In the spring of 2024, Ernesto was a senior architecture major, working on the Alley House Program. Over the course of the semester, Ernesto worked in the policy working group, and he realized he was more interested in shaping policies around equitable development and affordable housing than designing buildings. I had the chance to speak with him about his path, the lessons he learned, and his current non-profit work.

Discovering Housing Justice

Ernesto began his college career in architecture, where he worked on a variety of design projects. However, it wasn’t until he joined the Alley House program that he began to see the deeper implications of urban planning and housing policies. "In the Alley House program, I started to realize that architecture wasn’t the only way to make a difference," Ernesto explains. "I found myself becoming more passionate about how housing policies and urban planning shape communities."

Ernesto's work on the Alley House Program involved comprehensive policy analysis, exploring how zoning ordinances and city planning could influence the availability of affordable housing. What stood out to him the most was how seemingly small decisions—like parking requirements—could have significant impacts on the development of housing in a neighborhood. "It opened my eyes to the way zoning laws and policies can either support or limit the creation of affordable housing," he says.

Because of this work, Ernesto found that his interests had shifted away from traditional architecture toward a broader focus on urban planning and housing justice. His work on the Program involved analyzing zoning policies, advocating for diverse housing models, and attending city hearings. "I never expected to move away from architecture, but I felt a real calling to address the policies that impact housing availability," he says. "I started to see how these policies were preventing people from having access to safe, affordable housing."

This realization led Ernesto to explore nonprofit work focused on housing justice. "After the Alley House project, I talked to Wes [the Program's faculty lead] about next steps. He suggested looking into nonprofits that focus on housing justice, and that’s how I found my way to Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE) in Los Angeles."

Ernesto now works as SAJE on the Equitable Development and Land Use team as a Program Specialist. Ernesto’s work focuses on advocating for affordable housing, economic justice, and community-led urban development. "At SAJE, I’m not just talking about design or architecture—I’m directly working with residents and advocating for changes that will create more affordable, permanent housing," he explains. His role involves conducting research, engaging with local residents, and collaborating with other organizations to put attention to the needs of renters and low-income communities.

A core part of SAJE’s work is advocating for upzoning in Los Angeles, where the city’s zoning laws currently restrict the creation of affordable housing. "In LA, about 70% of the city is zoned for single-family homes. This limits the number of housing units that can be built and often drives up rent prices in these areas," he says. By advocating for upzoning—allowing for more multi-family and mixed-income housing—Ernesto is working to combat housing inequality in the city.

The Critical Role of Engagement in Housing Policy

A key lesson Ernesto took from his time in the Alley House Program was the importance of community engagement. While the program involved collaboration with city officials and non-profit leaders, it was the feedback from local residents that left the strongest impression on him. "At town hall meetings and community hearings, it was incredible to see how passionate people were about projects like the Alley House," he recalls. "That experience made me realize that community involvement is essential when it comes to housing policy."

At SAJE, Ernesto’s focus remains on ensuring that the voices of renters and low-income residents are central to every decision. "We work closely with communities to make sure they’re involved in the decision-making process," he says. "This means holding community meetings, doing outreach, and ensuring that the needs of those most affected by housing policies are heard."

Advocating for Permanent Housing & Alternative Models

Looking ahead, Ernesto remains dedicated to advocating for equitable housing policies. "I want to keep pushing for long-term, permanent affordable housing that stays within the reach of future generations," he says. "Many affordable housing projects only guarantee affordability for 25 to 55 years, which isn’t enough. We need policies that ensure affordability for the long term."

Ernesto is also committed to exploring and promoting alternative housing models, such as social housing, where residents have control over the management of their housing. "Social housing provides permanent affordability and gives tenants the power to shape their communities," he explains. "That’s the kind of change I want to see in housing models." This is an important vision of community-led development that creates housing opportunities that provide long-term security and well-being, while simultaneously advancing the community’s control over their living situations.