Since its inception in 1981 by the Miami Design Preservation League, Miami Beach Community Development Corporation has been a major force in the economic and community revitalization of Miami Beach. I have proudly been involved with MBCDC since 1987, first as a member of the Board of Directors and as President since 1999. Each day at MBCDC we are more devoted to preserving, restoring and enhancing the unique juxtaposition of sky, sand, and ocean with the diverse people, fantastic architecture, and cultural opportunity that residents of Miami Beach and millions of visitors each year embrace.

We strive to celebrate an extraordinary architectural urban endowment, revitalize distresses neighborhoods, create increased economic opportunity, rehabilitate affordable housing, and continue to improve the quality of life for both residents and visitors to Miami Beach.

We seek out those who need our assistance and offer safe affordable housing to low-income individuals, families, the elderly, the formerly homeless, and people with special needs; extensive and personalized first time home buyer counseling and assistance; and owner-occupied home repair assistance. We supply 186 units of affordable housing in Miami Beach and have assisted over 250 families in purchasing their first home. Our Housing Counseling program has assisted an additional 1700 clients since June of 2000.

Our extensive civic involvement has included the preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings, which removed blight from the neighborhoods; economic development for local businesses; bringing private investors into South Beach; and creating dialogues between the city, the residents, property owners and businesses of Miami Beach.

Our work would not be possible without the partnerships created with the City of Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami, the State of Florida, US HUD, Homeless Trust, Federal Home Loan Bank, Florida Commercial Loan Fund, Tax Credit, SunTrust Bank, Citibank, and Washington Mutual. I sincerely thank these government agencies and private businesses for their generous support and encouragement. In addition, the guidance offered by our Board of Directors and the dedication of my staff is an integral aspect of our accomplishments.