Kenan Fikri

Spotlight: Emerging Strategies & Community Approaches
Wednesday, December 9, 4:00 - 4:55 PM

Senior Fellow
Economic Innovation Group

Kenan Fikri is a Senior Fellow at EIG and a leading scholar in economic geography and development. In his role, Kenan aids the research department in helping policymakers and the public better understand how the U.S. economy is evolving and what it means for people and places. Kenan is a proud alumnus of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program, and The World Bank Group. He holds his Master’s degree in Local Economic Development from the London School of Economics and his Bachelor’s in International Relations and Economics at American University.

About EIG:

The Economic Innovation Group is a bipartisan public policy organization ​founded in 2013 and based in Washington, DC, dedicated​ to advancing solutions that forge a more dynamic and entrepreneurial economy throughout the United States. EIG combines innovative research with data-driven advocacy to address America’s most pressing economic challenges, most notably our widening geographic divides. The organization works to advance creative policy proposals that will bring new jobs, investment, and economic growth to U.S. communities.

EIG works closely with policymakers on both sides of the aisle, including in the development of the bipartisan In​vesting in Opportunity Act (IIOA), which was the predecessor legislation to what we now know as Opportunity Zones.

Jill Homan

Spotlight: Emerging Strategies & Community Approaches
Wednesday, December 9, 4:00 - 4:55 PM

Deputy Director, Trade & Economy Policy, and Campaign Director
American First Policy Institute (AFPI)

Jill Homan is from Clayton, North Carolina and serves as Deputy Director, Trade & Economy Policy, and Campaign Director at AFPI. Over a two-decade career in private equity, Homan has focused on investing in low-income communities, including Opportunity Zones. She is recognized for her expertise in Opportunity Zones and has worked closely with legislative and administrative members to advocate for effective regulations and promote economic development in underserved areas. In addition, Homan’s commitment to community development is evident in her efforts to own, operate, and preserve quality workforce housing.

Before working in economic development and finance, Homan served on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant and press secretary. She was formerly an elected member of the Republican National Committee, held senior leadership positions with the RNC, and served as a site selection committee member for the 2016 and 2020 Republican National Conventions.

Homan earned her Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Policy degrees from Duke University, where she focused on finance and urban revitalization. She is an Accredited Professional in Leadership Energy and Environmental Design ® and has founded an organization of several hundred women dedicated to helping educate women on investing in institutional real estate. She currently serves on the Economic Investment Committee for the State of North Carolina, the Triangle East Chamber Board of Directors, and its Economic Development Committee.

Emil Liszniansky

Opportunity Zones: The Fundamentals & What’s Changed
Tuesday, December 8, 12:15 - 1:45 PM

Principal
Envision Group LLC

EMIL LISZNIANSKY, ESQ., AICP, PE | Principal
Emil Liszniansky is a Principal and co-founder at Envision and a certified planner, licensed attorney, and registered engineer. Throughout his 20-year career, Emil has been immersed in a diverse mix of strategicplanning and economic development initiatives including comprehensive plans, infrastructure projects, community revitalization efforts, project development finance, and funding pursuits. Emil brings a unique perspective to the strategic planning process ashis technical background allows him to identify creative, yet feasible solutions, while his legal training allows him to successfully navigate complex contractual and regulatory issues. An experienced grant writer and funding strategist, Emil has helped Envisionclients to secure over $80 Million in funding assistance since 2016.