The Live Local Act: Latest Developments, Key Updates, and Housing Success Stories

Anthony De Yurre is a Partner in Bilzin Sumberg's Land Development & Government Relations Group. His practice exclusively focuses on the representation of real estate developers and investors in complex land use and zoning matters with a focus on transit- oriented development, large scale mixed-use development, public private partnerships and multifamily workforce housing.  As a native Miamian, Anthony recognizes the tremendous need for attainable housing throughout Florida and is heavily engaged in Live Local Act (SB102 and SB328) legislation, interpretation and application at both the state and local levels. 

Anthony is an adjunct professor of law at the University of Miami’s LL.M. in Real Property Development where he teaches “Problem Solving Large Scale, Mixed-Use Development”.  He is also Co-Chair of the University of Miami’s Real Property Development LL.M Advisory Board.  Upon graduating from Duke University and Vanderbilt Law, Anthony returned home to Miami to earn his LL.M. in Real Property Development from the same program he teaches at today at the University of Miami.  Anthony is also fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.

Vicki Lopez was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in November 2022 and represents District 113 that is in the heart of Miami and includes some of the most recognizable and iconic locations in the region, including Key Biscayne, Miami’s City Hall, Calle Ocho, Brickell Avenue, the Miami River, and the Port of Miami. She was appointed by Speaker of the House, Paul Renner, to serve as the Vice Chair on the Select Committee on Health Innovation, as well as on the Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee, Infrastructure & Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee, Postsecondary Education & Workforce Subcommittee, PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee, and Transportation & Modals Subcommittee.  The Speaker also appointed her to serve on the Housing Development Corporation of Florida Board of Directors, which focuses its efforts on mobilizing capital to finance multifamily houses for individuals and families of all income levels.   

Avra Jain doesn’t just develop properties—she transforms forgotten spaces into cultural landmarks. An industrial engineer, and former Wall Street bond trader turned urban alchemist, Avra brings financial discipline and artistic vision to real estate. Her revival of Miami’s iconic Vagabond Hotel helped ignite the renaissance of the Historic MiMo neighborhood, while Factory Town—once a derelict 6.3-acre industrial site—is now a global entertainment hub delivering returns of over 500% within an Opportunity Zone. 

 Her work bridges commerce and soul, from her Sundance-winning documentary Dark Days to earning her own day in Miami-Dade County. Avra leads with the conviction that the built environment can be a force for good— one that makes cities not just more beautiful, but more meaningful. Avra serves as past Chairman of the University of Miami's Master of Real Estate Development + Urbanism Advisory Board and sits on the UM Architecture Board. Recently announced, Avra is the Lifetime Achievement Honoree at the upcoming “MCAD 2025 Urban Warrior Awards”. 

Ashon Nesbitt is CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition. A respected community and nonprofit leader, Mr. Nesbitt was previously Chief Programs Officer and Technical Advisor with the Coalition, where he led the Community Land Trust Institute and the Center for Racial Equity. During his tenure at the Coalition, Nesbitt has championed an expansion and professionalization of Community Land Trusts throughout the state, overseeing the development of the nationally recognized and first of its kind Community Land Trust Certification Program, which, in 2021, led to six nonprofits receiving their Certification. 

Mr. Nesbitt’s academic qualifications and expertise in urban planning and real estate are a testament to his deep understanding of the field. He holds two Masters Degrees from the University of Florida, one in Urban and Regional Planning and another in Real Estate. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from Florida A&M University.  

Originally from Warsaw, Indiana, Jake Keirn brings a dynamic blend of urban planning and architectural experience to the City of Miami. With a bachelor’s degree in urban planning from Ball State University and a Master of Architecture from the University of Miami, he has cultivated a deep passion for designing walkable, human-centered communities. 

Jake has gained hands-on experience through internships at Duany Plater-Zyberk in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Torti Gallas and Partners in Los Angeles, both firms known for advancing the principles of New Urbanism. He further honed his skills at BC Architects in Coral Gables, Florida, where he gained valuable experience into high rise design and construction. 

A strong believer in the philosophies of New Urbanism and Smart Growth, Jake is committed to reshaping cities into more livable, connected, and vibrant places. An avid bicyclist, in his free time Jake can often be found out exploring Miami’s urban streetscapes by bike.