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2019 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Neisen O. Kasdin - Managing Partner, Akerman's Miami Office
March 21, 2019
The Urban Land Institute Southeast Florida/Caribbean is proud to honor Neisen O. Kasdin, Managing Partner of Akerman’s Miami Office and Former Mayor & City Commissioner of the City of Miami Beach with our 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award.
The organization’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a top leader within the real estate community who has had a transformational impact on the region and the land use industry and whose body of professional and civic work exemplifies the mission and values of ULI – an enduring commitment to responsible development and building thriving, sustainable communities.
Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are recognized by the District Council for their lifetime of contributions and enduring legacy in the region. View a listing of all past recipients here.
Neisen O. Kasdin, Managing Partner of Akerman Miami
Throughout his roles as Managing Partner of Akerman’s Miami Office, Former Mayor and City Commissioner of Miami Beach, Vice Chair of the Miami Downtown Development Authority, Former Chair of ULI Southeast Florida/Caribbean, and Former Chair of the New World Symphony, Neisen has been instrumental in leading the revitalization of Miami Beach and Miami’s urban core. He is one of our region’s most respected leaders within South Florida’s real estate community, and has had a transformational impact on the region.
For more than 20 years, Neisen Kasdin has guided the development of Miami and Miami Beach, bringing his extensive civic experience to work as he leads urban revitalization efforts and the development of complex, large-scale, multi-use projects.
“From his passion and perseverance in leading the revitalization of Miami Beach and Downtown Miami to his work and support on many of the city’s most transformational projects including Miami’s Downtown Master Plan, New World Center, Brickell City Centre, Miami Design District, and Faena District, Neisen’s commitment to our region is a testament to his passion for Miami and an inspiration to current and future South Florida leaders alike,”
Julie Medley
Executive Director of ULI SE Florida/Caribbean
Through his service as Miami Beach Mayor, City Commissioner, and Chairman of the Community Development Corporation for South Beach, he led the way in the city’s revitalization, guiding the creation and expansion of historic districts, the renovation of all of the City’s parks and recreational facilities and the reinvention of important public spaces including, Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road, and the South Pointe streetscape. He also led and initiated support for the City’s cultural institutions and activities, Including the Miami City Ballet Center, the New World Center and Art Basel Miami Beach.
Respected as a leader in urban development, he serves as vice chair of the board of directors for the Miami Downtown Development Authority and was responsible for heading the creation of Miami’s Downtown Master Plan. Neisen previously chaired the Beacon Council, Chair of the Board of the New World Symphony, and led their efforts to develop the Frank Gehry designed New World Center and adjacent West 8 designed Soundscape Park, and currently serves as a Governor and Trustee for the Urban Land Institute (ULI).