At AMPS Magazine, we spend a lot of time listening—not just to artists and entrepreneurs, but to the people shaping the cities where culture, business, and community intersect. Few places embody that intersection quite like Miami Gardens. As the city prepares for another year of global attention through Jazz in the Gardens, we sat down with Mayor Rodney Harris to talk honestly about growth, responsibility, and why 2026 feels different—in a good way.
A City That Keeps Getting Better
Nineteen years ago, Jazz in the Gardens began as a modest concert in a parking lot. Today, it stands as one of the largest Black-led music festivals in the United States. Mayor Harris is quick to point out that this success didn’t happen overnight, nor did it belong to one administration alone. The city’s first mayor launched the festival. The second mayor sustained it. Harris sees his role as steward and builder—charged with protecting its legacy while pushing it forward.
That mindset mirrors what’s happening across Miami Gardens itself. Compared to last year, the city is financially stronger, more confident, and more strategically positioned for the future. Residents haven’t seen a millage rate increase in over a decade—12 to 13 years, by Harris’s count—yet city revenues continue to rise thanks to increased property values and smart fiscal management. What does that mean in real terms? Nearly $60 million in reserves, a Triple-A credit rating, and a city that can pursue grants and investments without hesitation.
For residents, that translates into stability. Services remain top-notch. Parks are active. Police, fire, and public works departments remain funded and functional. In an era when many cities are cutting back, Miami Gardens is holding steady—and t
Jazz in the Gardens: More Than Music
If there’s one event that captures the spirit of Miami Gardens, it’s Jazz in the Gardens. And despite the name, this is no longer a single-genre festival. Harris explained that evolution clearly: the city listens to its people. Every year, surveys go out asking residents what they want more of—and the answer has been diversity.
Today, Jazz in the Gardens is a multi-genre experience. R&B, old-school soul, hip-hop, gospel, reggae, and yes, jazz all share the same stage. Last year alone, audiences were treated to unforgettable performances and surprise moments—from New Edition to Lauryn Hill to Beenie Man—while celebrities quietly enjoyed the show from the crowd. This year, excitement is already building for legendary acts like the Isley Brothers and Stephanie Mills, alongside newer voices that speak directly to a younger generation.
Mayor Harris describes it best: Jazz in the Gardens is no longer just a festival—it’s an experience. A family reunion. A weekend where worries get left at the gate and joy takes center stage.
What’s Better This Year Than Last?
The biggest improvement isn’t just who’s on the stage—it’s how the city functions behind the scenes. This year, Miami Gardens enters Jazz season from a position of confidence. Financial reserves are stronger. Partnerships are deeper. And the collaboration with the Black Promoters Collective, now in its third year, has injected new life into the festival.
That partnership came at the perfect time. Jazz in the Gardens had reached a moment where change was necessary. Attendance was strong, but the energy needed refreshing. BPC brought national reach, production expertise, and cultural insight—while keeping the festival rooted in the community. The result? Bigger crowds, broader appeal, and renewed excitement that spans generations.
Leadership That Thinks Ahead
One of the most compelling parts of our conversation with Mayor Harris was his transparency about challenges ahead—particularly property tax reform in Florida. While the idea of eliminating property taxes may sound appealing to residents, Harris understands the consequences. Those taxes fund essential services. Remove them without a plan, and cities suffer.
What sets Miami Gardens apart is preparation. Because the city has maintained consistent tax rates and built strong reserves, it’s better positioned than most to weather potential changes. That foresight matters. It’s the difference between reacting to crises and managing them before they happen.
Why Residents Should Be Proud
Pride isn’t just about flashy events or big names. It’s about trust. Under Mayor Harris’s leadership, Miami Gardens has grown from a city valued at roughly $2 billion in 2003 to nearly $10 billion today. That growth didn’t come at the expense of residents—it came alongside stable taxes, improved services, and a city government that listens.
Jazz in the Gardens symbolizes that balance perfectly. It brings the world to Miami Gardens, fuels local businesses, supports vendors, and showcases hospitality that visitors remember long after the music stops. People come from the Caribbean, from New York, Chicago, Atlanta—and they come back year after year.
The AMPS Magazine Takeaway
From our perspective, Miami Gardens is a case study in what happens when culture, fiscal discipline, and community leadership align. Mayor Rodney Harris doesn’t claim to be a celebrity—he claims to be a servant of the city. And judging by the numbers, the energy, and the pride felt across Miami Gardens, that approach is working.
As Jazz in the Gardens enters its 19th year, the message is clear: this city isn’t just hosting a festival—it’s building a legacy. And if you live in Miami Gardens, that’s something worth standing tall for.
