Kevin A. Burns, a lifelong resident of North Miami, was born and raised in the city as one of six siblings. A successful businessman, he is best known for operating KB’s Real Christmas Trees for nearly five decades, while also working as a real estate broker with One Sotheby’s International Realty. Burns was twice elected Mayor of North Miami, serving with distinction from 2005 to 2009. During his tenure, he helped establish five new schools, modernized the city’s IT department, and streamlined the building and zoning process. His leadership also earned the City of North Miami the honor of being named an All-American City in 2010, largely due to the many projects and green initiatives he spearheaded. Among his proudest accomplishments as mayor was the creation of the Arch Creek Preserve, which protected the neighborhood from becoming a thoroughfare for future development.
Burns has been widely recognized for his civic contributions, including his work with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, where he was honored for advancing green building initiatives, improving governmental efficiency, and helping establish sister cities in Haiti. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Sinai University in Jerusalem for his efforts in promoting peace and understanding between the people of Israel and the United States. His passion for building bridges among different groups began early in life as a cast member of Up with People, an international student organization dedicated to peace and cultural understanding through community service and musical performance. For more than 35 years, Burns has lived in the same North Miami home with his husband of 40 years, Rob Flint, and their daughter, Autumn Hope Flint Burns, who currently studies at Stetson University.
Now serving as the newly elected Councilman for District One, Burns remains committed to advancing North Miami’s future while protecting its character. His priorities include modernizing the building and zoning process, addressing critical infrastructure needs, and expediting the replacement of the city’s aging water plant. While supportive of necessary new development, Burns is equally determined to safeguard traditional neighborhoods from overdevelopment. Having been overwhelmingly elected with the support of his community, he looks forward to continuing his long record of service and achieving meaningful progress for the residents of North Miami.