For generations, Allapattah has been a crossroads of dreams, resilience, and culture. From the early pioneers who shaped its streets to the vibrant communities who made it a home, Allapattah’s story has always been one of strength, perseverance, and possibility.
Today, that story enters an exciting new chapter.
Led by Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela, District 1, and supported by the consulting firm BusinessFlare, the City of Miami’s Department of Economic Innovation and Development is proud to announce a major step forward: the City Commission approval for the creation of the Allapattah Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
This effort has been advanced under the administrative leadership of Larry Spring, Chief Financial Officer, who played a central role in guiding the process. Working in close coordination with the Department of Economic Innovation and Development, CFO Spring provided key oversight to ensure that the development of the Allapattah CRA was aligned with the City’s strategic goals, financial stewardship standards, and community-centered priorities.
On April 10, 2025, the Miami City Commission approved the Finding of Necessity, confirming that urgent action was needed to address blight and catalyze new investment. Just two weeks later, on April 24, 2025, the CRA Redevelopment Plan was formally approved by the Commission and has now been submitted to Miami-Dade County for adoption.
Little Santo Domingo: Heart of a Community
At the heart of this plan lies a commitment to Little Santo Domingo—the beloved stretch of NW 17th Avenue, officially recognized in 2003 to honor Allapattah’s thriving Dominican American community.
Here, Dominican-owned businesses, family restaurants, bodegas, and cultural institutions line the streets, each telling a story of perseverance, family pride, and cultural legacy. Little Santo Domingo is more than a destination; it is a living heartbeat of Miami’s identity.
The new Allapattah CRA will focus on uplifting this cultural treasure while bringing much-needed improvements across the district, including:
- Strengthening small businesses and empowering new entrepreneurs
- Building affordable and workforce housing for current and future residents
- Revitalizing streetscapes and improving public safety
- Creating beautiful parks, youth spaces, and gathering places
- Expanding walkable, transit-connected corridors that meet the community’s needs
This initiative is about more than physical development — it is about preserving what makes Allapattah special while creating new opportunities for its people.
A Future Built Together
As Miami continues to grow, it is essential to ensure that all communities share in the city’s success. The Allapattah CRA provides the tools to:
- Tackle decades-old infrastructure challenges
- Strengthen the local economy from within
- Support long-time residents and small business owners
- Protect the character and soul of one of Miami’s most historic neighborhoods
Through the leadership of CFO Larry Spring and the collaborative efforts across departments, the City of Miami is investing in the families, entrepreneurs, artists, seniors, and young people who have always been the backbone of this community.
This plan is not just a roadmap; it is a promise of inclusive, community-centered progress.
What’s Next
- Finding of Necessity approved (April 10, 2025)
- CRA Redevelopment Plan approved (April 24, 2025)
- Submission to Miami-Dade County for County Commission consideration (April 25, 2025)
Upon County approval, the Allapattah CRA will move swiftly into action — launching programs, unlocking new funding, and setting early priority projects into motion.
The City of Miami’s Department of Economic Innovation and Development encourages all residents, businesses, and community stakeholders to stay informed and involved as we move forward with this transformational initiative.
Thank you to the residents, small businesses, faith leaders, and community advocates who stood with us, shared their vision, and helped shape this future.
Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant, and more equitable Allapattah — one that honors its past and boldly embraces its future.
