A Road to Community Empowerment

By Jeniffer Viscarra, Vice Mayor

(Friday, January 7, 2022) – And just like that, 2021 is behind us. For many of us it was a year of transitioning “ back to normal.” Our children went back to school. Our commission meetings went from Zoom, to hybrid, to fully back in person. Our events calendar got a little fuller, and residents began to once again enjoy our local programs, talent, and activities.

One program that I am looking for ward to in 2022 is our Residents’ Academy where Sunny Isles Beach residents or business owners can learn about our local government at no cost to them. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles of public administration and focus on how the city functions. Topics may include governance, public safety, tour of facilities, the policy process, community enhancement, and budgeting. There will be between six to eight sessions, all of which will be taught by guest speakers.

Though there have been setbacks in the past, not the least of which was COVID, I am hopeful this community program will become reality in the spring of 2022 as we continue our transition “ back to normal.” If you are interested and can make the time commitment, I strongly encourage you to sign up when registration opens. The intention behind the Academy is for residents to better understand how our local government functions and thus enhance residents’ opportunity for civic engagement and community empowerment. Keep an eye out for announcements and social media updates on the Academy. I hope to see you there!

Contact Vice Mayor Jeniffer Viscarra at seat4@sibfl.net or 305.792.1750.