Fernando Weiner: Advocating for Gables Residents
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS MANAGER, CITY OF CORAL GABLES
Originally born in Mexico, Fernando Weiner and his brothers were all sent to Gainesville, GA, in their teenage years to attend a military boarding school. From there, Weiner went to West Point Military Academy as a Legal Studies major, later becoming a Captain. He deployed to Afghanistan for seven months in 2018 then attended Chicago-Kent College of Law. Having developed an interest in the public sector, Weiner spoke to his aunt, the vice mayor of Pinecrest, who encouraged him to apply for local governmental positions. Since February, Weiner has been the governmental affairs manager for Coral Gables, working with other local governments, as well as the county, state, and federal governments, on strategic legislative projects.
LATEST ACHIEVEMENT
Weiner recently attended the Florida League of Cities meeting in Orlando, along with the Coral Gables City Commission, to discuss legislative policies that Florida municipalities hope the state will enact. Weiner has compiled the City of Coral Gables’ Legislative Priorities Plan, which includes legislation to limit state preemptions on things like historic home demolitions and further expansion of the Live Local Act, amongst other items. Of particular importance to Florida residents, Weiner says, is a grant program called My Safe Florida Home Program. It could bring more insurance companies to the state, making premiums more affordable. It also provides a program for homeowners where the state will match each dollar a resident spends on home improvements that lower insurance costs, up to $10,000.
WHAT HE SAYS
“I never intended to have a military career, but I found I enjoyed the structure the military provided,” says Weiner. “I love being a part of a team and any effect I can have on my community is what I value most,” he says. “Whatever efforts I make, I see implemented in the city. Being able to see the tangible effects of my efforts… I value that so much. The ability to improve people’s lives, that’s what I care about.”