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 agency for the sunsetting City of Fort Lauderdale Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in the 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
Burnadette Norris-Weeks
Chairman of the Board
Amanda Bartle
Vice Chair
Danella Williams
Arthur brings over 35 years of strategic leadership in the construction and engineering sectors.
An expert in urban planning and sustainable infrastructure with a focus on community expansion.
Board Director
Specializing in financial risk management and capital allocation for large-scale engineering projects.
Sean F. Jones
Board Director
Alexander Florence
An accomplished architect specializing in sustainable design and low-impact building materials.
Board Director
Philip Dunlap
A legal expert with deep knowledge of land use regulations and regional planning laws.
Board Director
With a background in environmental engineering, Elena advocates for green infrastructure in the corridor.
Ruben Nesbitt
Board Director
Jacqueline Reed-Stills
Focuses on technology integration for large-scale logistics and transportation projects.
Board Director
Toshia E. Drummond
An expert in project financing and managing public-private partnerships for civic renewal.
Board Director
Brings a wealth of experience in heritage conservation and historical preservation.
Sheryl A. Dickey
Board Director
Robert Washington
Specializes in community advocacy and stakeholder engagement for metropolitan development.
Board Director
Specializes in community advocacy and stakeholder engagement for metropolitan development.
Leadership Team
James Carras
Interim Executive Director
Olivia Islas
Operations and Management Officer
A nationally recognized community development finance practitioner, educator, and advisor with more than 35 years of experience in affordable housing, community development finance, economic development, and equitable neighborhood revitalization.
Has over five years experience in community development. Specializes in research and development for community focused organizations, business management, accounting, and compliance management for Mass HOME programs.