Ralph Rosado: Commissioner develops four-point program to aid Miami

In June, Ralph Rosado, a proud Miami native, was elected to represent his neighbors in District Four, where he has lived for over 20 years. He won the special election with 55.14% of the vote to fill the seat left vacant by the late Commissioner Manolo Reyes and is now serving out the remainder of the term through 2027. District Four includes the neighborhoods of Flagami, West Flagler, Little Havana, Coral Gate, Shenandoah, and Silver Bluff.

A graduate of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School and Florida International University, Mr. Rosado was both educated and shaped by the city he now represents. He continues to raise his three children in the heart of the district he serves.

Mr. Rosado brings to office over 25 years of public service spanning city management, planning and policy. He has held leadership roles in municipal government, nonprofit organizations and academia. 

Before his election, he served as city manager of North Bay Village, where he led initiatives including the NBV100 master plan and a $60 million stormwater bond referendum. These projects spurred over $3 billion in approved investment, boosted property values and contributed to one of the municipality’s largest crime reductions in history.

Mr. Rosado received a Ph.D. in city and regional planning from the University of Pennsylvania, a master in public affairs and urban planning from Princeton University, and a B.A. from FIU. He has taught at the University of Miami and FIU, led municipal departments and co-authored major policy frameworks such as the Miami-Dade Affordable Housing Blueprint.

Prior to taking office, he was appointed to the City of Miami’s Miami Forever Bond Board by Commissioner Reyes, overseeing $400 million in citywide investments in flood prevention, public safety, transportation, parks and housing. This work, he said, gave him an in-depth understanding of the city’s infrastructure priorities and opportunities.

Even before holding office, Mr. Rosado was recognized for civic leadership. As a private citizen, he led efforts to reopen long-closed parks, opposed overdevelopment in Coral Gate and mobilized neighbors to preserve and improve their communities. 

In office, Mr. Rosado’s CASA initiative – Connectivity, Accessibility, Safety, and Affordability – guides his work to ensure streets are safe, homes attainable, neighborhoods connected and families rooted. Above all, he said, he is committed to partnering with residents to create a more livable, equitable and resilient Miami.

Mr. Rosado spoke with Miami Today reporter Genevieve Bowen.

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