HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-25-0157City of Miami
Resolution R-25-0157
Legislation
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
File Number: 17503 Final Action Date: 4/24/2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION HONORING
COMMISSIONER MANOLO REYES FOR HIS DECADES OF DISTINGUISHED
PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF DISTRICT 4 AND TO THE CITY
OF MIAMI AS A WHOLE AND CONFERRING UPON HIM THE HONORARY
TITLE OF "MAYOR EMERITUS," POSTHUMOUSLY, AS A MARK OF DEEP
RESPECT AND APPRECIATION FOR HIS EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP,
LEGACY, AND DEDICATION TO PUBLIC SERVICE.
SPONSOR(S): Mayor Francis X. Suarez, Commissioner Damian Pardo,
Commissioner Christine King
WHEREAS, Commissioner Manolo Reyes dedicated his life to public service,
representing City of Miami Commission District 4 with integrity, accessibility, and an unwavering
commitment to improving the lives of his constituents; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Reyes was first elected to the City of Miami ("City")
Commission in 2017 with an overwhelming 57% of the vote, was reelected without opposition in
2019, and again in 2023 with more than 86% of the vote, reflecting the profound trust and
respect he earned from the community he served; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Reyes served as Chair of the Miami Downtown Development
Authority, where he championed policies that strengthened economic vitality, accessibility, and
cultural significance of Downtown Miami; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Reyes was a trained economist, holding both a bachelor's
and master's degrees in economics from the University of Florida, and applied his expertise in
service to municipal government, public education, and the classroom as a respected educator
at Miami Dade College and Westland Hialeah High School; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Reyes' public service journey was shaped by perseverance
and purpose, having fled Cuba as a child and later rising to become a principled and influential
leader in local government, known for his fiscal discipline, advocacy for transparency, and deep
connection to the community; and
WHEREAS, throughout his tenure, Commissioner Reyes advanced numerous quality -of -
life initiatives, including expanding the trolley service, investments in affordable housing,
modernization of parks and infrastructure, support for senior programs, and the development of
Miami's first solar -powered tree canopy; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Reyes received numerous honors and recognitions during
his time in office, including the Key to the City during the 2019 Three Kings Parade, and was
widely applauded for his efforts in promoting autism awareness through the District 4 First
Annual Autism Awareness event, and supporting underserved residents through programs such
as food distributions, school supply drives, and elderly assistance initiatives; and
City of Miami Page 1 of 2 File ID: 17503 (Revision:) Printed On: 8/21/2025
File ID: 17503 Enactment Number: R-25-0157
WHEREAS, Commissioner Reyes' legacy will continue to inspire future generations of
public servants and civic leaders, reflecting a life devoted to public integrity, responsive
governance, and a genuine love for the City of Miami; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Reyes exemplified the leadership, public trust, and civic
presence traditionally associated with the office of Mayor, often serving as a steady voice of
reason and a representative of the City across various ceremonial and community platforms;
and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Reyes embodied the spirit and stature of a mayor through
his leadership, wisdom, and decades of dedicated service, earning the admiration of residents
across the city and reflecting the highest ideals the title represents; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of Commissioner Reyes' lifetime of distinguished public
service, the City Commission finds it both fitting and proper to confer upon him the honorary title
of "Mayor Emeritus" as a lasting tribute to his legacy and contributions to civic life;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are
adopted by reference and incorporated as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. The City Commission hereby posthumously recognizes and honors
Commissioner Manolo Reyes for his decades of distinguished public service to the residents of
District 4 and to the City of Miami as a whole.
Section 3. The City Commission hereby confers upon Commissioner Manolo Reyes the
honorary title of "Mayor Emeritus", posthumously, as a mark of deep respect and appreciation
for his exceptional leadership, legacy, and dedication to public service.
Section 4. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
City of Miami Page 2 of 2 File ID: 17503 (Revision:) Printed on: 8/21/2025