Manolo Reyes: Commissioner has community goals, economist’s overview

Commissioner Manolo Reyes and his family were among many who fled Cuba in 1959 seeking political refuge from Fidel Castro’s regime. His father, who served as the last pre-Castro mayor in his hometown of Victoria de Las Tunas, instilled in him a strong sense of public service. 

After arriving in the US, Mr. Reyes pursued his education in economics at the University of Florida, earning both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. He started his professional career with the City of Miami in the 1980s as a budget and finance administrator. There, he worked as the lead economic analyst for the Overtown Park West redevelopment project, which many regard as the foundational initiative for revitalizing the area near downtown Miami. 

Later, Mr. Reyes worked as the principal budget analyst for Miami-Dade County Public Schools and served on the City of Miami Code Enforcement Board and the City of Miami Homeland Defense and Neighborhood Improvement Bond Issue Oversight Board. He also taught economics at Miami Dade College and math at Westland High School, where he led the FIU dual enrollment program. 

In November 2017, Mr. Reyes was elected to the Miami City Commission to represent District Four with 57% of the vote and was re-elected in 2019 without opposition. In December 2019, a majority of his colleagues appointed him to chair the Downtown Development Authority, a city agency that assists in growing the economic vitality of downtown Miami. 

Mr. Reyes won a third term in 2023 with support from 86% of voters. His work as a commissioner has focused heavily on infrastructure improvements, affordable housing and community services, including providing food and school supplies to thousands, expanding elderly assistance programs and securing millions in funding for park enhancements, road repaving, drainage and flood mitigation.  

Having lived in District Four for nearly 50 years with his wife, Selva “Chacha” Reyes, Mr. Reyes maintains a strong bond with the neighborhoods and residents he represents. Committed to public service, he seeks to expand the achievements he has fostered in his district to benefit the entire city.

Mr. Reyes spoke with Miami Today reporter Genevieve Bowen. 

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