Housing is too expensive.
Our communities are too unequal and too segregated.
We’re not even remotely prepared for climate change, which is already here.
In 20 years of working on housing and urban development, I’ve seen passionate people and organizations come up with creative, smart, workable answers to these problems. But a diverse set of entrenched political divides keep us from realizing those solutions.
As a practitioner, researcher, and writer, I take this challenge as my starting point. I focus on work that can build new coalitions, overcome long-standing divisions, and ultimately make more answers to our equity and environmental struggles possible.
About me
I was born and raised in California. After almost a decade overseas, I’m back in the Golden State, living and working in Oakland. An award-winning writer and researcher, I’m the author of two books and more than 50 academic and nonacademic articles. I’m currently a Visiting Scholar at the Institute for Metropolitan Studies at San José State University, where I co-lead efforts to reimagine the Institute as a hub for the public understanding of urbanization in California.
Prior to returning to California, I taught geography at the University of Leeds and urban studies and policy at Sciences Po Paris and other universities in France. I began my career as an immigrant rights activist at East Bay Sanctuary, where I remain engaged as a member of the board, and as a tenant organizer and advocate in New York City.
Stay tuned as this site develops, but don’t hesitate to reach out in the meantime.
For my writing and research, visit alexschafran.com
For Organizations
Organizational strategy on housing and development issues
Cutting edge research
Award-winning writing for diverse audiences
Coalition and partnership building
Social impact strategy for housing and real estate businesses
Trainings and curriculum development
Project management
Public speaking
For Leaders
Strategic advising for leaders in the housing space
Housing and urban development platforms for candidates
Housing policy talking points and messaging
Co-authorship and ghost authorship of housing Op-eds, blogs and newsletters
Speechwriting
Contact Me
Email me at schafran [at] gmail.com
People interested in working with me via the SJSU Institute for Metropolitan Studies should contact me at alexander.schafran [at] sjsu.edu
Schafran Strategies 