Leading Conversations at the Heritage Ohio Conference on Turning Revitalization Visions into Action

Neighborhood Strategies was proud to sponsor the Heritage Ohio 2026 Conference, joining preservation, Main Street, and community-development leaders from across Ohio to explore practical approaches to revitalization.

Senior Planner, Marc Conte, presented “The Power of SIDs: Turning Revitalization into Reality,” a session focused on how Special Improvement Districts (SIDs) can help communities move from vision to consistent, visible results. Drawing on examples from districts across Ohio, Marc discussed how SIDs support clean and safe services, maintenance, placemaking, partnerships, and other day-to-day efforts that strengthen downtowns and neighborhoods. The session also explored how SIDs can complement Main Street programs, preservation initiatives, and local economic development strategies by providing a sustainable structure for implementation.

Neighborhood Strategies also hosted “Making It Happen: How Ohio’s Districts Are Transforming Vision into Results,” a panel moderated by Managing Principal, Stéphanie McManus. Marc joined Amanda Everitt, Executive Director of Destination Downtown Lancaster and the Lancaster Special Improvement District, and Jeff Hall, Mayor of Newark and Board Member of Newark Development Partners CIC, for this engaging panel discussion.

Together, the panelists shared lessons from communities of varying sizes and discussed how SIDs and similar district-based models can support thriving environments. Their conversation highlighted the value of coordinated roles: organizations that build momentum, those that deliver day-to-day services, and those that advance physical improvements, and how they can work together to turn revitalization goals into lasting outcomes.

We appreciated the opportunity to support Heritage Ohio’s work and to contribute to a timely conversation about building the capacity, partnerships, and tools communities need to bring revitalization to life.