At Greater Ohio Policy Center, Erica conducts research to identify realistic strategies for the redevelopment of Ohio’s small legacy cities, with a particular focus on executing equitable development within a weak-market context. Erica has completed research evaluating the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) landscape in Ohio and is actively working with the state’s CDFIs to establish a state-wide, idea-sharing and profile-raising network of CDFIs. While at GOPC, Erica has also looked at strategies for supporting more high-quality transit in Ohio as well as for promoting development around transit stops.

Before working at GOPC, Erica worked at Strategic Economics, a leading urban economics consulting firm , where she conducted many market and financial feasibility studies to understand development potential or the impact of potential public policy changes on the market. In one such study she tested the financial feasibility of different proposed height limits in Berkeley, CA. In another, she evaluated the potential for the Washington State Ferry system to promote TOD through a joint development program. Erica also worked to establish strategies for the redevelopment of an old commercial corridor in Long Beach, CA.

Erica has also worked at Famicos Foundation, a non-profit community development corporation in Cleveland, OH. In this capacity, Erica was the project manager of several LIHTC and Historic Tax Credit projects. She also served as the Director of Property Management for a time.

Erica has a Master of City Planning from the University of California, Berkeley and a B.A. from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. She is also an event leader for Seeds of Caring, an organization in Columbus that promotes volunteer opportunities for children.

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