Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins has nominated James Reyes to serve as the city’s next city manager and is asking commissioners to confirm the appointment at the January 8, 2026, City Commission meeting.
Higgins communicated her decision to commissioners in a memorandum on Monday, citing Reyes’ executive leadership experience and management track record. Reyes currently serves as chief of public safety for Miami-Dade County, overseeing multiple departments that provide public safety and community services to nearly three million residents with an annual budget exceeding $1.2 billion.
“Mr. Reyes has demonstrated the transformational leadership our city needs,” Higgins wrote, pointing to his experience in fiscal accountability, process improvement, strategic planning, and developing high-performing teams. She also highlighted his leadership approach, which she described as emphasizing transparency and empowering employees.
Reyes joined Miami-Dade County in 2022 to lead the Corrections Department at a time when facilities had been out of federal compliance for more than a decade. Within one year, the department achieved full compliance. Eleven months later, he was promoted to chief of public safety.
Before joining Miami-Dade County, Reyes spent 22 years with the Broward Sheriff’s Office, earning six promotions under both Republican and Democratic sheriffs. As executive director of administration, he managed a budget exceeding $1 billion and oversaw finance, procurement, fleet services, facilities management, infrastructure projects, and strategic planning for the countywide agency.
“I am honored by Mayor Higgins’ nomination and grateful for the trust she has placed in me,” Reyes said. He added that his public service career has focused on listening to communities, leading with integrity, and delivering results that improve residents’ daily lives.
Higgins said the nomination reflects resident expectations for faster permitting, streamlined processes, and improved customer service at City Hall. She said Reyes’ record aligns with the administration’s vision for a more responsive and efficient city government.
If confirmed, Reyes would assume the role amid continued efforts by city leaders to restore public trust and improve day-to-day municipal services.
