Miami Gardens Mayor, Rodney Harris

Rodney Harris, the mayor of Miami Gardens, was born and raised in the Miami area, specifically in Liberty City. After attending Iowa State

University for five years, he returned home to Miami Gardens, where he bought a home and became deeply involved in his community. He considers himself one of the original inhabitants of South Florida, a rarity in a state where many residents come from elsewhere.

Harris’s journey into politics began when his neighbors frequently sought his advice on city matters. Initially, he directed them to their council representatives, as he was busy coaching high school football and working for the Department of Juvenile Justice. However, after working on various campaigns, he realized that instead of supporting others, he could take on a leadership role himself. He ran for a council seat, won, became vice mayor, and is now serving his second term as mayor.

When asked whether he believed he could do better than his predecessor, Harris explained that it was not about competition but about ensuring that a shared vision for the city was realized. His predecessor was a visionary, and Harris wanted to bring those ideas to fruition. Under his leadership, the city is actively progressing towards its goals.

Miami Gardens hosts numerous high-profile events, significantly contributing to the city’s economy. The Jazz in the Garden festival in March, the Miami Tennis Open, Formula One in May, FIFA World Cup qualifying events starting in June, and Rolling Loud are just a few major events on the city’s calendar. Additionally, in January 2026, Miami Gardens will host the National Championship at the Orange Bowl. The city is also home to the Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami Hurricanes, adding to its vibrant sports culture.

Since Harris took office, Miami Gardens has generated billions of dollars in revenue. Major projects include the Miami Dolphins’ $100 million practice facility, $500 million in stadium renovations, a new $50 million hospital, and over $200 million in commercial developments. The city has also made substantial property sales exceeding $200 million. With approximately $60 million in reserves, Miami Gardens is financially stable and thriving.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Harris attributes his success to the guidance and support of his parents, siblings, coaches, and local business owners who saw potential in him. Growing up during a challenging period in Miami, with rampant drug issues, he credits his mother’s prayers and his father’s discipline for keeping him on the right path. He firmly believes in the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and acknowledges the strong community that helped shape him.

Harris describes Miami Gardens as a dynamic and diverse city that offers residents and visitors a high quality of life. Conveniently located near major highways, the city is just 15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale and 20 minutes from South Beach. Future developments include a 35-acre town center with restaurants and entertainment options, further enhancing the city’s appeal.

Looking back over the past 21 years, Harris takes pride in the city’s transformation. Once doubted as a sustainable municipality, Miami Gardens is now one of the most thriving cities in America. Financially prudent, the city has not raised property taxes for 12 years, ensuring residents benefit from economic growth without additional financial burden. The rise in property values—his own home increasing from $83,000 to approximately $600,000 or $700,000—reflects the city’s prosperity. By shifting financial responsibilities to large businesses and developments, Miami Gardens has successfully maintained its financial strength while easing the tax burden on residents.