HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Mayor Francis X. Suarez-Letter from U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban DevelopmentSubmitted into the pub i
record fpr it9m(s) NA . L
on b/LS/ i9 . City Clerk
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
WASHINGTON, D,G. 20410-0001
THE SECRETARY
March 27, 2019
The Honorable Francis X. Suarez
Mayor of Miami
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133-5504
Dear Mayor Suarez:
It was a pleasure to see you again during my recent visit to the city of Miami. 1
especially enjoyed our discussions on building more affordable housing, fostering responsible
growth in Opportunity Zones, and making our cities more resilient and resistant to intense
weather events. The leadership team at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
and 1 are impressed by the innovation, creativity, knowledge, and hospitality demonstrated by
you and your staff. I am convinced that you and your team possess the vision and commitment
necessary to effectively address the challenge of affordable housing in the city of Miami. We are
also struck by your commitment to pioneering "Pathway to Prosperity" initiatives that
complement the Administration's work on Opportunity Zones and economic empowerment in
American cities.
The city has made great progress under your leadership. 1 am especially encouraged by
your administration's commitment to provide housing for a diverse range of income levels to
make Miami a place that everyone can call home, regardless of background or socioeconomic
status. This need has been confirmed by your residents, who voted to create the $400 million
Miami Forever Bond, allocating $100 million of the bond for affordable housing and economic
development.
The ultimate success of this investment in Miami's future depends on how the city and
HUD work together to leverage these valuable resources. Your dedication to doing just that was
brought to the forefront when we visited the Tuscany Cove development, a model of Miami's
new affordable housing projects. Tuscany Cove features all the elements of any successful
affordable housing project, including newly constructed units, municipally donated land, and a
partnership with a local nonprofit organization that leverages HOME Investment Partnership
Program (HOME) funds. Tuscany Cove is well positioned to serve as an affordable housing
development model for the rest of the country.
www.hud.gov espanol.hud.gov
5`114-5kAtal,\-Nor \:c6M5'X. 5'3�teL - Le\\r%(1\ u.S.QtQ\.Ao6tuvdu'pa�1eist,tn
Submitted into the public
record for item(s)
on City Clerk
Building and sustaining affordable housing remains a major concern in Miami and
around the country. I applaud your leadership and the willingness of your team to advance
innovative ideas and take bold action to ensure that Opportunity Zone investments are
maximized to benefit Miami residents. I very much enjoyed my visit to Miami and support your
advancement of these impressive initiatives. I assure you that HUD will serve as an enthusiastic
partner in this mission to keep Miami as "the Magic City" by helping you keep Miami an
affordable and accessible place to live for all who call it home.
Sincerely,