Employee Spotlight: Lisa Cottrell Champion for Community Development and First Woman to Lead Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Lisa Cottrell remembers the moment she realized city planning could shape the story of Toledo. It was during her early days in neighborhood planning and community outreach, before she moved into a city planning role in 1995. “City planning can have a huge impact and assist in creating a great narrative for Toledo,” Cottrell said. “Its impact can be seen in smaller, day-to-day things along with longer-range policy initiatives.”
This month, in honor of Women’s History Month, we celebrate Cottrell as the first woman to lead the Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions. Stepping into the role after the retirement of Tom Gibbons, Cottrell’s experience and vision made her stand out. “Lisa had more experience than almost any other candidate that we interviewed,” said Brandon Rehkopf, chairman of the Toledo City Plan Commissions. “She also had constructive plans for redesigning the department and policies she would like to see implemented.”
For Cottrell, the most meaningful part of her career has been building relationships with Toledo’s neighborhoods. “Working with the people of this community and developing relationships with residents is the most meaningful part of my job,” she said. “We have lost many of these people over time, and I hope their legacy is never forgotten. We can continue to build new relationships, and I hope to do so.”
Being the first woman in this role carries special significance. “It’s amazing, and I owe it to the many women who have supported me on the path to getting the job,” Cottrell said. “This includes my mother and sisters, along with current City employees who supported me from day one. I cannot express enough how much this support has meant to me.”
Cottrell reflects on the progress women have made and the opportunities yet to come. “I am honored to be in a position that can empower and inspire others and to have the opportunity to challenge norms and stereotypes,” she said. “I am only one generation away from women who could not get a credit card without their husband or father’s approval. The more women that are in positions of leadership, the more society grows.”
Her advice to other women pursuing leadership roles is simple: follow your passion and work hard. “Hard work can and will be rewarded. Follow what you are truly passionate about. For me, it is Toledo, its neighborhoods, and its future. We can and will remain a great city, we just need to put the work into it,” Cottrell said. She also credits mentor and trailblazer Wilma Brown, the first woman Toledo City Council president (2010–2011). “She was always someone I could talk to, ask questions, and get advice. Very kind and always took the time to listen,” Cottrell said.
Cottrell has faced personal challenges as well, including a tough cancer fight, and she credits the support of colleagues and leadership for helping her through. “I feel very privileged to be in this position. The administration along with other City employees have always supported me and helped me overcome this,” she said.
Looking ahead, Cottrell is focused on supporting housing, small business growth, and an exciting update to the city’s zoning code. “We’re supporting housing goals, supporting small business growth and streamlining processes for small businesses,” she said. “I think the biggest issues facing Toledo are housing and small business growth.”
This year, the city will begin a comprehensive update of its zoning code. The current code, adopted in 2004, is being refreshed to better align with the Forward Toledo Comprehensive Land Use Plan and support the city’s growth and development goals. Cottrell expects the process to get under way in the next couple of months and anticipates it will take about two years to complete, creating a stronger framework for Toledo’s neighborhoods and businesses.
With her passion, experience, and dedication, Lisa Cottrell continues to shape Toledo’s future while inspiring the next generation of women leaders.
