Miami Beach Commissioner Honored as Elected Official of the Year

Miami Beach, FL – The Arts & Business Council of Miami has presented Miami Beach Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt with the Elected Official of the Year Award in the municipal category due to her staunch dedication to public service, historic preservation and the arts. The award is presented each year to an elected official from a city or municipality that provides lasting support for the arts and a positive voice on issues important to the cultural community.

"While I am honored by this recognition, I am more excited about the impact that continued funding of our world-class arts and cultural institutions has, from the economic benefits to the city of Miami Beach, to the ensuring of access to art, music, theater, and more for our students, families, visitors and residents,” shared Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt. “It just takes on interaction to open hearts and minds, which is why this work matters more than ever.”

Bhatt has spent years advocating for Miami Beach residents and working to preserve the city’s unique character and enhance cultural accessibility. In 2024, when the State of Florida’s arts budget was vetoed and resulted in the loss of state funding for nonprofit cultural organizations, Bhatt spearheaded a City of Miami Beach initiative to help secure nearly $1 million to sustain the city’s arts and cultural organizations.

“This bold move underscored her commitment to safeguarding the city’s creative economy and artistic vibrancy,” said Arts & Business Council of Miami Executive Director Renee Pesci. “She is a leader whose dedication to the arts and community will leave a lasting legacy. For her extraordinary impact and outstanding support of the cultural community, we proudly recognize Commissioner Bhatt.”

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