Former Kissimmee Mayor Alvarez named to HUD administration

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  • Jose Alvarez
    Jose Alvarez
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Former Kissimmee Mayor Jose Alvarez has been named as a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regional administrator by President Joe Biden’s administration.

Alvarez will spend time working out of an Atlanta office. HUD Region IV serves Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Alvarez spent eight years on the Kissimmee City Commission, spending much of that time championing affordable housing initiatives. In 2012, Alvarez was elected to the Kissimmee City Commission where he championed diversified economic growth, affordable housing and homelessness initiatives, sustainable environmental policies, and fair labor practices. In 2016, he was elected to serve as Kissimmee’s first Hispanic Mayor.

“Over the years, Alvarez served numerous causes, boards, and committees throughout Osceola County,” a statement from HUD said.

A native of Cuba, Alvarez came to Miami as a child, eventually coming to Kissimmee to make a name and career as a Licensed Real Estate Broker and a small business owner, who served the industry and community by taking part in numerous home ownership and business growth initiatives.

Alvarez has served on the Florida Association of Realtors® Board of Directors, the Osceola County Association of Realtors Board of Directors, and in 2009 he was elected to serve as President of the Osceola County Association of Realtors®. Throughout Alvarez’ 20+ years as a Realtor®, he has participated in numerous homeownership initiatives.

“From multi-million-dollar endeavors to lifechanging initiatives, through his various board memberships and affiliations, Alvarez has been responsible for advising CEOs and lawmakers, contributing to strategic plans, approving budgets and business decisions, evaluating management, and representing his charge to stakeholders,” the HUD statement said.

Alvarez was not available for an interview for this story.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development contributed to this report.