Join us for our upcoming webinar on Wednesday, June 3rd at 1 pm.
This webinar introduces funding and regulatory tools that transform neighborhood districts and town centers into vibrant, resilient places where people want to live, work, and play. Learn about essential strategies such as community improvement corporations, overlay districts, community entertainment districts, designated outdoor refreshment areas, and special improvement districts. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of these approaches and receive supplemental materials following the session.
About Our Presenters
Stéphanie McManus, Managing Principal at Neighborhood Strategies
Stéphanie contributes to Neighborhood Strategies more than 20 years of experience in community planning, project management, stakeholder and public engagement, public and private fundraising, government relations, and organizational leadership. She serves as the Managing Principal for our firm and Vice President of the Board of Trustees for the statewide executive leadership program, Leadership Ohio. Stéphanie is also a Philanthropic Partners Committee member, supporting the Governor-appointed America 250 Ohio Commission preparing the state to take part in the United States’ 250th anniversary nationwide celebration in 2026. She has held key roles in community comprehensive plans, zoning updates, design guidelines, placemaking plans, redevelopment assessments, public funding applications, and regional studies across Ohio. Stéphanie uses her expertise in government and public relations, stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and project management to help communities thrive. With extensive experience in public and stakeholder engagement, Stéphanie crafts immersive community-led engagement initiatives with a focus on facilitating constructive dialogue. She is recognized for her ability to foster impactful community connections, facilitate strategic approaches for complex projects, and her dedication to civic engagement.
Jim Lenner, Founding Principal at Neighborhood Strategies
Jim’s distinguished career in local government led to launching community planning and government relations firm, Neighborhood Strategies. In addition to establishing and growing a successful planning firm, he has provided vital services to communities across Ohio and served as a key contributor to regionally impactful projects. Jim has developed and executed comprehensive plans for nearly 20 communities, secured funding for numerous initiatives, managed complex regional projects, provided economic development guidance, established and revised zoning regulations for multiple communities, and led stakeholder and public engagement for major state initiatives. Jim, with support from the firm’s team, has played a key role in building a long-term partnership with the Village of Hanover. Since developing Hanover’s first Comprehensive Plan, the firm has served as the Village’s planning consultant for the past three years—leading its zoning code update and design guidelines, spearheading a Safety Action Plan aligned with Safe Streets for All, and contributing as a subconsultant to American Structurepoint on a feasibility study for the Village’s primary thoroughfare. Prior to founding Neighborhood Strategies, Jim served as Johnstown’s Village/City Manager and Planner for more than twelve years. He previously served as a community planner for Licking County, Ohio, and Warrenton, Virginia, in addition to serving as Community and Economic Development Director for Burton Planning Services. With over twenty years of dedicated service in community building, Jim has demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of citizens through effective policies and strategic solutions.
