Like so many communities around the nation and the world, Miami-Dade County is being impacted by the economic downturn. Thankfully, our economy is not solely dependent on large manufacturing, industrial, or high-tech industries. Our most important industry is tourism. The sun is still shining and our beaches are as pristine as ever. We have a lot to be thankful for. We are perfectly positioned to weather this downturn and emerge from these challenging times better off than the rest of the nation and the world.

We have a plan to tackle the challenges ahead. We are doing all we can to bolster our local economy and assist those in need. We are continuing to deliver basic quality of life services better, and we have a record of accomplishments to prove it.

In just two years, Miami-Dade County has closed a budget gap of $400 million dollars and eliminated 1,300 positions from our table of organization, substantially reducing our workforce.

Miami International Airport (MIA) remains one of the top 10 airports worldwide in international cargo, and the seaport set a world record for cruise passengers – 4.1 million people!

With the eyes of the world watching, we pulled off a near flawless primary and general election. We rolled out a new recycling program, put up hundreds of illuminated street signs, and answered more than 2.4 million calls through our 3-1-1 Answer Center.

Miami Metrozoo’s new Amazon & Beyond Exhibit became home to the largest collection of Amazon species in the United States, and thousands of lost and neglected pets found loving homes as Animal Services celebrated a record number of adoptions.

I encourage you to take a closer look at Miami-Dade County’s 2009 State of the County Report, and the 2009 State of the County Address which outlines our community’s priorities for the coming year.

Only together can we press forward, position ourselves for better days ahead, and emerge from these difficult economic times stronger and more efficient.

Sincerely,

Mayor Carlos Alvarez