The City of Riviera Beach has experienced some remarkable challenges over the past few years, but our resolve and ability to weather the storms we encounter far outweigh any obstacles in our path. This past month, I have worked with existing staff members to begin laying the foundations that will allow us to move forward and deliver services and responses that make you proud. Our workforce is our most valuable asset and will always be treated with respect, dignity, compassion, and integrity. In return, we ask for accountability, dependability, and reliability. Running a city is a 24-hour operation, and our employees are always working to provide exceptional public service to our community. As a member of this community, if you see employees out in inclement weather, on their lunch breaks, or even driving in their vehicles, please stop and take a moment to say hello. If you see them doing something exceptionally well, please tell them that you appreciate the work they do. This will go a long way toward improving the city’s culture and employee morale throughout the city.
I will provide monthly updates about city initiatives and programs to ensure that residents, business owners, stakeholders, community activists, and religious organizations are involved and—more importantly—valued as contributing members of this community. During the first week of September, I will begin hosting an event called Coffee with the City Manager. These traveling, informal, social community meetings are intended to inform residents about events in their respective communities and will take place in coffee shops, restaurants, and city facilities throughout our community to ensure access and equal distribution of information. I will also create a monthly written city manager’s report that will discuss areas of interest throughout the city, including updates on capital construction projects, economic development, workforce development, and much more. This publication will be quite robust and will ensure that you always know what your city has to offer and what your city government is working on.
Most recently, your elected officials, executive staff members, and I participated in a retreat on Saturday, August 10, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We focused on creating a road map to identify priorities for the city as far ahead as 2030. The Riviera Beach 2030 Initiative is intended to set a course for the city to become a premier beach community not just within Palm Beach County, but also in the state of Florida and the nation. The City Council spoke about its commitment to customer service and exceeding its constituents’ expectations by focusing on substance rather than style. This initiative provides clear direction for making commitments and exploring ways to ensure economic opportunity within the city and create an environment in which no resident must leave the city to find gainful employment and amenities such as shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions. These priorities will be funded and supported by the fiscal year 2020 budget, which includes a spending plan that addresses infrastructure, facilities, branding, and communications. The retreat’s overall focus was on teamwork and Riviera Beach 2030, and how the City Council and staff are eager to discover what the future holds for this City.
I am also in the process of revising the executive management department’s job descriptions to fit the skill sets necessary to move the city forward. Some executive management positions will be advertised by Friday, August 23, 2019. We are seeking the best and brightest, as well as those who are excited about the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team that is committed to public service.
In closing, the future of this community is in our hands. This is our city, and we have an opportunity to showcase the wonderful things that this community has to offer. The staff is focused, the City Council is eager, and the opportunity is present. We can make our desires for the city become a reality, but this requires hard work, tough decisions, and commitment. Rest assured that the Riviera Beach team is focused and prepared to take the city to the next level. Thank you for your support and trust.