Latino economic DevelopMent council

Empowering our Community, Building a StrongerFuturo

We exist to cultivate an environment that fosters economic growth and enhances the quality of life for the Latino community in Omaha, Nebraska.

01

ABOUT US

why we're here

Latinos are the largest ethnic group in the U.S., Nebraska, and Omaha, making significant contributions
to local economies. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated challenges like disproportionate rates
of illness, economic hardship, and distress. We are here to change that.

How we do it

Organize

LEDC mobilizes the community to seize opportunities. Born out of the necessity to advocate for all South Omaha residents, we unite business and community leaders to secure funding and transform La Plaza de la Raza into a bustling corridor and tourist destination. The Plaza's design will begin with a basic plan that can expand as additional resources become available.

Advocate

LEDC members possess the knowledge to uplift South Omaha's small businesses and nonprofits, promoting economic sustainability during uncertain times. Our community-driven approach helps us
identify new opportunities while leveraging designated Community Reinvestment Areas for the good of all residents.

Educate

LEDC empowers our community through education, creating new and exciting opportunities. Our comprehensive approach and broad network will prepare youth for the workforce and help Latino leaders advance
within their career industries.

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our team

What We Do

Itzel López

Armando Salgado

Marcos Mora

Jennifer Rodriguez

Laura Contreras

Anayeli Martinez-Real

Yesenia Valenzuela

Tony Vargas

Dr. Armando De Alba Rosales

Diana Rogel

Live On Nebraska

LEDC Steering Committee Member

Evelia Gutierrez

D2 Center

LEDC Steering Committee Member

Emiliano Lerda

Elevator

LEDC Board of Trustees Member

Cristián Doña-Reveco, Ph.D.

University of Nebraska at Omaha
Office of Latino/Latin
American Studies

LEDC Steering Committee Member

Karen Pesek

Pesek Law LLC

LEDC Steering Committee Member

Dayana Hurtado

Supera Designs

LEDC Steering Committee Member

Jared Rand

Full Circle Roofing, LLC

LEDC Board of Trustees Member

Michael Robinson, M.S.

Omaha Economic
Development Corporation

LEDC Board of Trustees Member

Mercedes Fonte

Back Nine Omaha

LEDC Board of Trustees Member

Luis López

Pradera

LEDC Steering Committee Member

Brian Adams

Omaha Public Power District

LEDC Board of Trustees Member

Erik Servellon, MPA

One World Community Health Centers

LEDC Steering Committee Member

Lina Traslaviña Stover, Ph.D.

Heartland Workers Center

LEDC Board of Trustees Member

Maria Arriaga

Nebraska Commission on Latino-Americans

LEDC Steering Committee Member

Yuridia Igbokwe

Lincua Academy

LEDC Steering Committee Member

Roger Garcia, Ph.D.

Douglas County Commissioner Chair

LEDC Board of Trustees Member

Shannon Lerda

Elevator

LEDC Board of Trustees Member

Yanira Garcia, MA

First National Bank

LEDC Board of Trustees Member

Ricardo Castro

Castro Realty Group

LEDC Board of Trustees Member

Reyna L. Reyes Nunez, Ph.D.

University of Nebraska at Omaha

LEDC Board of Trustees Member

Estefany Puc Nieto

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

LEDC Steering Committee Member

Yajaira Gonzalez, MPA

The Dream.US

LEDC Steering Committee Member

Crystal Rush-Cardenas, MS

CNW Alliance

LEDC Steering Committee Member

Jesus Ruiz Flores

University of Nebraska at Omaha

LEDC Intern

Francisco Sandoval

Univeristy of Nebraska at Omaha

LEDC Intern

Maria Brady

Sr. Director of Development

LEDC

02

Funding the future

We're starting with Plaza de La Raza

The Latino Economic Development Council, Canopy South, the South Omaha Business Improvement District, Omaha Urban Thinkscapes and RDG Planning & Design have been working together to understand the past and prepare for the future in planning an updated vision for Plaza de la Raza. The design will emphasize accessibility, reflect the existing streetscape, provide a performance facility, and feature areas for gathering and play. The plan can be implemented in three phases of approximately equal cost, with each phase building upon the previous one. Increment One includes basic design and hardscape, seating areas, and terraces. Increment Two adds a full-featured performance stage, play features, and redesigns the parking area. Increment Three completes the park concept with a multi-purpose green space, possible use for other purposes, and improved pathway connections and circulation. We are here to create a space that boosts economic growth and enriches the lives of the growing Latino community.

03

comunidad

As of 2022, Southeast Omaha has the largest concentration of Latinos, representing almost 36% of the total population for that area of the county. South Omaha consists of four zip codes (i.e., 68105, 68107, 68108, and 68117). And, the zip code with the largest concentration of Latinos is 68107 (about 62%).