After years behind the scenes, this Miami public servant is ready to lead the charge
Jose Francisco Regalado isn’t your typical political candidate. Instead of coming up through party politics or flashy campaigns, he’s spent the last eight years working inside the City of Miami.
Now, with the support of his community and the legacy of late Commissioner Manolo Reyes behind him, he’s ready to take his efforts to the next level as a candidate for City Commissioner in District 4.
Background
Before stepping into city government, Regalado worked in media as a photographer and cameraman for outlets like the Discovery Channel. However, after witnessing the effects of climate change firsthand and speaking in front of the United Nations, he redirected his focus toward policy.
In 2017, he joined the City of Miami following the launch of the Miami Forever Bond. It was during this time that he reconnected with Commissioner Manolo Reyes, who saw potential in Regalado’s background and recruited him as a policy advisor.
He eventually became Chief of Staff to the Deputy City Manager, then Assistant to the City Manager, where he led COVID-19 recovery efforts like restaurant grants, meal deliveries, and vaccine coordination, he supervised the legislative division and interdepartmental coordination. Later, as Assistant Director in the Building Department, he tackled staffing shortages and revamped enforcement after the Surfside tragedy.
Regalado also led emergency inspections of assisted living facilities and helped develop flood policies that slashed insurance rates by 20%. His work has been adopted by Miami-Dade County and even inspired statewide changes.
A Platform Built on Experience
If elected, Regalado has three priorities that he hopes to work on the most.
1. Infrastructure that Looks Ahead
Regalado wants to modernize how Miami builds and plans. That means implementing Miami’s long-term master plan and adding more green infrastructure like trees and bioswales to reduce flooding and lower insurance costs. He believes areas that regularly face “rain bombs,” such as Brickell and Edgewater and king tide flooding, need smarter solutions—not just quick fixes.
2. Government That Works for the People
Transparency is a big deal to Regalado. During his time in city hall, he created a public benefits database that ties developer promises (like affordable housing contributions) to their permits. He wants to take that idea further by making those systems public and easier to use. His goal is to create a government where people know what’s happening and where their money is going.
3. Championing Local Business and Community Spaces
If you’ve tried opening a small business in Miami, you know it’s not easy. Regalado hears that frustration loud and clear. He plans to simplify city codes and reset how businesses, especially bars and restaurants, are regulated. And in true Manolo Reyes fashion, he wants to acquire land for new parks to give families more places to relax.
Affordable Housing and Public Safety
Regalado has strong opinions on how Miami handles affordable housing, and they aren’t just based on theory. He’s seen too many city-funded projects stall because of delays, permit fees, or inflexible rules. His solution is to simplify the process. Waive unnecessary fees. Cut the red tape. “If the city is investing in housing,” he says, “it should do everything it can to make those homes affordable—and fast.”
He’s also looking at ways to help people stay in their homes, especially in condos where rising costs are pushing residents out. He believes the city can help families hold on to the homes they’ve had for years by easing the burden on recertification rules and enforcing common-sense updates.
When it comes to public safety, he strives for smart improvements. In places like Flagami, where only 4 or 5 officers are on duty per shift, response times are too slow. Regalado wants to fix that by opening a new police substation in District 4.
The vision for Miami
Regalado’s drive is his love for the city he’s always called home.
“I’ve lived in this neighborhood my whole life,” he says. “But something is disappearing. People don’t talk to their neighbors the same way. We’re losing that sense of community.”
His vision for Miami is one where families can stay in the neighborhoods they grew up in, where small businesses feel like they’re part of the city, not fighting against it, and where residents are treated with respect by the people they elect.
Stay connected to your city
Want to keep up with the latest on Miami news? Subscribe to the Calle Ocho News newsletter for all the updates.
Are you a business owner looking to reach the community in South Florida? Contact Pressnet Corp to explore advertising opportunities that get results. Let us help you get your story in front of the people who matter most.
Add Comment