“Through strong local coalitions, we can push the boundaries of economic development to make sure that it is inclusive and equitable, and broadly benefits both residents and business owners.”
Rudy Espinoza designs economic development initiatives that respond to the needs of communities in Los Angeles. As executive director of Leadership for Urban Renewal Network (LURN), he researches the informal economy, builds private/nonprofit partnerships and trains residents to advocate for their own interests and build a strong quality of life.
Most recently, Espinoza has led LURN’s leadership in the L.A. Street Vendor Campaign, a citywide effort to legalize street vending in the city—including developing a micro-loan fund and micro-equity program to support entrepreneurs in the informal economy. He also led LURN efforts to fuel social enterprises like COMPRA Foods, which organizes the purchasing power of small convenience stores in food deserts.
Earlier in his career, Espinoza was a senior program officer at the Community Financial Resource Center in L.A., worked at the AARP Foundation, and was a consultant focused on place-based initiatives and double-bottom-line investments. He has a master’s degree in urban planning from UCLA and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of California, Riverside.
Organization:
Leadership for Urban Renewal Network
Area of Focus:
Small business development
Fellowship Project:
Expanding LURN’s ability to provide low-interest loans and business coaching to micro-entrepreneurs by having LURN certified as a Community Development Financial Institution and deploying $300,000 in new debt capital.
Final Presentation:
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