George Navarrete has become the 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 five years in this department, now occupies the seat Johnny Martinez, the former director, vacated to take on an assistant manager post at the City of Miami.
As the county prepares for the next bond sale set for 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 project to fund next.
The three-decade government veteran, who worked for 22 years with the county’s 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.
And he’s 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.