BHI & 1DROP Miami Site Visit: Building Bridges for Equitable Development
This March, 1DROP attended a learning exchange with Miami Homes for All, led by the BHI. We took 8 member developers on a transformative three-day site visit to Miami, engaging with community leaders, developers, and housing advocates dedicated to equitable development. This immersive experience provided firsthand exposure to Miami’s strategies for empowering underrepresented developers and fostering community-centered real estate solutions.
Day 1: Arrival and Setting the Stage
After landing in Miami, the team made their way to the hotel, taking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. This trip provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and explore strategies for small-scale development.
A Memorable Welcome Dinner The evening kicked off with a lively dinner, where conversations flowed as freely as the food. Team members reconnected, shared stories, and set the tone for the days ahead. It was a chance to unwind, reflect, and prepare for the impactful discussions and site visits to come.
From left to right: Kay Cole, Kiara Daniels, Claude Remy, Kris Hermanns, Rasheed Thompson, Reggie Brown, Caleb Jackson, Loundyne Hare, Dominique Remy and Noemi Cagatin-Porter.
Day 2: Neighborhood Insights, Tools & Waterfront Networking
Crexi Demo
The second day featured a presentation on Crexi, a leading commercial real estate platform designed to streamline property transactions through digital tools and market intelligence. Participants explored key features such as filtering property listings and gathering data-driven insights. 1DROP members learned how to navigate the platform and leverage its resources for real estate opportunities, and were presented with a special discount.
1DROP members at the Crexi demo—learning the platform, making connections, and exchanging insights over a meal.
Member Boat Excursion
This was followed by a memberboat excursion of the Miami skyline, where they talked at length of about the housing boom in Miami, the architecture, and what needs to be true in our Seattle region. This experience led to deepened relationships, and recharge before the busy day ahead.
1DROP was here! Taking in Miami’s growth, exchanging ideas, and building connections on the water.
Neighborhood Welcome Dinner
Later in the evening, the group reconvened for a welcome dinner at Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, where they engaged in a roundtable discussion on small-scale development and community-driven projects. Local leaders shared insights on their projects, and the challenges and successes of neighborhood revitalization in North Miami and Little Haiti, deepening participants' understanding of Miami’s development ecosystem
Exploring Miami’s development ecosystem through food, culture, and conversation at Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center.
Day 3: Deep Dive into Community-Led Development
The final day was packed with site visits and in-depth discussions. The day began with breakfast and introductions at Miami Homes for All, where Executive Director Annie Lord provided an overview of 3C Miami’s work and the projects participants would visit.
The first stop was the Miami Workers Center in Liberty City, where Executive Director Santra Denis walked the group through community-led development models aimed at combating displacement and promoting resident prosperity. Participants also had the opportunity to drive by additional sites owned by the Starkes family, showcasing locally owned development projects in action.
1DROP members visit Miami Workers Center to learn about local efforts combating displacement and fostering prosperity.
Next, in Allapattah, Chief Program Officer Santander Arguelles led a tour of the business corridor, emphasizing the importance of small business support, commercial property ownership, and neighborhood stabilization efforts. This session highlighted how strategic investments can preserve cultural identity while fostering economic growth.
The group then moved to Overtown for a lunch conversation at Touching Miami with Love, where Executive Director Trina Harris shared insights on the 3C Miami Ground Game. Participants engaged in discussions about cross-city financing solutions and toured key development sites, including projects by the Starkes Family and Dr. Bestman.
Exploring Allapattah and Overtown—history, business, and community-driven growth.
Moving Forward: From Insights to Action
"Resource Equity’ must strategically incorporate these insights to enhance our approach to community-led housing solutions," noted Caleb Jackson, reflecting on the experience.
"The models we observed in Miami demonstrate both the challenges and possibilities of creating development ecosystems that genuinely support underrepresented developers."
- Caleb Jackson
1DROP remains committed to building an inclusive real estate ecosystem where all developers can thrive, creating housing solutions that serve communities of all wages, all stages, and all ages.
1DROP achieves its mission by, externally:
Advocating for funding for developers of color and their projects.
Advocating for policy solutions that enable more housing.
And internally by providing:
Apprenticeships for aspiring developers of color.
Co-development for emerging developers of color.
Mentorship, networking, resources and support services for all developers of color.
For those inspired to learn more or get involved in supporting equitable housing, visit Support Developers to explore our initiatives and join us in making an impact.
For those inspired to learn more or get involved in supporting equitable housing, visit 1DROP’s website homepage to explore our initiatives and join us in making an impact.
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