Juan Carlos Bermudez: Targeting affordable housing, transit and economic growth

Juan Carlos Bermudez has just joined the Miami-Dade County Commission as District 12 representative. As founding mayor of Doral, his list of public service accomplishments is long, but just in his past term the city earned a triple Certification on Data for Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Cities from the World Council on City Data. 

He also led efforts to win approval from voters to issue $150 million in general obligation parks bonds, inaugurated a cultural arts center and supported residents and businesses through the pandemic.

Although he has a long history with the city, he is proud to serve a broader area and said he would fight for and support the interests of county residents. For instance, after first meeting with county attorneys, he plans to revisit a county commission decision locating a new waste-to-energy plant in Doral instead of considering other locations, such as in the Town of Medley. “I believe there is a legal mechanism and a way to bring back the discussion with my colleagues on the county commission,” he said. “I’m not even saying it doesn’t have to be in Doral, I’m asking to follow our own procedure. Let’s look at the other sites. Let’s see what options we have.” 

Mr. Bermudez plans to address pressing issues for county residents, including affordable housing, traffic and transit and economic development. He aims to continue striving for the highest standards at the county level. As a partner at SMGQ Law in the Coral Gables office, he will now have to divide his time with his county commission work and personal life – a challenge he says he’s looking forward to. 

Mr. Bermudez spoke with Miami Today reporter Gabriela Henriquez Stoikow before he joined the commission. 

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