Who
We are
A Catalyst for the
Latino Community
Latino Economic Development Council (LEDC) serves as a vital catalyst for economic empowerment and development within Omaha’s Latino community. By supporting Latino entrepreneurs, advancing workforce opportunities, and fostering inclusive growth, we are helping build a stronger, more resilient future for South Omaha and beyond.
OUR HISTORY
Founded in response to the disproportionate economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on South Omaha’s Latino community, LEDC emerged as a bold, community-driven solution. While born out of crisis, our work is built for the future—designed to spark lasting opportunity and generational change.
2022
LEDC was established by grassroots advocates committed to equity and recovery. Our founding purpose was clear: to champion economic opportunity, financial stability, and long-term systemic change for Latino residents in South Omaha and beyond.
2024
After two years of volunteer leadership, LEDC hired its first Chief Executive Officer, Itzel López, and built a dynamic board of directors to guide our growth. That same year, we secured over $25 million to launch the Adelante Initiative—a visionary effort to uplift South Omaha’s Latino community through economic empowerment and cultural restoration.
2025
We launched the first phase of the Adelante Initiative with the redevelopment of Plaza de la Raza on South 24th Street. This milestone reflects our continued mission to uplift Latino families, invest in small businesses, and build vibrant, resilient communities across Omaha.
Our Mission
To leverage Latino influence and economic strength to fuel collective prosperity.
Our Vision
Collective prosperity in the Latino community.
COMMUNITY
DETERMINATION
Our Values
BELONGING
DIGNITY
our Team
Our team is comprised of a diverse group of team, board and committee members that that focus on promoting Culture & Tourism, Workforce Development, and Latino Leadership.
Impact Report
LEDC showcases the economic leadership of engaged Latinos focused on economic empowerment within the South Omaha Business Improvement District, creating a positive ripple effect on Nebraska’s economy.
land Acknowledgement
We serve our community on the historical territories of the Umoⁿhoⁿ (um-AH-hah) and the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (oh-CHEH-tee sha-KOH-ween) people, which was colonized and renamed Omaha, NE. We acknowledge the forced removal of Indigenous people from this land and grieve their lives and the generational trauma impacting their descendants.
To learn more about recognizing indigenous land, visit NATIVE-LAND.CA.
