The Oliver Bennett Agency Team

The Oliver  Bennett Agency is headed by L. Charlie Oliver, a leader in market strategy, zoning, and infrastructure.  
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Charlie is a recurring speaker before the World Economic Forum, the Global Power and Energy BlockChain Conference, and the Equity Forum.  In recognition of her ability to lead and collaborate, she has also chaired the Economic Development Committee of the country's first Empowerment Zone  (see more below) and served as a legislative consultant to private development firms and national Chambers of Commerce.  She has held executive positions with American Express, Ogilvy, and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

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Advocating for best practices, Ms. Oliver has given testimony on zoning, infrastructure, and energy.  The latest testimony being  on the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity proposal in New York City..

 

Charlie has also served on the board of the Nick Bollettieri Foundation, the New York City Housing Authority (LaGuardia Houses), and the Central Park Conservancy (Harlem Meer). Charlie has gained rarified wisdom under the political and economic development tutelage of some of the world's most prolific leaders. Her leadership has led to a wealth of research and hundreds of public forums on zonings, master plans, and equity. 

 

About the Empowerment Zone
Empowerment Zones, introduced in the 1990s as a federal initiative to stimulate economic growth in distressed urban and rural communities, aimed to attract investments, create jobs, and improve community services through targeted tax incentives and grants.The Empowerment Zone, initially introduced to revitalize economically distressed urban areas, directly ties into today's zoning by highlighting the importance of inclusive, place-based investments in zoning strategies. Empowerment Zones encouraged economic growth through tax incentives, grants, and public-private partnerships, targeting zones where increased economic activity could uplift underserved communities. In today’s zoning context, this approach influences modern initiatives like Opportunity Zones and equitable zoning policies. Empowerment Zones laid a foundation, showcasing how zoning  can promote local job creation, affordable housing, and critical infrastructure. 

 

​Modern zoning reforms, including those promoting affordable housing and transit-oriented development, often draw inspiration from Empowerment Zone principles. By examining the successes and challenges of Empowerment Zones, policymakers develop zoning frameworks that address deep-rooted disparities while fostering vibrant, resilient communities.
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The Team

The Oliver Bennett Agency team is an assembly of industry experts.  We are a collective of strategy and zoning experts, marketers, and educators dedicated to strengthening both urban and rural landscapes and inherent business opportunities. 

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We specialize in crafting tailored solutions that bridge complex zoning regulations with innovative market strategies, empowering to maximize a projects' potential. With decades of combined experience in urban planning, real estate, and strategic communications. We bring a unique blend of analytical precision and compelling narrative development to ensure your projects resonate with stakeholders, drive community engagement, and achieve measurable success - turning them into opportunities for lasting impact.
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As trusted advisors, we're here to alleviate the stress, provide clarity, and guide you every step of the way. When you choose the Oliver Bennett Agency, you're not just getting a team of professionals; you're gaining experience dedicated to your success.

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WE ARE AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.