Cevallos: “A 2-Bedroom Apartment Should Be Under $2K a Month"— That’s Real Affordability

Name: Christian Cevallos

Campaign Website: CevallosMiami.com

Contact Email: cevallosMiami@gmail.com

Background: I’ve been an entrepreneur, home developer and builder since 2012. Before that, I worked in construction for another 10 years. I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Florida International University. 

In 2018, I was elected as Community Council for Miami Dade County and reelected later in 2020. 

Affordable Housing & Development: What is your definition of “affordable housing” for Miami residents?

Units that are at affordable levels, let’s say a 2/2 apt for under $2K a month. 

How many affordable housing units do you commit to building or preserving in your first term, and what is your timeline?

At least 1,000 units. It is easy to make agreements with developers on city/county land and make sure they are accomplished. 

Renters, Evictions & Tenant Protections: What policies will you support to prevent unjust evictions and protect renters?

I'd like to see policies of an increase of no more than 5% every year. The eviction process shall occur once the renter has not paid for 90 days. We need the property owners and renters.

How will you expand tenant access to legal aid or rental assistance?

I'd ask for county and state funding but also negotiate with the county in regards of the 1% of restaurants tax that's designed to prevent homelessness. This is the perfect prevention, the actual creation of assistance for low-income renters. 

Homeownership & Equity: What policies will you propose to support first-time or low-income homebuyers in Miami?

There are so many programs for first-time homebuyers, but sometimes they're not informed. I'd open our offices once a month to have a big forum and informational sessions on this topic. We’d assist connecting people to banks and other sources. 

How will you ensure housing programs are accessible to immigrant, like Haitian Creole and Spanish-speaking communities?

I would bring international investment to create partnerships to build and rent under an affordable program at neighborhoods in distress. 

Public Land & Climate Resilience: Do you support using city-owned land for affordable housing? If yes, how would you prioritize parcels?

Yes, we must. We need to locate them in neighborhoods in distress. We’d do a good audit to give priority by vulnerability. 

Budget, Accountability & Governance: How will you fund affordable housing initiatives? If resources are limited, what would you deprioritize?

We need to control expenses. Our government spends so much that money is scarce for crucial items. 

What metrics will you use to measure progress, and will you commit to publishing annual accountability reports?

Annual reports. I do it that way at my company and expect the same from my employees. We’ll manage our office like a private company with accountability and control. We’ll show how we receive office and how we’d progress within 6,12,24 months. 

Vision & Leadership: Why are you running for mayor, and what legacy do you want to leave in housing?

I’ve done a lot of good work as a council member, supported and approved projects that create a good standard of living, are responsible with the environment and – as a mayor and experienced developer – I would enforce and apply any effort to leave at least one thousand new affordable units. 

What one major housing policy or project would you be most proud to accomplish by the end of your first term?

1,000 new homes to people making less than $50K single and $80K as couple.