SLDC Invests in Neighborhood Transformation Pillar of Economic Justice Action Plan, Welcomes Team of 10 Neighborhood Managers
St. Louis, Mo. (February 2, 2023) –– To support neighborhood capacity building and further activate the Neighborhood Transformation Pillar of its Economic Justice Action Plan, St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is excited to introduce its new Neighborhood Managers Team. Under the leadership of Lance Knuckles, SVP, Neighborhood & Community Transformation and Director of Real Estate, the 10 Neighborhood Managers are being deployed across all 79 neighborhoods in the city of St. Louis to support neighborhood planning processes, help align resources and partnerships for implementation of community-driven plans and initiatives.
The focus of the Neighborhood Managers Team is on facilitating responsive coordination with the public, business owners, neighborhood associations, community development corporations (CDCs) and other community groups to promote and initiate equitable economic development. The team consists of:
Lance Knuckles • SVP Neighborhood Transformation & Director of Real Estate
Andrew Turnage • Senior Neighborhood Manager
Lisa Otke • Neighborhood Manager
Paul Fehler • Neighborhood Manager
Gino Austin • Neighborhood Manager
Juwanna Brown • Neighborhood Manager – Project Connect
Robert Stewart • Neighborhood Manager – Project Connect
Caran Hanks • Neighborhood Manager
Mya White • Neighborhood Manager
Shavette Wayne-Jones • Neighborhood Manager
Sophia Garcia • Neighborhood Manager
“Economic justice at the neighborhood level requires people- and place-based strategies that are supported by aligned resources accessible to those who need them most,” Knuckles said. “That is why each neighborhood will have a professional member of the SLDC team dedicated to providing direct access, support, coordination and communication between its residents, organizations and city Departments to close the ‘information gap.’ The Neighborhood Managers will be actively engaged to build meaningful relationships, gain trust and execute work that will have a lasting impact for our neighbors throughout the city of St. Louis.”
To provide an opportunity for community organizations, residents, partners and other stakeholders to meet the Neighborhood Managers, SLDC will be hosting a series of Meet & Greets across the city. Details will be forthcoming and shared with the public across SLDC’s communications channels.