Jennifer Martino

1. What is your role and what does a typical day look like for you?  

I am the Manager of Neighbourhood Development and Support for the City of London. My days involve supporting residents with ideas to strengthen their neighbourhoods, collaborating with City departments and community partners, and helping my team deliver programs like London Community Gardens, Adopt-a-Park, and Neighbourhood Managed Outdoor Rinks. Much of my work is about connecting people to the right contacts and information to bring their ideas to life or solve neighbourhood challenges.

2. How did you find your way into municipal work?  

I joined municipal work two years ago after more than 20 years in community development, nonprofit leadership, and post-secondary teaching. I have always been drawn to roles that support people making a difference in their communities. The municipality offered the chance to work across sectors and help residents shape the places where they live, and it has been a great decision.

3. What part of your work has the biggest impact on your community?  

The biggest impact comes from making civic participation more accessible. Through resident-led events, partnerships, and participatory budgeting, I have seen how welcoming, low-barrier opportunities bring new voices into municipal conversations. Helping residents feel included and confident in sharing their ideas is the most meaningful part of the work.

4. What is one moment, project, or accomplishment you’re proud of?  

Supporting the Indigenous Fellowship of Hamilton Road in enhancing the Mushkeeki Gitigan Medicine Garden has been especially meaningful. As the mother of an Indigenous daughter, attending a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event there and seeing her proudly wear her ribbon skirt was one of my favourite days at work.

5. What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your job? 

People are often surprised by how much joy and fun this work brings. This year, our team helped host ten community celebrations in neighbourhood parks to highlight new improvements. Seeing residents connect and enjoy these spaces was one of the best parts of my year.

6. What do you enjoy most about serving your municipality?  

I love seeing the pride and energy that comes from residents working together. Being part of a team that helps turn ideas into real community improvements, and watching those changes strengthen neighbourhood identity, is incredibly rewarding.

7. What are you looking forward to in the year ahead?  

I am looking forward to London’s bicentennial and the many ways residents can celebrate their neighbourhoods while connecting the past and present. From gardens to rinks, I am excited to see how people continue traditions of gathering and building community in public spaces.

8. Anything else you’d like people to know about your role, your team, or your municipality? 

Our team cares deeply about helping residents strengthen their communities, and we are supported by leadership across the municipality that shares this commitment. Our work succeeds because of strong collaboration with colleagues and the passion of Londoners themselves.