Opportunity Zone Summit 2025 Starts in 48 Hours – Register Now!

By Miami Local 

MIAMI, FL – April 8, 2025 – The countdown is on for Miami’s premier economic development event as the City’s Economic Innovation and Development Department prepares to host the second annual Opportunity Zone Summit 2025 this Friday at the Frost Museum of Science. With just 48 hours remaining, excitement is building for what promises to be a landmark gathering of investors, policymakers, and community leaders.

National Spotlight on Miami’s Success

The summit will open with a highly anticipated fireside chat featuring Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez and HUD Secretary Scott Turner, one of the nation’s foremost experts on Opportunity Zone policy.

“I am looking forward to sharing the successes of Opportunity Zones in Miami-Dade County and in communities across the nation—rural, tribal, and urban,” Secretary Turner told Miami Local. “Opportunity Zones have attracted approximately $89 billion in investment and lifted one million Americans out of poverty, fostering economic and community development. I am excited to work with leaders like Mayor Suarez to expand Opportunity Zones in this next chapter.”

The event will feature 20 prominent speakers and more than 250 guests from financial, legislative, legal, and real estate development fields, making it one of the most significant OZ gatherings in the country.

Opportunity Zones Summit 2025: Hosted by City of Miami’s Office of Economic Innovation and Development

Why This Summit Matters Now

Miami has emerged as a national model for Opportunity Zone implementation, with:

• $2.3 billion in qualified investments since 2017
• 37 active projects transforming designated zones
• 14,000+ new jobs created through OZ-funded developments

“From the Miami River District to Allapattah, we’re proving that smart investment can drive growth while preserving community character,” Mayor Suarez said. “This summit is where we’ll shape the next phase of Miami’s economic future.”

Spotlight on Sessions & Speakers:

▪ Public-Private Partnerships – Moderated by Larry M. Spring (City of Miami CFO), featuring Debra Sinkle Kolsky (Redevco), Chris Hodgkins (Miami Tunnel), and Neisen Kasdin (Akerman LLP).
▪ Community-Centered Development – Led by Commissioner Damien Pardo (OMNI CRA) with insights from Isiaa Jones (OMNI CRA), Chad Musgrove (M&T Realty), Zach Dovner (Eastham Capital), and Frank Guerra (Atlas Cardinal).
▪ Unlocking Capital – Sheri Thompson (Walker & Dunlop) moderates Neil Fairman (Plaza Equity), Alex Jugant (Bridge Investment Group), and Michael Van Der Poel (Acre).
▪ Policy & Legislation – Jose Felix Diaz (Ballard Partners) leads Steve Glickman (Statt) and Roman Petra (Nelson Mullins) in a critical discussion on OZ regulations.

Closing Vision: Keith Carswell (Director, Miami Economic Innovation) will outline the future of Miami’s Opportunity Zones.

How to Attend Opportunity Zone Summit 2025

Limited tickets remain for this Friday’s event at the Frost Museum (1101 Biscayne Blvd). Registration includes:

• Registration and Networking Breakfast ( 9 AM – 10 AM )
• Full day of programming (10 AM – 5 PM)

The event is sponsored by City of Miami Economic Innovation and Development Department, Omni CRA, ACRE, NR Investments and Enterprise. 

Secure your spot today: https://eidmiami.org/opportunity-zone-summit/

Miami Local will provide live coverage from Opportunity Zone Summit 2025, including exclusive interviews and real-time updates.