Perez Metropolitan Center

RELATED GROUP FOUNDATION

makes $1M naming gift to Metropolitan Center

In 2019, FIU’s Metropolitan Center received a $1 million endowment gift from the Related Philanthropic Foundation. In recognition of this generous donation, the university renamed the center The Jorge M. Pérez Metropolitan Center.

“It’s an honor to support and partner with The Metropolitan Center, especially after it’s been such an incredible resource for countless Miami businesses and organizations over the years. We share the center’s goal of serving and empowering residents across the demographic spectrum. We’re excited about the future growth opportunities we will help generate for the community at large,” said Jorge M. Pérez, chairman and CEO of Related Group.

Jorge M. Pérez, second from left, accepts a certificate in recognition of his $1 million gift naming the Jorge M. Pérez Metropolitan Center. Also pictured: Howard Lipman, CEO of the FIU Foundation Inc., FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg and Green School Dean John F. Stack

The Jorge M. Pérez Metropolitan Center is an integral part of the Green School. The $1 million donation marks a significant milestone in the Related Philanthropic Foundation’s mission of empowering and supporting organizations driving positive impact in the areas of economic development, education, health and well-being, the environment and arts and culture. “This initiative and Mr. Pérez’s support will greatly enhance the Green School’s visibility in the community and throughout the state and reinforce FIU’s already excellent reputation as an engaged public research university,” said Howard A. Frank, director of the Jorge M. Pérez Metropolitan Center. Since its founding 22 year ago, the Metropolitan Center has trained graduate students in policy sciences, spearheaded cutting-edge research on economic development and affordable housing at the direction of local government and nonprofit organizations throughout the tri-county area. This latest research effort will build upon the Metropolitan Center’s recently published studies, Miami-Dade County Prosperity Study and Liberty City Economic Opportunities Report. “Miami is changing at an unprecedented pace, making research into areas such as affordable housing, resilience and economic growth critical for the city’s future,” said Jon Paul Pérez, Jorge M. Pérez’s son, who is the vice president of Related. “The center already has an incredible legacy, and I’m certain that together, we can help build a stronger, more inclusive Miami.” In addition to research and technical assistance, the center offers cost-effective, customized training and organizational development solutions to nonprofits and local governments throughout South Florida, and has attained national and international reach most recently through the Mandela Washington Fellows Program.