As the City of Oakland Park continues building our second century, economic development and a thoughtful approach to business attraction and retention remain a central focus. As part of ongoing efforts to foster a thriving business climate, the city is excited to announce the appointment of Neysa Herrera to the newly created position of Director of the Community Redevelopment Agency and Economic Development. 

Herrera will aim to strengthen Oakland Park's ties with the business community in her new role while championing strategic economic development initiatives. She will further the city's plans to revitalize downtown amid transformative mixed-use development projects like the Sky Building and Horizon of Oakland Park. Herrera's goal is to attract new businesses to Oakland Park and provide ongoing support to existing ones. Central to this effort is her commitment to offering a concierge-like experience to help businesses navigate the process of getting up and running and operating in the city. Moreover, Herrera plans to leverage Oakland Park's unique community assets to attract private investment, creating a diverse and vibrant business environment. She aspires to foster a sense of place that resonates with residents and visitors by identifying and curating businesses that align with the city's identity.

"Many exciting things are happening in Oakland Park," says Herrera. "The Commission has a vision and has committed to a vibrant downtown with mixed-use development projects that are bringing people into the community to support local businesses. The city's leadership has also committed to supporting sustainable economic development throughout the entire community," Herrera continued.

Herrera's journey back to Oakland Park is a testament to her dedication to public service and economic growth. Her career trajectory, which began with the city in 2015, has seen her ascend through various roles within local government, each contributing to her expertise in economic development. From her initial role as a CRA External Relations and Communications Specialist to her recent positions as Assistant to the Town Manager of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Chief of Staff at the City of Tamarac, Herrera brings a wealth of experience. She is also a licensed Real Estate Professional and a Certified Redevelopment Professional, which provides her with a unique perspective and deep understanding of the local business community landscape. Click here to learn more about Oakland Park's Building Our Second Century initiative.