Jacquelin (“Jackie”) Lewis is a partner in Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP’s Public Finance group, where she practices in the areas of public finance, public law, and economic development, with an emphasis on school and local government law and tax incentive programs. Jackie advises Ohio political subdivisions on the issuance of municipal bond and lease-purchase financings, levy and election proceedings, and has provided general counsel services on a broad range of public law matters for more than a decade.

In addition to her traditional public finance practice, Jackie works with public and private clients to negotiate and structure economic development incentive programs as part of complex capital stacks. Her experience includes advising on tax increment financing (TIF), new community authorities (NCA), and community reinvestment areas (CRA), and coordinating these tools with debt financing and other public-sector incentives.

Given the evolving nature of incentive-based financing, Jackie also advises clients on emerging and expanding incentive programs, including the federal Opportunity Zone Program and Ohio’s state-based equivalent. She has counseled clients on the structuring and feasibility of Opportunity Zone–eligible projects, including the integration of Opportunity Zone considerations with other incentive and financing tools. Through this work, Jackie advises clients on statutory requirements, compliance considerations, and the practical implementation of incentive programs supporting development and redevelopment projects.

Jackie’s economic development practice complements her leadership as co-chair of the firm’s housing practice, where she advises developer clients on housing-related incentive programs and assists in leveraging both new and existing tools to support housing development.

Prior to joining Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP, Jackie served as Director of Public Affairs for the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, legislative liaison to the Ohio Treasurer of State and Ohio Attorney General, and as a legislative aide in both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly.

Education

The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law (J.D., 2014)

The Ohio State University John Glenn School of Public Affairs (M.A., 2014)

The Ohio State University (B.A., International Relations and French)

Distinctions

Recognized, One of Central Ohio’s Most Influential Women & Diversity Executives, Mahogany Columbus Magazine (2024)

Professional Activities

Board Member, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority

Board Member, Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County

Treasurer, Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority

Member, Twin Rivers Ohio Chapter of The Links Incorporated

Member, Columbus Bar Association

Former Board Member and Volunteer, John Mercer Langston Bar Association

Former Board Member, Columbus Urban League Young Professionals

Former Volunteer, Dress For Success Columbus

Former Mock Trial Judge, Law and Leadership Institute

News

Resource Centers

Speaking Engagements

Publications

Additional Items

• Co-Speaker, “Housing Development: The Challengers, Programs, and Tools in the Toolbox,” OMAA Summer Summit (July 2024)
• Co-Speaker, “Finance Officer Training: Principles of Public Finance and Housing,” OAPT (June 2024)
• Co-Speaker, “I70-75 Coalition: Housing & Development Updates,” I70-75 Development Association (June 2024)
• Co-Speaker, “The County Role in Housing Development: Finding Opportunities and Overcoming Barriers,” CCAO Webinar (June 2024)
• Co-Speaker, "Intro Revolving Loan Fund," CDFA Web Course (May 2024)
• Co-Speaker, "Inflation Reduction Act: Going Green Without Breaking the Bank," OASBO Annual Conference (April 2024)
• Co-Speaker, "Economic Development: What are the Tools in the Toolkit?" Greysteel Developer Breakfast (March 2024)
• Speaker, "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Development,” Bricker Graydon Corporate Counsel Summit (January 2024)
• Co-Speaker, "Basic Fundamentals of Debt: Debt Issuance for Governmental Entities," GFOA Annual Meeting, Ohio GFOA (October 2022)