John Taylor, Mayor, City of Opa-locka
In an interview with Invest:, Mayor John Taylor of the city of Opa-Locka shared insights into the city’s recent accomplishments, highlighting infrastructure upgrades, small business support, community engagement, and ambitious growth initiatives aimed at revitalizing Opa-Locka and enhancing its appeal to businesses and residents alike.
What do you see as the most significant accomplishments for the city over the last year?
Last year was our first full operational year post-pandemic, which we used as an opportunity to assess the needs of our community. We wanted to understand the specific needs of each group, and we realized that there was hesitation from some businesses to invest in Opa-Locka. Many cited our failing infrastructure and felt the city didn’t offer growth or sustainability. In response, we refocused our efforts. We began investing in infrastructure, our residents, and in supporting local businesses. We launched various initiatives, including micro-grants, to help businesses sustain themselves and update their facades. Additionally, we introduced rehab programs to address issues with drainage and sewage, which are part of a larger push to revitalize and support our local business community.
Lastly, our airport is generating significant revenue — more, in fact, than Miami International Airport generates from its general aviation sector, which is an important milestone for Opa-Locka. Through our Community Redevelopment Agency, we’re one of the few cities in South Florida that has not only maintained its CRA but has no plans to sunset it anytime soon. This allows us to continue focusing on retaining residents and growing our business sector. We’ve started calling ourselves the “City of Bright Opportunity” to capture our vision for Opa-Locka. There’s genuine potential in Opa-Locka, and we’re working hard to make that clear.
How is the city improving accessibility and streamlining services for businesses that want to grow here?
Infrastructure has been a major issue impacting Opa-Locka’s reputation, so we made it a priority. We’ve also invested in small businesses, offering micro-grants and other support to help them succeed. These initiatives are about laying a foundation for businesses to thrive. For local businesses, we provide rehab grants and assistance programs, including rent support and micro-loans to help them start up or expand. Small businesses are the backbone of Opa-Locka’s economy, in which 70% to 80% are small, family-owned, and blue-collar operations. Our Small Business Assistance Micro-Grant Program offers up to $10,000 per business, which can be used for education, facade improvements, or even launching a new business in the city. This program is central to our strategy for local economic growth and sustainability.
We’re focused on retaining these small businesses while also welcoming larger companies that can enhance the community. For example, the Live Local Act enables us to attract developers to build mixed-use spaces with both housing and convenient retail options for residents. To further support our businesses, we hold a quarterly business luncheon tailored to different sectors, including nonprofits and tech. This luncheon connects business owners with targeted resources. Additionally, our Community Development Department works to secure grants and resources, particularly those supporting marginalized communities. They find opportunities beyond the city’s control that can benefit our residents and business owners. We’re also working to establish a dedicated Chamber of Commerce for Opa-Locka that truly reflects our community. Unlike many cities that partner with regional chambers, we believe a local chamber can address our unique needs more effectively. This initiative is one of the mayor’s key priorities and will be central to his plans moving forward.
How does the city approach partnerships and stakeholder engagement?
We’re looking for long-term stakeholders who are committed to Opa-Locka’s growth. Our approach is very grassroots; we prioritize direct outreach to local businesses, often going door-to-door and engaging with owners personally. This hands-on approach is essential to us and is why we continue to sustain and support local mom-and-pop businesses. These businesses, which might not thrive in larger cities, have become economic anchors in Opa-Locka. Their success is tied to our community’s identity and economy, and we see them as essential partners in our growth.
What steps are you taking to ensure the city’s diverse community benefits from current and future economic development?
As mayor, I’ve found that inclusivity is essential. Engaging our residents and businesses, asking them what they need and how we can support them, has been fundamental. It’s not just about what I think is needed; it’s about listening to the community. By making these conversations inclusive, we’re ensuring that the city’s initiatives address real, community-identified needs. One of the key strategies we’re using is leveraging the Live Local Act. It’s a double-edged sword in some ways, but it offers us a unique opportunity. Not only can we attract more affordable housing to the community, but we can also discuss establishing a community benefit program within that framework. This means that if a developer wants to build here, we ask them what they will bring to the community. We encourage developers to reach out to nearby residents, understand their needs, and contribute to the area meaningfully.
What are some of the city’s current and future infrastructure projects?
Drainage, sewage, and flood mitigation might not be sexy topics, but they’re essential, especially with the flood challenges we face in South Florida. We’re not only addressing these issues but also preserving some of the city’s oldest, most historic buildings. Our goal is to maintain Opa-Locka’s unique character while improving livability for residents and functionality for businesses. We’ve invested heavily in infrastructure, allocating funds from ARPA and our general fund to support these projects. It’s a long-term endeavor, but we’re committed to building a foundation that will benefit Opa-Locka for decades to come. In the next five to 10 years, we’re confident these improvements will make the city more accommodating for everyone. The mayor has been focused on retaining the character and resilience of our community, ensuring that Opa-Locka’s legacy endures long after we’re gone.
How is the city improving public safety?
Opa-Locka has faced challenges with crime, so we’ve made significant investments in our Police Department, particularly through community policing. This approach is about bridging the gap between law enforcement and residents, which is important because there has historically been distrust toward police officers. Our officers are out in the community, helping with small tasks, engaging with residents, and even walking kids to school. It’s all about building trust and instilling confidence in our law enforcement. We are also participating in the federal Vision Zero program. This program is helping us make Opa-Locka a safer, more walkable city with bike lanes and electric vehicle infrastructure. The program also supports upgrades to our sidewalks and green spaces. These improvements are part of our commitment to creating a more connected, sustainable community.
What do you see as the main opportunities for Opa-Locka in the coming years?
We’ve often been seen as the underdog, but despite that, we can stand toe-to-toe with major cities around us. We’re one of the few cities with an expanding airport, which not only positions us as a hub for aerospace but also places us at the center of transportation options, including rail, car, and air. Opa-Locka is truly a place to live, work, and play. We’re also centrally located among four major highways and a short drive to Miami International Airport. As a result, we’ve become a logistics hub in South Florida, with major companies like Amazon choosing to operate here. Our central location means that goods can be moved efficiently across the county, making Opa-Locka a prime spot for logistics and growth. Infrastructure will remain our top priority, along with investments in our business community, our resident,s and our schools. Overall, we’re focused on investing in Opa-Locka as a whole, making sure the city continues to grow and meet the needs of everyone who lives and works here.
