MEET LIsA defendiefer

PLANNER

LIsa defendiefer

Lisa brings over 30 years of nonprofit and public-sector experience to her role at Neighborhood Strategies. Her extensive experience as Deputy Director of Operations & Advocacy for the Capital Crossroads and Discovery Special Improvement Districts has uniquely shaped her approach as a community planner. Overseeing safety, outreach, beautification, and public space operations across downtown Columbus, she has developed a deep understanding of how policy, partnerships, and place-based strategies intersect to support thriving community environments. Her ability to coordinate among law enforcement, social service agencies, businesses, and residents has earned national recognition and has honed her skills in stakeholder engagement, cross-sector collaboration, and strategic problem-solving. This hands-on experience informs her planning work with a strong emphasis on implementation, community responsiveness, and the use of data to drive equitable, sustainable development. Her work exemplifies how integrated community engagement, policy coordination, and research-driven decision-making can drive meaningful outcomes for communities.