<-----Back to MainPage Organization and Mission The Allapattah Business Development Authority (ABDA) was founded in 1983 to improve the economic and social well being of a the Allapattah community of the City of Miami. Allapattah is an incredibly diverse community. Geographically It is one of the largest areas in the City. The northern portions borders Liberty City and the southern portion is adjacent to Little Havana. As a result the population is incredibly diverse ranging from African American, to an assortment of various Caribbean and Hispanic peoples. The community has some acutely distressed areas, yet there are other sections that are vibrant (such as the 20th St. corridor and the "Government Center" and hospital complex in the southeastern corner of the community). Allapattah lies between the County's Airport and Seaport and for this reason it has been included within the boundaries of the County's "Empowerment Zone" boundaries. For these reasons, both the challenges and the opportunities facing ABDA are enormous. ABDA sees its role as one of forming effective partnerships between the community residents, local businesses, and local government. Through the dedication of its staff and board these partnerships have been forged and progress has been made but much remains to be done. Officers Peter Bernal Emeritus Chairmain Rafael Cabezas Chairman Mariano Cruz Vice-Chairman Rodovaldo Valdes Secretary Manolo Fernandez-Cano Vice-Treasurer Directors Jose Antonio Echevarria Angel Gonzalez Ricardo Gomez Rev. Omar A. Huescas Acela Rios Nestor F. Williams Rev. Obed Jauregui Candelaria Prieto Armando Prieto Staff Xiomara Pacheco Executive Director Lee Ortiz Roject Officer I Balbino Fernandez Project Officer II Alapattah Business Development Authority, Inc. 2634 NW 21 Terrace Miami, Fl 33142 Tel: 305 635 3561 Fax 305 634 6124 E-Mail Allapattah Business Development Auth.