Tomas Regalado, who recently assumed the role of property appraiser for Miami-Dade County, has made it his mission to prioritize the needs of property owners while assuring independence from bureaucratic constraints.
Regalado emphasizes the importance of advocating for low-cost housing solutions, especially given the economic hurdles many residents face. He aims to enhance support for senior citizens and promote sustainability for both present and future generations in Miami-Dade County.
“Property fraud is a growing concern, threatening the security of your investment in Miami’s future,” he said. “I am advocating and fighting against mortgage fraud, deed fraud, and homestead exemption fraud.”
This commitment stems from his desire to serve as a representative for the people, free from outside influences and political affiliations. Regalado asserts that he is the voice Miami-Dade County needs to ensure fair and impartial property assessments.
Before stepping into the political arena, Regalado had a successful career in journalism, which included positions at several notable radio and television stations such as WFAB, WCKT, and WLTV. His journalistic instincts gained him international recognition, especially as a correspondent covering significant events in regions like Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
His reporting experience eventually took him to the prestigious White House press corps, where he worked under Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton.
In 1996, Regalado transitioned into public service; he was elected to the Miami City Commission, where he was subsequently reelected in 1999, 2003, and 2007. He later served as the mayor of Miami from 2009 to 2017. His public service continued when he was appointed by President Donald Trump as the director of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, where he worked to deliver news and information programming to over a million Cuban adults weekly.
Regalado’s dedication to public service runs deep in his family heritage. His father was not only an attorney and journalist but also a political prisoner for two decades, nurturing Regalado’s innate sense of justice and democratic values. This passion for service is reflected in his children, Tomás Jr., Raquel, and José, who have also chosen paths in public service.
As property appraiser, Regalado promises to maintain a commitment to connecting residents with essential resources. He underscores the importance of accessibility, allowing residents to engage directly with representatives from Miami-Dade County departments and constitutional offices.
“Everyone dreams of calling Miami home, but as living costs rise, so too must our efforts to maintain affordability,” he stated. Regalado is dedicated to implementing valuation strategies that align with real market standards to ensure that the community’s residents are not priced out of their neighborhoods.
In a recent interview with Miami Today reporter Abraham Galvan, Regalado discussed these pressing issues and his vision for the future of property appraisal in the county.
This week’s profile will be featured in the upcoming Book of Leaders, published annually by Miami Today, which highlights key figures shaping Greater Miami’s development.
image source from：miamitodaynews
