…
History has shown that urban renewal projects have had mixed effects on low-income communities. At times, they have provided much needed investment to marginalized areas, and at others, they have leveled the homes of families and destroyed important physical and cultural infrastructures.
LURN is reclaiming “urban renewal.” LURN believes that the renewal, revitalization, and revival of low-income communities must be done responsibly, must be led by the community, and must leverage existing resources. By activating our multi-disciplinary coalition to bring in new ideas and innovative solutions to revitalize communities, LURN intends to do just that.
…
LURN IS A 501(C)(3), NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION COMMITTED TO REVITALIZING LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES.
OUR MISSION IS TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER TO DESIGN, BUILD, AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES THAT ALLOW PEOPLE TO LIVE THEIR GREATEST POTENTIAL.
WE CATALYZE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY NETWORKS, FORGE TRANSFORMATIVE PARTNERSHIPS, & DEVELOP INNOVATIONS THAT DESIGN, BUILD & PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES.
…
Sign up for our newsletter, the IDEAdistrict, to stay up to date on the latest trends, happenings, and innovations in Los Angeles and the world.
You won’t regret it!
Believe in the power of community.
LURN is composed of a group of passionate professionals dedicated to supporting sustainable communities by developing solutions to fight poverty, build sustainable economies and resilient communities. We promote and build places that meet the diverse needs of residents, are sensitive to the environment, and contribute to healthy living and opportunity.
LURN believes that urban planning and community economic development strategies need to be re-mixed with fresh thinking and a little fearlessness. The fact is that the gap between the rich and the poor is only growing, low-income communities in urban areas are severely lacking investments and resources, and the systems in which we operate are often part of the problem. LURN strives to think freely, act with purpose, and seek results that improve the quality of life of people.
LURN distinguishes itself through its ability to convene innovative people from different fields to solve the issues affecting people in urban areas. The results of these dialogues, collaborations and connections is the heart of LURNlabs, a purpose-driven innovation lab that focuses on developing solutions for real issues that affect people in urban areas.
LURNLabs is currently researching and developing:
And to continue to cultivate ideas, LURN convenes social entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, private sector executives and policymakers in a variety of signature events:
LURN understands that improving the quality of life of people in urban areas cannot be done alone. Collaboration is necessary, and sharing innovation is paramount. LURNAdvisors is LURN’s in-house consulting team that is dedicated to helping other organizations of all types develop and implement strategies to help fight poverty, build sustainable economies, and house low-income families.
True to LURN’s spirit, its team is made of up urban planners, attorneys, developers, designers, and management consultants that inject innovation and fresh thinking into the following work:
LURNCapital leverages the multi-disciplinary perspective of LURN to address one of the roots causes of poverty in urban areas — access to capital. For the team at LURN, capital in the form of financing, physical infrastructure and education are important resources to build wealth, invest in low-income communities, and build sustainable community-based economies.
LURN also believes that one of the most important building blocks of prosperous, sustainable economies already exists in many communities — workers, innovative entrepreneurs and commitment. LURN works to supplement these assets with innovative, market-oriented solutions to empower communities and build wealth.
Via LURNcapital, the organization is currently focused on:
Progressive professionals committed to revitalizing Southern California’s most under-represented communities.
LURN prides itself on hosting informative, engaging and unique events. We like to party with purpose, and in that spirit, have created two signature events for your partying pleasure! Keep reading to LURN more.
Damn Good Fundraiser
Our Damn Good Fundraiser brings together the progressive professional community of Los Angeles for a night of drink, discussion, and activity. Whether you like to engage with others over a speaker series with renowned Los Angeles community leaders, or demonstrations from local organizations making a difference in Los Angeles, the Damn Good Fundraiser has got it covered.
SpeedLURNing
Wish your trivia nights included discussions with decision makers? Wish your discussions could impact policy change? Well, combine speed-dating, policy forums, and drinks and you have SpeedLURNing! Perfect for those wanting to connect over methods to improve our communities.
LURN is always hosting community workshops that bring together policy leaders, community members, and stake holders over a variety of topics. Stay tuned for a workshop you can engage in!
In the meantime, check out memories from our previous events!
Party with purpose!
Alfred Fraijo, Jr.
Chairman
Alfred Fraijo Jr. is a Partner at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP in the firm’s Real Estate, Land Use and Natural Resources practice group specializing in innovative, urban renewal projects in the inner-city and other sectors with emerging markets. Mr. Fraijo received his J.D. from Loyola Law School, and a B.A. in Government from Harvard University.
Rudy Espinoza
Executive Director
As the Executive Director, Rudy Espinoza is responsible for managing LURN's initiatives and cultivating a space for new leaders and innovative thinking. His expertise lies in advocacy, community economic development, and place-based initiatives. Rudy holds a Masters in Urban Planning from UCLA and a B.S. in Business Administration.
Vikram Jadhav
Board Member
Vikram Jadhav is the Principal of CRUX Objectives – a full-service business strategy and brand management firm serving small businesses, start-ups, and non-profits. He consults to international & domestic non-profits, affordable housing developers & agencies, local & regional governments, and health foundations. He holds a Masters in Urban Planning from UCLA and a B.S. in Community and Economic Development.
Jeanmarie Hance
Board Member
Jeanmarie Hance is the Principal of Collaborative Planning, a community outreach and land use consulting firm specializing in creating public-private partnerships for clients with economic development priorities. She was formerly vice-president of Planning Company Associates, Inc., former president of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI), and a former advisor to the Los Angeles City Council on funding, policy and social issues.
Monique Chavoya
Board Member
Monique Chavoya is a Project Manager for McCormack Baron Salazar where she secures project financing and manages the entitlement and community relations processes. Prior to joining McCormack Baron Salazar, Ms. Chavoya was a Project Manager for East LA Community Corporation and a Sustainable Development Fellow for the Greenlining Institute. Ms. Chavoya holds a B.A. in Sociology and Latin American Literature from Smith College and a Masters in Urban Planning from the UCLA.
Sara Magaña-Withers
Board Member
Sara Magaña-Withers is the Director of Community Development for the City of Lynwood, CA. She is responsible for all state and federal compliance; achieving the city’s development goals, and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of residential, commercial and retail districts. During her tenure, she has managed the strategic planning and entitlement of over 6 million square feet of real estate. She received a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of La Verne and is an alumni of the Lusk Center for Real Estate Development at the University of Southern California.
Ricardo Mireles
Board Member
Ricardo Mireles is the Founder and Executive Director of Academia Avance, a charter public school in Highland Park. Prior to founding Avance, Mr. Mireles was part of a team that launched the planning and construction of 160 new schools within the LAUSD. Mr. Mireles is a Coro Fellow and has taught at the UCLA School of Public Policy, and at the Don Bosco Technical Institute. He has a B.A. in Anthropology from Columbia University, and has completed graduate work in urban planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Alicia Maldonado
Board Member
Alicia Maldonado is President of Mockingbird Communications and is experienced in strategic planning and communications, media relations, community outreach, organizational development and collaboration with coalitions on social reform issues. Ms. Maldonado received her Masters in Communications Management from the Annenberg School of Communications at USC and her Bachelor’s degree from Cal State, Fresno.
LURN with us.
Your support of LURN is deeply appreciated. We rely on your contribution to further our activities in the community, so please click the donate button – and if you’re the type that likes to do a good deed per day, consider this one yours!
Thanks, you’re awesome!
That felt good, didn't it?
Be a part of our community!
© 2012 All Rights Reserved, designed by CRUX Objectives
P.O. Box 331329 Los Angeles, CA 90033