Diane C. Lupke, CEcD FM HLM
Diane Lupke has more than thirty years’ experience in economic development policy, governance, and community building. She has worked with government, business, non-profit organizations, tribal governments, and private foundations. Her work covers the breadth of economic development practice with a particular emphasis on emerging markets and economic opportunity.
Ms. Lupke is particularly well known for her work distinguishing smaller communities within a high-profile region. With a focus on local assets, she assists communities to nurture micro-clusters and link talent and businesses to regional growth. Over three decades, she has worked throughout the United States. Her clients have included major foundations, the US Departments of Housing and Urban Development and the Economic Development Administration, individual Economic Development Organizations, and State and Municipal governments. Her most frequent assignment includes community engagement; analysis of key economic indicators; review of existing programming, assets, and conditions; and a corresponding plan of action including recommendations for business and talent development, supportive structures, resource development, and incentives.
In addition to the engagements noted in the Experience section, over the life of her career, Ms. Lupke has focused on tax and financial strategies to support the aspirations of local communities. She is best known for her work with enterprise zones and other tools to attract and retain businesses and investment capital.