Localworks is a community-based economic development organization that partners with the City of Wheat Ridge, local businesses, and residents to enhance economic vitality in Wheat Ridge. We manage a business loan program designed to support our local business owners. We deliver signature events that promote Wheat Ridge as a shopping and recreation destination. We connect our residents and businesses to create authentic and memorable experiences that celebrate the unique character of Wheat Ridge. We love our volunteers and invite you to join us in making a Wheat Ridge an amazing community!

I collaborated with the executive committee and stakeholders to drive the development and execution of revitalization, mobility, and other capital projects, ensuring optimal allocation of $1M in BID funds to revitalize the Alameda corridor. I lead business development and retention efforts. I manage outreach and engagement efforts including strategy, messaging, and delivery. In addition to creating, updating, and maintaining our business databases, I conducted socioeconomic and demographic research. I also reported on program effectiveness, economic value, and return on investment.Key Achievements:♦Develop strategic plan, vision, and mission and translate into concrete plans, projects, and priorities that deliver measurable economic improvements to the Alameda Corridor. Develop wayfinding plans and placemaking activities.♦Lead business development and retention efforts. Increased business membership in the organization by over 50%.♦Lead outreach and engagement efforts to cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including City staff, business owners, property owners, non-profits, community groups, and residents.♦Created and manage two business grant programs.♦Conceptualized and produced 12 new community events attended by 3000+ residents to connect residents with businesses, boosted social media messaging by 500+%, developed strategic relationships with 100+ organizations.

I managed the built environment program under a grant-funded position, which included managing relationships with key stakeholders and providing information to enable effective decision making by the county and local governments.Key Achievements:♦ Researched, identified, and championed zoning, policy, and planning changes leveraging best practices to promote physical activity, active living, and active transportation while addressing social determinants of health for residents.♦ Formed and led a county-wide coalition with representatives from five local government focused on identifying strategies, programs, policies, and changes to achieve overarching goals.♦ Launched and managed a grant program that provided over $200K in capital funds to enable implementation of identified solutions; devised mechanism to track gaps and barriers to adoption.

I managed the transportation and land use planning program to improve air quality and reduce pollution through community collaboration and education. This role allowed me to leverage my communication skills to translate complex scientific information on air quality planning and program development for businesses, local governments, residents, and other key stakeholders. In addition, I analyzed and reported on impacts and results of Every Trip Counts, Mow Down Pollution, and other programs.Key Achievements:♦ Applied for and received $2M+ in grant funding, oversaw allocation, and handled all reporting requirements.♦ Created effective marketing, promotions, and outreach strategies across social media, newsletters, website, and events to promote programs and educate the community on air quality concerns.♦ Boosted participation in Every Trip Counts program to 3500 (3000+% increase), significantly reducing vehicle use during summer months.♦ Enabled exchange of 1000+ gas-powered mowers for cleaner electric models by organizing Mow Down Pollution event, including negotiating vendor agreements for site, labor, and recycling containers.♦Managed event staff and volunteers.♦ Vital member of the team that created online Air Quality Toolkit to educate businesses, governments, developers, and residents about ozone pollution and strategies for reduction.♦ Developed grant application and selection criteria for the distribution of $800K in federal funds, managed the selection process and worked with grantees on air quality results related to projects.

Appointed by the Jefferson County Board of County Commissions to the Jefferson County Community Development Advisory Board. Served as Chair and Vice Chair of the Advisory Board.•As a member of this Board, responsible for making recommendations to the County Board of Commissioners regarding the distribution of the County’s CDBG funds and HOME funds. •As chair, facilitated regular meetings and project selection meetings which allocated approximately $2 million per year for CDBG and HOME projects.•Provided the Advisory Board with planning and local community perspective in the use of funds and for the prioritization of projects. •Funded projects which include economic development projects, construction of housing for low and moderate income people, and programs to address the needs of low income and at-risk populations.

As chair of the Edgewater Redevelopment Authority, a Colorado Urban Renewal Authority, provided leadership with respect to the use of urban renewal powers and ensured effective public involvement in the urban renewal process. • Communicated with businesses, commercial property owners, residents and elected officials regarding complex urban renewal issues including condemnation and redevelopment activities. • Determined strategy and messaging related to use of urban renewal powers.• Implemented and managed a successful grant program that resulted in a public-private partnership for reinvesting in commercial properties in the community.• Completed an updated blight analysis of the community.• Maintained effective relationships with City Council members and Mayor’s office.

I managed the City of Lakewood’s Special Projects Planning Program within the Strategic Planning Division which included the management of two junior planners, development and administration of the Divison's annual budget, development and presentation of plans and ordinances to City Council, and the identification and management of key stakeholder relationships.Key Accomplishments•Seven strategic corridor plans and special area plans for commercial corridors, a light rail corridor, neighborhood shopping areas, and redevelopment areas. Plans addressed economic vitality, walkability, mobility, and livability. Based on extensive economic, demographic, and land use research and analysis, community involvement, and community building.•Led strategy and messaging efforts. •Collaborated with staff from engineering and economic development to implement community vision through capital projects and business development and retention. •Facilitated and guided the formation of three neighborhood business associations which are now self-sustaining. Two are now business improvement districts.•Awarded “Mayor’s Special Award” for community outreach and involvement in the development of the Jewell/Wadsworth Specific Area Plan.

Elected to a four-year City Council term. During this period, successfully guided redevelopment efforts in the City and provided leadership on difficult and complex issues. • Provided vision for the development and implementation of community projects and development proposals.• Determined strategy and messaging related to council projects.• Effectively campaigned for a bond election to facilitate the relocation of a primary sales tax generating business. This bond election was one of only two that passed in the State of Colorado in 2000.• Worked with the Edgewater Planning Commission to write the 2003 Edgewater Master Plan saving the City over $60,000 in consultant fees.• Wrote RFPs and Agreements for consultant services for urban design standards and economic development services.• Effectively campaigned for the adoption of design standards for all commercial areas.• Represented City Council on the Urban Renewal Authority 1999 - 2002