Committee backs 9-year extension for Rhythm Foundation management of Miami Beach Bandshell, approves $150,000 baseline funding

The Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee recommended on a voice vote that the City Commission approve a nine-year extension of the management agreement between the city and the Rhythm Foundation for the Miami Beach Bandshell, and signaled support for a larger annual city contribution, setting a $150,000 baseline to be considered during the FY2026 budget process.

The motion directs the matter to the full commission with a favorable recommendation and includes an option to renegotiate the funding floor after three years. Committee members said the longer term would allow the Rhythm Foundation to commit to capital projects and better staff compensation.

Parks and Recreation Director John Rebar told the committee that Rhythm Foundation has “transformed the bandshell” and that parks supports a longer-term agreement and what he characterized as a CPI-based “true up” for prior years. Rhythm Foundation representatives said the organization currently receives $51,158 a year in operating contribution from the city, plus roughly $30,000–$32,000 yearly through the Cultural Arts Council grant program and additional program funding from the Office of Tourism and Culture; combined city support across departments is “a little under $110,000,” the presenter said.

Adam (Rhythm Foundation representative) reviewed a presentation showing estimated economic impact: about $6.5 million in direct annual economic activity and approximately 80,000 annual visitors to the Bandshell, according to his slide deck using the Arts & Economic Prosperity model. Rhythm Foundation argued its community programming — free and low-cost events, a “senior days” ticket program, environmental initiatives and international media exposure — delivers broad civic benefit for the city.

Commissioners expressed broad support but differed on the funding level. Commissioner Bhatt said the administration’s recommended $20,000 increase was “comical” relative to the venue’s economic impact and urged a larger increase, proposing $100,000 this year and reopening negotiations in five years; another commissioner suggested $150,000 with a three-year renegotiation. Rhythm Foundation board members and multiple public-comment speakers — including a board member and local business owners — urged larger, stable funding and described the Bandshell as a cultural and economic anchor for North Beach.

The motion returned the agreement to the full commission for approval of the nine-year extension with a recommended baseline funding increase to $150,000 and an option to renegotiate after three years. Committee members asked staff to explore additional revenue and sponsorship strategies with the foundation and to bring ideas back before the full commission.

The committee recorded the item as passed at the committee level by voice vote.