George Navarrete heads county's $2.9 billion bond program and others while he oversees choices of architects, engineers
George Navarrete has become director of Miami-Dade's Office of Capital Improvements at a crucial time for the department, as it oversees a $2.9 billion community-building bond program that has taken a hit from dwindling tax rolls.
The voter-approved bond program is funding hundreds of projects, including the new baseball stadium, the tunnel, neighborhood parks and roadway improvements.
Mr. Navarrete, who's been in the department five years, now occupies the seat Johnny Martinez vacated to take on an assistant manager post at the City of Miami.
As the county prepares for the next bond sale this fall, the issuance is smaller than projected because the tax roll continues to shrink. With fewer dollars to bond, Capital Improvements has been working on a priority list to determine the projects to fund next.
The three-decade county veteran, who worked 22 years with the transit division, said the experience he's gained from working on long, complex transit projects has helped him prepare for this new role.
Mr. Navarrete said he plans to continue cross-training the 24 employees in his department as the county has to do more with less. Keeping a close eye on all capital improvement projects to ensure they stay on budget and on time is another priority, he said.
His No. 1 mission is to keep the promise made to residents when they voted for the bond program: to build every project on the list.
Mr. Navarrete discussed his priorities as director and plans for the department with Miami Today reporter Yudislaidy Fernandez at Miami-Dade's administrative offices in downtown.
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