Economic Development/Government Affairs Council – March 11 2026

The ED/GA Council will meet via Zoom on March 11, 2026 from 10:00AM – 11:00AM.

TOPIC:  NEW DAY, NEW VALLEY: A Stakeholder Group’s Vision & Plan of Action for the Revitalization of the Village of Spring Valley

Oradores:

Joanne Louis-Paul, Founder of Spring Valley Placemakers
Nida Sharif, Director of Community Development for the Village of Spring Valley

Joanne Louis-Paul is a lifelong Rocklander and a proud product of Spring Valley and the East Ramapo Central School District. During her climate justice fellowship, she formed The Spring Valley Placemakers, a working group dedicated to the social, ecological, and economic restoration of Memorial Park and its surrounding areas.

Joanne is firmly rooted in local and regional sustainability efforts. She’s a member of Rockland’s Environmental Management Council and Climate Smart Communities Task Force; a founding member of the circularity nonprofit Hudson Valley Sustainable Fashion Week; and one of the driving forces behind the proposed Ramapo Rail Trail. The County Executive’s office named her the 2025 Outstanding Environmental Volunteer, and she is excited to live up to the honor of the those who came before her.

Nida J. Sharif has served as the Director of Community Development for the Village of Spring Valley since 2018. She leads a broad portfolio of municipal programs focused on community planning, development, and strategic partnerships, ensuring the Village’s initiatives align with both local needs and broader policy priorities.

With an MBA, Nida brings over 15 years of experience in government, public, and community relations. She is recognized for her expertise in grant program management, strategic stakeholder engagement, municipal coordination, and project leadership, as well as her ability to navigate complex administrative and supervisory responsibilities.

In her role, Nida oversees grant programs, coordinates major community outreach initiatives, supervises project implementation, and maintains strong partnerships with elected officials, emergency services, nonprofits, and local organizations. She is instrumental in securing funding, monitoring compliance, and fostering transparent communication with residents and stakeholders.

Throughout her career, Nida has successfully led numerous high-impact projects, including park revitalizations, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement programs that have enhanced quality of life in Spring Valley. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a community-first approach, ensuring municipal initiatives are responsive, equitable, and sustainable.

Awards and Recognition:

2025 Women of Distinction Changemakers Award – Congressman Mike Lawler
2025 NAACP Spring Valley Branch Award of Distinction
2024 Community Impact Award – Guatemalan Community, Spring Valley
2022 Civic Service Award – Veterans Anthony Moscarella Post 199, American Legion
Nida is deeply committed to leveraging strategic planning, community engagement, and municipal partnerships to create meaningful, lasting impact for residents of the Village of Spring Valley.