Arthur Noriega Becomes New City Manager For City Of Miami

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The Miami City Commission on Monday unanimously approved Arthur Noriega to become the city's next city manager.

"Motion passes 5-0 as amended," an official read out loud during Monday's city commission meeting.

Noriega served as the chief executive officer of the Miami Parking Authority since 1999. It's a role that has also kept him involved in key deals in the city. He also has a background in property development.

"I'm fully up to speed on the stadium deal. That's a deal that I've been actively involved in. We are finally getting some pace to it," he said.

That's a big focus in the city as well when it comes to David Beckham and his group bringing Major League Soccer to the City of Miami. Right now, they're being hosted in Fort Lauderdale.

City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who nominated Noriega for the job, spoke during a Monday morning press conference.

"Today's announcement marks a new chapter for the City of Miami," said Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.

Today, the Miami City Commission voted unanimously, 5 to 0, to approve Arthur "Art" Noriega as City Manager. Mr. Noriega was nominated by Mayor Francis Suarez earlier this morning & starts his new position effective immediately. Read more: https://t.co/JVWji6ScfA. pic.twitter.com/6RnchoB3VG

— City of Miami (@CityofMiami) February 24, 2020

"Under his leadership, Mr. Noriega had spearheaded unprecedented growth for a major city operation responsible for employing almost 200 employees and generating over 60 million in revenue."

"Art Noriega brings a wealth of institutional knowledge, city and private sector experience, and organizational expertise that will usher us into a new era of progress driven by collaboration, innovation, and efficiency. I look forward to working with Mr. Noriega and our colleagues to build coalitions and foster the best practices and procedures to create a 'Miami Forever' and a 'Miami For Everyone,'" Mayor Suarez said.

"Today's announcement marks a new chapter for the City of Miami," said Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. "Art Noriega brings a wealth of institutional knowledge, city and private sector experience, and organizational expertise that will usher us into a new era of progress driven by collaboration, innovation, and efficiency. I look forward to working with Mr. Noriega and our colleagues to build coalitions and foster the best practices and procedures to create a 'Miami Forever' and a 'Miami For Everyone,'" Mayor Suarez said.

"Under his leadership, Mr. Noriega had spearheaded unprecedented growth for a major city operation responsible for employing almost 200 employees and generating over 60 million in revenue."

Noriega also spoke during the press conference.

"I am incredibly excited and humbled to be selected and ratified as City Manager," said Mr. Noriega. "For decades, I have dedicated myself to the City of Miami's success by achieving operational efficiency, promoting public and private sector partnerships, and developing close working relationships with elected officials and community stakeholders for one of the City's most robust departments. I am confident that my experience will help us meet our collective goals."

"I relish the opportunities and challenges that this forward-looking city faces today and in the immediate future."

"I am ready to move in earnest to move the mayor's and the city commission's agenda to enhance the quality of life for residents and to work diligently to crystallize their vision for Miami."

Noriega told CBS 4 News, his first move is to better the interaction between city employees and residents along with business owners.

"A lot more customer service friendly. As a city that really applies to residents, business owners, (and) that applies to property owners," he said after the vote.

Noriega replaces former City Manager Emilio González, who resigned in January after serving two years in the position. It was also after a commission meeting dissolved into chaos.

"I wish him the best with him and his family and his wife's health," the mayor said Monday.

Noriega said he is ready to handle possible chaotic meetings through listening to each commissioner and not getting into the politics of it all.

"If I can move the city's agenda along at a much quicker pace, a lot more productive in that process, that's ultimately going to be my job," the new city manager said.

Noriega will be responsible for managing all City of Miami departments, city employees, and a $1.7 billion budget.

His salary will be $310,000 per year.