About Invest Fort Lauderdale
Invest Fort Lauderdale, Inc. (IFL) is a 501(c)(3) community development organization established approximately four years ago to serve as the implementation partner for the City of Fort Lauderdale Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in the historic Sistrunk corridor.
IFL works to attract investment, support existing residents and businesses, and catalyze equitable economic development in one of South Florida's most historically significant Black communities.
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To advance equitable community development and neighborhood revitalization through strategic investment, partnerships, and resident-centered initiatives that create lasting opportunities for current and future generations.
Our Vision
A Fort Lauderdale where every neighborhood has access to quality housing, thriving businesses, cultural assets, and economic opportunity.
Our Story
Invest Fort Lauderdale was established to support community-driven revitalization efforts and expand access to investment in historically underserved neighborhoods.
Today, IFL operates as an independent nonprofit corporation governed by a community-based Board of Directors. While maintaining strong partnerships with the City of Fort Lauderdale and the Community Redevelopment Agency, IFL is governed independently to maximize its ability to attract philanthropic, corporate, governmental, and private-sector resources.
Our Core Values
Competitiveness
Positioning Sistrunk businesses and residents to compete and thrive
Empowerment
Building community capacity and self-determination
Innovation
Developing creative financing tools and partnership models
Collaboration
Partnering across sectors to maximize impact
Catalytic Investment
Deploying capital that multiplies community wealth
Strategic Priorities
1. Housing Opportunity
Support the creation and preservation of affordable and workforce housing.
2. Economic Opportunity
Promote entrepreneurship, workforce development, and neighborhood-serving businesses.
3. Arts and Culture
Preserve and celebrate community identity through cultural programming and placemaking initiatives.
4. Community Wealth Building
Expand access to public, private, and philanthropic investment resources.
5. Capital Access
Advance strategies that help residents build assets and participate in neighborhood prosperity.
6. Anti-Displacement
Support policies and investments that allow long-term residents to remain and thrive.
Board of Directors
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Burnadette Norris-Weeks
Chair Person
Amanda Bartle
Burnadette Norris-Weeks is a partner in the law firm of Austin Pamies Norris Weeks Powell, PLLC. She serves as counsel to various governmental entities, including cities in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. She is the developer of several successful projects within the Sistrunk corridor. She is Vice-Chair of the Community Foundation of Broward, a Past Chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and is the Founder of the Women of Color Empowerment Institute, Inc.
Vice Chair Person
Amanda "Mandy" Bartle serves as President & Chief Executive Officer of the South Florida Community Land Trust and is a nationally recognized leader in affordable housing and community development. As a founding executive of SFCLT, she has grown the organization into one of the country's leading community land trusts, with permanently affordable housing across more than 20 communities and over $50 million in organizational assets.
Sheryl A. Dickey
Director
Jacqueline Reed-Stills
Founder of Dickey Consulting Services (DCS) is a community and economic development professional with more than 40 years of experience and a history of success in these areas. Director of Economic Development for the City of Fort Lauderdale, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ms. Dickey's prior experiences include a variety of positions supporting small business development and community revitalization.
Director
Jacqueline Reed-Stills is the Founder and CEO of Oasis of Hope Community Development Corporation, Inc., A community based not for profit organization based in the Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas of Broward County, FL. She is also President of the River Gardens Sweeting Estates Neighborhood Association of District 3 in Fort Lauderdale where she resides and work in this community.
Robert Washington
Director
Alexander Florence
A dedicated labor leader and skilled trades advocate with a strong commitment to advancing the mission of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC). Throughout his career, he has worked to promote workforce development, apprenticeship training, job site safety, and opportunities for union members to achieve long-term career success. The UBC represents more than half a million skilled trades professionals across North America and is recognized for its leadership in training, education, and worker representation.
Director
Local Ft Lauderdale elementary school Art teacher and Vice President of the Progresso Village Civic Association. My goal is to encourage our neighborhoods to become more "green friendly" by creating safe outdoor places for children and nature.
Ruben Nesbitt
Director
Toshia R. Drummond
A Florida Real Estate Broker, Mortgage Loan Originator, and Licensed General Contractor with over 25 years of experience in real estate, mortgage financing, housing, and community development. As the owner of Platinum Plus Realty & Investment Services, LLC, she is committed to expanding access to affordable housing, mortgage financing, financial education, and sustainable community revitalization. Toshia is passionate about building partnerships that strengthen neighborhoods and create opportunities for individuals and families to achieve long-term economic stability.
Director
Sean F. Jones
Director
Danella Williams
Director
Leadership Team
James Carras
Interim Executive Director
A nationally recognized community development finance practitioner with more than 35 years of experience.
Olivia Islas
Operations and Management Officer
With over five years of experience in community development, Olivia specializes in research, CDFI startups, and business and nonprofit management and accounting.