This NLC University program brought together experts in New Markets Tax Credits, Opportunity Zones, and the Local Infrastructure Hub to help city leaders build capacity with community finance tools that help deliver private and public capital for economic development, housing, and infrastructure, and to explore innovative ideas for public-private partnerships.
Featuring subject matter experts from the Local Infrastructure Hub, watch the livestream recording from Raleigh, North Carolina, to learn from the experts who have helped more than 2,500 cities, towns and villages receive more than $5 billion in federal funds.
NLC University Facilitators
Monica Blanton
Monica Blanton currently leads the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) division for BrightBridge Capital, a certified CDFI and non-profit commercial lender focused on supporting economic development.
Since 2005, Monica has worked in all aspects of NMTC operations and plays a key role in BrightBridge’s success in being awarded over $300 million in federal and $28 million in state NMTC allocations and
deploying approximately $173 million to date. She was also instrumental in the CDFI certification process and business expansion, which has resulted in raising more than $190 million of capital.
Preston Frick
Preston Frick serves as a Manager at the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) within the Knowledge and Networks Division. In this role, Preston works to connect development finance professionals in the areas of access to capital, opportunity zones and federal funding opportunities. Preston helps deliver opportunity zones and access-to-capital programming while leading FedFund Briefings for CDFA.
Prior to joining CDFA, he served as Grants Coordinator for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). Preston helped MORPC become an EDA Economic Development District and assisted Central Ohio communities in applying for federal funding opportunities. His career has focused on community and economic development in academic and regional planning settings. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service in 2022.
Jason Mistlebauer
Jason Mistlebauer, currently a Director at Witt O’Brien’s, specializes in grants management, primarily aiding local municipalities. His expertise encompasses grant research and writing, aligning municipal needs with funding sources. Passionate about investigating federal, state, and local policies related to grants, Jason brings over a decade of experience from the State of Arizona’s Grants and Federal Resources Office, including roles as Deputy and Statewide Grants Administrator. His work bridges vital gaps in securing and managing essential grants.
Florian Schalliol
Florian joined Arctaris in 2023 and works with Arctaris Impact’s public and philanthropic partners to develop place-based programs and unique public-private partnerships. Florian works alongside Patrick Mullen on place-based program development and First-Loss Capital as well as the Firm’s annual Impact Report. Prior to joining Arctaris, Florian was the Founder of Metis Impact, an impact-focused consulting firm and a Project Director at New Localism Associates. Florian also worked as an Advisor in the Connecticut Governor’s Office with a focus on economic development and as a Special Programs and Policy Manager in the Chicago Mayor’s Office. Prior to these roles, Florian was a Senior Consultant and Case Team Leader at FSG, a mission-driven consulting firm. Florian earned his MBA at Harvard Business School and an AB from Brown University, with honors. In his spare time, Florian enjoys surfing, all forms of performance art, and feeding the birds that visit his fire escape in New York City.
Clarence Anthony
CEO & Executive Director
National League of Cities
Jeanne Milliken Bonds
Senior Executive and Director of Municipal Programs & Strategy & NLC University
National League of Cities
Justin Edwards
Senior Director, Infrastructure and Innovation and Sustainability Program Director
National League of Cities
