In 2021, as Miami Gardens paved the way for Formula One racing around Hard Rock Stadium, officials highlighted a $5 million Community Benefits Package designed to counteract local opposition. This package included commitments to STEM programs, paid internships, scholarships, partnerships with local businesses, and other investments intended to mitigate traffic and noise disruptions.
F1 organizers anticipated that the event would create 4,000 jobs, generate 35,000 hotel reservations, and yield a $400 million annual economic impact.
After four race weekends and a subsequent extension of the Miami Grand Prix contract through 2041, The Miami Times examined city records to evaluate the expenditures of the community benefit funds and assess resident satisfaction.
Karen Hunter-Jackson, a long-term Miami Gardens resident and community advocate who opposed F1’s involvement, expressed early concerns over the package. “That $5 million over 10 years was insufficient,” she stated. “We hoped that something meaningful could be accomplished, but it hasn’t happened.”
Similarly, resident Mamon Tisdol, who has lived in Miami Gardens since 1999, voiced dissatisfaction, stating, “We voted against it, but money dominates all decisions. It overrules residents.” The Miami Times sought interviews with city officials but received no timely responses.
Community Benefits and Education Initiatives
Between 2022 and 2024, around $240,000 was allocated for STEM programming, representing about 30% of total F1-related expenditures. However, as of July 2025, no funds had been earmarked for the current fiscal year. A recent city manager report noted a paid internship program that attracted 21 students, with 130 students participating in the F1 in Schools STEM initiative.
In 2023, $45,000 was allocated for scholarships through the Emerging Leader program, indicating a focus on education. Council member expenditures included support for local scholarship programs and supplies, but other council members reported minimal contributions towards education expenditures.
Beautification and Community Involvement
In 2023, the city spent around $65,000 on beautification efforts, addressing community needs, especially from senior residents. Some praise was directed towards these initiatives, unlike the more frivolous spending on event programming, which residents have criticized for lacking tangible benefits.
Several residents highlighted the need for oversight and transparency, emphasizing that the impacts of spending must directly benefit the community. They argue that while events may unify the public, the funding should be channeled into structured, impactful programs. With significant expenditures on parties, residents like Lavern Deer advocated for a greater focus on lasting initiatives rather than temporary celebrations.
As the Miami Grand Prix expands, concern mounts over whether local residents will continue to feel the negative effects, such as traffic congestion and inadequate community support, rather than experiencing the promised benefits. Public records indicated that only about $1.07 million from the $5 million benefits package had been allocated by July 2025, highlighting ongoing concerns about accountability.
