Jessica Valis

Jessica Valis is a designer, strategist, and civic advocate with a passion for helping local governments connect more meaningfully with their communities. As the founder of The Local Level, Jessica partners with municipalities to build intuitive, accessible websites that enhance transparency, improve communication, and foster public trust—all while respecting the realities of government budgets.

Jessica’s passion for inclusive storytelling and community engagement began in childhood. Raised outside Philadelphia, she often found herself standing up for others, even when it wasn’t easy. That early sense of justice and empathy sparked a lifelong interest in cultural connection, digital communication, and public service. She went on to study Business Communications at Stevenson University and earned her master’s degree in Publication and Design from the University of Baltimore, combining her love for writing, visual design, and information architecture.

Before launching her first agency, Jessica worked in the corporate world at Wells Fargo Securities where she honed her skills in publishing and design for high-stakes, fast-paced environments. But after being laid off while pregnant with her second child, Jessica knew she wanted her work to mean more. She founded Harford Designs during the pandemic to support small businesses and nonprofits, providing creative services rooted in clarity and purpose.

Jessica’s involvement in local government began close to home. As a homeowner and concerned resident, she built her town a new website and organized community efforts to challenge decision-making practices. From standing-room-only council meetings to advocacy for backyard chickens, she saw firsthand how design and information accessibility could empower everyday citizens to take action. These experiences became the foundation for The Local Level.

Through this initiative, Jessica now helps towns modernize their digital presence without the red tape. She believes strongly in working within the budgets of local governments, providing honest, effective solutions. Her work emphasizes user-first design, clarity of information, and tools that genuinely serve both leaders and the public.

In everything she does, Jessica is guided by her core values: education, transparency, inclusivity, and social justice. She continues to be active in her community and is currently running for local office, committed to being the kind of leader she once wished she had. 

Jessica is a proud mom to two adventurous boys, George and Finn, and married to a Baltimore City Police Officer. You’ll often find her tending to her garden, tackling DIY home repair projects, or hosting  neighbors playdates in her backyard. She believes deeply in raising her children to be curious, compassionate, and globally minded—because the world is bigger than any one community, and meaningful change starts right at home.