitalization of the South of Fifth neighborhood_ Or the
Collins Park Cultural Campus with its new Miami Beach Regional Library, renovated
Bass Museum of Artand public art installations offering open green space and views of
the ocean_ Or without Soundscape 'Bark arid the Frank Gehry designed New World
Symphony concert hall and parking garage. Cr the rein gined Miami Bean Botanical
Garden redesigned by noted landscape architect Ray-mond Jungles, the renovated
North Beach Band Shell Park that is programmed with concerts and events, or the
signature Miami Beach Seachwalk, the seven -mile, paved pathway that runs from South
Beach to North Beach_ The Miami Herald reported on January 27, 2021 tine last and
final segniorrt of the 2eachwalk is 1.,h-ectuleci to b -e competed In 2022. "Our beat' ilk
is one of the great amenities of cur community,`" Mayor Dan Gelber said in a statement,
"'Heaving an uninterrupted path down the entirety of our ocean front will be spectacular."
Neighborhood streets and roadways were improved and traffic calming measures were
added to several neighborhoods, Hundreds of millions of dollars were invested in
neighborhood improvements including road, lighting, landscape and beautification, and
the much less visible but nn less Important aging water and wcr tine replacement.
Recreation facilities were added or renovated from Flamingo Park Pool and Tents
Nomin lon Jorge M. Gonzalez— civic Leader
City of Miami Bed Hall of Pare
Center to Scott Rakow You11-1 Center to Normandy Peal and North Shore Park and
Youth Center. New tot lots with shade structures were constructed at 53rd & Cr fiir�s,
46th & Collins, South Pointe Park and Lummus Park, and shade structures became
standard with every park renovation to allow for year-round enloyrnent and protection
from the sun. Bark Parks were added for our foUr-Jegged companions_ Bus shelters
were Qed+esigned and new ones were added. Goiters enjoy the renovated Miami Beach
Golf Club :and Normandy Shores Golf Club, with newly constructed clubhouses and
courses redesigned by golf course architect Arthur Hills. Seven new parking: garages
were constructed at Alton & Sth, UDth & Collins:, 16th & Washington, Jefferson ,FL 17th,
the Frank Gehry designed garage at the New World Symphony, tie puf lic,+priv
Sunset Harbor parking garage, and the City Half parking garage at 17th & Meridian, if
parking is. a challenge today,. imagine what, it would be lido without the addition of these
thousands of new parking spaces. As an added benefit for residents, the Administration
established a res ent discount program for reduced rate paring at City awned
garages, meters and parking lots, Residents and visitors enjoy all of three
improvements today and will continue to do so for decades to come,
under Jorge's leadership, the City developed a comprehensive sustainability plan that
began with the early work of the Green Committee in 2007 and culminated virith the first
Sustainability Master Plan approved by the Co.mmission in 011- The plan was a
roadmap to help the City sustain oar natural resources, reduce consumption and
educate the community, Under this plan. the Administration developed the first
Stormwa.ter Master Plan and a first Urban Forestry Master Plan. Beaches were
renoudshed and dunes were restored and enhanced. Mr. Gonzalez developed and
negotiated energy conserving alternative ie transportation programs, including the
Decobike/CitiBike shared bike program arid the Hertz On Demand shared car program,
as well asaffordable transportation options, including the South Beach Lot -- 1 bus
service and the Airport Express Airport Shuttle_ The City partnered with Arneres0o in an
energy savings performance contract to identify energy savings and efficiencies in
buildings and aerations that resulted in more than $1 million reinvested annually In the
city_ In 24309, the United Nations Livable CommunrUes recognized the City with a God
Award at one of the most livable communities in the world_
Projects and accomplishments of this scope and scale do not happen without a high
performing team working under your directiort_ In addition to recruiting top talent for
leadership positions, Mr_ Gonzalez raised the standard for FM City employees and City
departments to achieve professional accreditatcorm_ During his tenure, .several City
departments worked towards and achieved professional accreditation Including Pace,
Fire, Parks and Recreation and Public Works_ meeting national standards in their
respective areas.
During his twelve-year tenure, Mr_ Gonzalez c eveloped and implemented the City's
strategic planning framework, establishing a formal planning process and fostering an
organizational culture fonused on teamwork, performance measurement, effectiven
and out -of -the box thinking. This focus resulted in the City of %liar& Beach's recognition
Nomination Jorge M. Gonzalez — Glob Leader
City of Miami Beach I- I of Fare
fora variety of protects and initiatives, including one project seller as the Governor's
Florida Sterling Council 2007 Quality Team Showcase State Champion, That program —
the Public Area Cleanliness Program —was created to address community feedback on
cleanlir throughout the City, and was recognized as the project that imparted the
greatest Community impact The American Planning Association Lion (AFA) Gold Coast
Section also recognized the value and effectiveness of the City's strategic planning
process m 2007 , as they selected our City's Strabegic Planning Process to receive the
Award for Excellence for an Outstanding Strategic Planning Project orStudy_
Being a resident of the city, while serving as City Manager, gave Mr_ Gonzalez a unique
perspective in understanding the community and its needs beyond City Hall, in 2008,
he developed and negotiated a comprehensive Education Compact veth the Miami
Dade Public Schou stem, which has become the model for Miami -Bede County.
Included among the elements is the signature componont, a kindergarten through 12th
:raider non -magnet, International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme implemented in every.
school, in every *rate. available to every student in the Miami Beach feeder pattern
culminating, in the highly rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme
in high school — the first of its kind in the nation, An students in public schoots on Miami
Beach can derive the benefit of this inquiry -based learning program. Under his
leadership, the Parks Department expanded recreational programming and made it
affordable for families_ Parks were programmed with family oriented movies, carnivals,
and special events, The City's pods and parks, and die polar tot Learn to Swim
pragrarn, were made free for residents_ For teens, the .Administration created the Teen
Club at 2161 Street a free der -school program funded by a federal grant from the
Departmenit of Juvenile Justice. Pans programming was expanded to include more
after -school programs and regular and specialty summer camps,_ Scholarships were
made available to ensure program a ss for all children and that no one was turned
away for financial reasons.
Mr. Gonzalez made it a priority to engage Miami m Beach residents in local government_
To bring goverment closer to it& citizens the Administration created the Miami Beach
A -Z Guide for New Residents, a comprehensive guide to criy services. In 2.005 the
dmirrisiration debuted a bi-n onlihly, bi-lingua:] news magazine, MB Magazine, with
feature articles on people and places on Miami Beach and information on Crty programs
and services including the Recreation Review and Bumr€ier Carnp guide. Published
continuously and wiled to all households on Miami Beach since 2005, the most recent
Winter ter 2021 edition lust anived in mailboxes in January
To develop future civic leaders and rmprove residents' participation in Miami Beach
gov'erncment, in 2002 Mr_ Gonzalez created the Miami Beach Neigrrborhood Leadership
Academy, an interactive civic and public informdtfon program to educate residents on
Clt' programs, services and functions_ By 2011 the program had more than 550
graduates. A testament to the SUCCess of this program, several Miami Beach eluted
oft-iciais .as well as numerous members of the City's beards and committees are
graduates of the program. in 21103, Mr. Gonzalez' efforts resulted in the City of Mliam
4
Nomination Jorge M. Gonzalez — Ciao Loodcr
City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame
Beach receirvino the 'Ai) America CRY" Award from the Nation -al Civic League_ the only
community in the state of Florida and only one of 10 from around the country, to receive
this prestigious, national award that recognizes communities that leverage civic
engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation to su+ a fully address local
issues. Towards the end of his tenure, the City experienced the lowest crime rates and
the City's highest community satisfaction ratings from residents and businesses, In the
`tizen Satisfaction Survey conducted in early 2012, 89% of residents rated their Quality
of Life as Excellent or Good.
Mr_ Gonzalez has demonstrated that his commitment to the City of Malt 13e.ach went
beyond his employment_ He continues to serve the Miami Beach ,community by sharing
hisknow edge and experience to erasure that the community thrives in changing
economic and political environments_ Locally Mr. Gonzalez serves on the Miami Beach
Chamber of Commerce Executive Board of Governors, the Miami Beath United Board
of Directors, and the St Patrick Catholic Church 8nd School Parish Council and
FinanceCommittee_
Although his tenure as City{ Manager came to an end, Jorge's love and commitment to
the community never wavered_ He made good on his promise when he became City
Manager_ he left Miami Beath getter than he found it. He had a direct impact on quality
of life for residents, while, at the same time, promulgating Miami Beach as a global
brand, and ensuring the financial health GI the City. That was a difficult balancing act,
which many tiros steed easy to the casual observer. He left the City weld --positioned
financially and structurally„ to continue its trajectory of success under new leadership_
Mr_ Gonzalez"s ,nark on the community is visible and palpable.. In his over twenty ty years
of living and working € n Miami Beach, Mr. Gonzalez has certainly become earl of the
community fabric, today and for many generations to corm€.
2tiareh 17.2021
Miami Bach Hall of Farm Nominating Committee
Department of -Tourism and Culture
1 755 Medan Avenue, 5,t' floor
Miami Itch_ FI_ 1 'O
Dear :Sir?!yfada' '
It is with great pleasure that we, Miami Beach United, submit this fetter of support for Mr, Jorge
GG1 E f nomination as a Civic Leader to the Miami Beach I lail of F :c.
Mr. Gonzalez served for the twelve years. as it.? Manager, the younge t peas m with the long
tent of any City Manager in 1mair Citv's history_ Ile has consistent iv demonstrated exemplary
leadership and contributed to Miami BekArh in ways that will endure for generations to come and
which positioned our City to become die world -class destination it is today.,
Among his many accomplishments_ r_ CIon. -4kz w~r instrumental in the development of our
City's epic planning framework a.fl1Lhestablished a. t rrn.il planning process and fostered
an oorganiiiiinnill eUitUre focused on tc -'3work, pert rr n a mix/surer/lent r [T ctivcncss and
out -or -the bux thinking, and which w a3 recognized by the American Pla irgg Association
IAPA) Gold Coast SeCtion for its value and eiTectiyent in 2001.
Mr, Gonzalez secured a plamanent haute CEO the liviiand City Ballet and spearheaded ale New
World Center. home to the New World Symphony_ IF a Country's Orchestral A rmy_ He
1;1-wetmsfullY negotiated to magic the City olMiami loch the home n f .art Bel _cirl_iarni F#ewh,
the sister event of the workrs most prestigious art show.. Art Baser, acid rnituagrnd the
convention center rimovation project and et,mvcrttion center hotel projects. which war
instrumental in attracting trod promoting high -profile special events for the de inatiirn. ranging
From .Super Bowl (2 O7 and 2010). the Food Network's South lit=n Food & Vine Festival_ tl,c
Latin: Grammy.% MTV Latin Musk Aw. arts_ the SOURCE Awards.. and the Latin Billboard
A wards,
Mr. Csonralrr-, seeeessfitaV tlegoEiPi ri ;t management alineernent wilt T.ive Nation (2007),
considered the world's largest producer of live ET1USie, WiaiCh bruu&Er, the City over I million in
distributed proceeds in its fiat full wear,Re-branded in its nnve t reiteration_ the Fiilri re Miami
Beach at the -Turkic GliNtsou Theater OPCried in October 20.0
Being a resents-'] tarihe city while a-vFn .=:i City Manager �? ke tars e zr unique, perspective in
andCrSilinding Ihtt Community and ire; netAi, Ia 2008_ Jorge deve lopere and nogotiaterl i
comprehensive F tut ieti C-orttp t wwi th the !t tam I ck Pnh1ic Shoal system which has
become the model for Ml matt Dade Count!, _ included anion the eiernenis is the si8n:ature
component_ a Kindereartcn through 32t]i gr. de, nonmag t_ International Baccalaureate ifl
Prom -amine i.tnptemenied in every school_ in e e grade_ aw ailatble t[a every adent. En the Miami
lice fwier t fn c ttln3rrttltin r4 ttttr hi 1Jy rigOrtn6IrULTnation C Baccalau aw 4 f u
i 2009- Gaird Awarrd presented to the City or }kL ela for being one of the most livable
communities in the world hN the United Natians LEy 11•c C' m nuni ics.
2007- Via . Team Showcase Slats Champion 4eraael t 1.13 Oily raf' Miami Reae'Fl
by the On ernofs Florida sterling Coruncil.
• j 291 i- Citizen of Me Year Award pr sent€i1 to Mr- Gonzalez by the Miami Beach Chamber of
• 2004- Ciiy Manager alike rettgrAivani presented to Mr. GOILMICZ by the Florida Le2srite r f
Cites.
• 2003,- Alf America Citt` Award presentcd to the City, of M ianrr`. Beach b' te the Nattowl
Civic .League. the only community in the state of Florida and only onz of 10 from around the
COLMID. 10 receive this prestigious. national awanL
o date Mr. 'Gonzalez continue!. in Erecarihute hi everienec and lcld hip b activddv=
rv:rrg,leading on the zoverning k3 rd of Several national. state and ]aril'irz: rtiratiun n avdin .:
Miami Reach Chamber ber orCommerec, Greater Miami and the Beaches Convention and Visitconi
Bar, (Evectitive CuuuI!ince), Elam Museum Art (Executive Board Wolfson 'ran-FJLI. Miami
City aal let. ru+l_i rni Keach United. ,Adopt A Classroom, United Way of -Arlington City. and St
Patrick s Church and School ( Parish Council and Finance Committee)_
Mr. C;crnz.a lter is an extremely competent and eth ic0I {Lack- who KIS a concrete hihory of rndk.irag
outstanding, significant and iastinr; rJun butions t: r,ur City_ His +, 4i,r1 has the directly positioned OUTOUTCity LO he world- Lams, d+r i it ition we art today ttn� tirsrvcs Ctk be rLcaa1nixtei `rr: 4:1 LIT t:. i:ty :N
We stroi uE} barge you to award Mt Gomez with this Lata=:stitiot award and assure yon tba k is
most deserved_
Miami Miami Beach United
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March 1'a_ 2021
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Sir eiy,
t,
Je i Flit-simian/1 ark' CEO
MIdrni ®Taco arr ri3fiL'arri I4ar e
Saul Gross
2900 Flamingo Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33140
March 19, 2021
City" of Miami Beach Hall of Fame
Oise of City Clerk
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach. FL 3 139
To Whom It May Concern:
Jorge Gonzalez served as the City Manager for twelve years and during this time
he was responsible for major or acco rnpl ish-rants that benefrt#ed the quality of life of
Miami Beach residents, including the following:
Brought the International ternational Baccalaureate Program to ail Miami Beach sc hoof s,
thereby enhancing the quality cif education for every Miami Beach student
Expanded parks programming to include more after school programs and summer
camp programs_ with scholarships available so that no one was turned away; free
arts in the parks programs including Opera in he parks,
Re -imagined and reinvested in South Pointe Park, to make it €aoe of the finest
waterfront parks in the country and .safeguarded the park for resident use_
Renovated the Flamingo Park Pool and the Normandy Isle pool and made them
admission -free for residents,
Renovated Scott Rakow Youth Center and built the North Beach Youth Center.
Conc.eptualized, secured funding for and began construction of the Beachwalk
creating a pedestrian path along the Ocean to interconnect the entire length of
Miami Beach.
Managed, funded and implemented hundreds of millions of dollars of capital
improvements including renovating two fire stations, two golf courses, the Collins
Park library. the North Beach Senior Center, Band Shell Park and the Botanical
Garden; expanding the Bass Museum of Art, and building 4 new neighborhood
parks and 6 new parking garages_
Under Jorge's tenure. almost every residential neighborhood received
improvements to their 1 : , sewer and store i water systems, roads, lighting and
landscaping, updating infrastructure that was EiO yeas old
Jorge's :ocompllshrnents. were appreciated by residents as evidenced by the
results of Citizen Satisfaction Surveys in vwrh€ch 89% rated their Quality of Life as
Excellent or Good and 80% would recommend Miami Beach as a place to live.
Jorge significantly enhanced Miami Beach's reputation as a cultural, entertainment
and tourism capital highlighted by the following accomplishments'
Helping secure and support Art Basel Miami Beach which is now one of the world's
premier art fairs_ The economic impact of this far Ind udina the ancillary events and
satellite fairs, has been estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars per year;
Working cooperatively with Fn. to establish South Beach Food .and Wine Festival
which now has more than 80 events over the course of lave days_ The Festivals
collective media outreach has amassed more than 2_3 billion impressions,
Coordinating the master planning and creation of the New Word Symphony.
campus including the Frank Gehry deigned New World Center and Soundscape
Perk, a former- parking lotl. which has become the luring room of Miami Beach,
where residents come together to experience wall sts of free music and movies.
Strikingly, .Jorge was able to accomplish so much while maintaining tight control of
the 'City's, finances_ The professional, open and acc. si.bie budget process h
created was a model for other cities- During Jorge's tenure, Miami Beach had the
highest bond credit ratings in its history and the lowest millage rate in decades.
Jorge successfully navigated the City through the Great Recession of 2008- 2009,
and amazzi n gly during this most challenging economic period In 80 years, the City
had 2 bond rating upgrades_ Jorge twice renegotiated the Convention
tion
Deve oprnent Tax Agreement with Miami Dade County securing additional funding
of more than $500 million, which was tnstrurnental in later financing the ren.dvation
of the convention center_
But budg and projects don't tell the full story of Jorge Gonzalez „Jorge relocated
his family and bought a house in Miami Beach, living in the community he was
ma n ag irng, He re -shaped the City's work force to be more pl ufess i ana 1, more
diverse and more reflective of our community, and he created a leadership
academy to educate residents about City government and train future community
leaders_. Jorge accomplished all of this with hts calm demeanor, Ills compassion
for the less fortunate and his ability to bring out the best in others around him, He
must have done a lot of things right to be.the longest -serving City Manager in the
City`s modern era!
proudly nominate my friend, Jorge Gonzalez, to be installed in the Miami Beach
Hall of Fame_
' Former Miami Beach City Commissioner 2001-20O
ON
JOSE SMITH, ESQUIRE
OF COUNSEL
887 N. Shore Drive
I'Vliarn i Beach, Florida 33141
March 19, 2021
TO: Miami Beach Hall of Fame Nominating Committee
Department of Tourism arid Culture
1755 Meridian Avenue, 5th Floor
Miami Beach, Florida 33 9
Dear Sir or Madam:
During my tenure as Miami Beach City Commissioner, one of my proudest
achievement was hiring Jorge Gonzalez as City iainagcr; a positionhe held with
honor and distinction for 12 years._ Upon his hiring, 1 referred to him as our
'future Dan Marino"; a superstar in the making.
It soon become evident that Jorge was a perfect fit. In addition to
intelligence and superb managerial skills, Jorge brought a vision that weed make
Miami Beach a world class destination, recognized as a mecca for fine arts,
culture, and historic preservation. He made Art Basel possible by amending the
Convention Center Booking Policies, working with prominent local art collectors
and leading several delegations of city leaders to Basel Switzerland.
Jorge balanced the tension between a tourist based economy y and
development interests while lareserving the residents' quality of life. Controlled
growth, insisting on excellent architecture and fixing a crumbling infrastructure
became his top priorities. Every neighborhood in the city received a much
needed face lift, every park was improved, and all development projects drew
world class architects, like Frank Gehry and 7aha Harlicl, South Point Park, the
-2 -
New World Symphony, the North l3each `youth Center, our popular golf course,
our Beach and Bay Walks and much more became a reality.
His negotiation and managerial skills with vendors, developers and other
government entities brought.u$ many public benefits and fiscal savings_ I was in
awe of his ability to negotiate the best possible deals for the city, His "interlocal
Agreement"? with Ivifam -made County governing the South Point I edeveiopmen.t
Agency was a stroke of genes. it became the most successful RDA ir, history after
beginning with scandals, and mismanagement in its early days.
During Jorge's tenure, the city was fiscally sound despite ecoriOnlic
downturns, even in the aftermath of 9/11, Our reserves grew, the tax millage was
reduced, our bond rating improved (to an all time high), reducing the cost of
borrowin. We diversified our economy and grew our tax base_
Jorge's creativity and "out of the box" ideas introduced yearly commission
'retreats" improving collegiality, communication, and good governance, a
"Citizens' Academy" to explain to residents how government functions, and other
initiative& enhancing transparency and public participation.
I will always be indebted to Jorge because he helped me become ,a batter
Commissioner and a better City Attorney, indeed a better person. I dare say that
Jorge waS by far the best manager in the City's history_
For these and n' any other reasons, I am proud to endorse, support and
recommend Jorge Gonzalez to the Miami Beach Hall of Fame under the "Civic
Leader" Category
Jose
i sq.
Former City Commissioner
and fit,/ Attorney
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