Eram Ahmed

My research involves looking into the decommodification of housing. I would like to look into how we can transition the use of housing away from being utilized as a market tool for wealth extraction, a commodity that is bought and sold as an investment vehicle, into a collective good that is only used for one purpose, providing shelter. In addition to this, I would like to explore the role of organized labor, specifically through unions, and how these collective powers can be used as an instrument to help provide affordable housing, and building on these accomplishments to eventually lead to the universal decommodification of housing. 

Inspirations for wanting to pursue this line of research stemmed from studying the Co-Op City development located in the Bronx in New York City. The largest affordable housing co-op located in the United States, was built through the United Housing Foundation, which included a coalition of labor unions along with other community-based organizations, and provided affordable housing dedicated towards low and middle income families. These collectivist models of ownership also allows for the wealth that is generated here to be re-circulated amongst the community members, rather than leaking outside towards private development or real estate interests. Outside of the United States, I believe successful social housing projects in Vienna, and even in Barcelona offer a path forward towards replicating how these measures can be implemented to address housing issues, stateside. La Borda in Barcelona for example, is a tenant-owned and managed co-operative property that provides non-speculative housing, while also providing environmental sustainability and a robust community life. This co-operative housing project also sits on land that is currently leased to them by the Barcelona City Council, so it serves as a great example of how the public and co-operative housing can be combined as a method for addressing needs of shelter within a municipality. 

Research Interests/Specializations

• Labor Union Activism / Syndicalism
• Political and Community Organizing
• Community and Civic Engagement
• Solidarity Economics
• Insurgent, Radical & Embedded Planning
• Mutual Aid
• Worker Co-operatives
• Housing Co-operatives
• Community Land Trusts
• Collectivism
• Dialectical Materialism
• Social/Public Housing
• Gentrification and Displacement
• Affordable Housing
• Housing Justice and Social Equity.

On/Off-Campus Job

Research Assistant at the Small Business Anti-Displacement Network (SBAN) currently working on Climate Gentrification. 

Extracurricular Involvement

Currently involved with organizing with the Graduate Labor Union (GLU) here at UMD to gain union recognition. Also active within Metro DC DSA, specifically the Prince George’s County chapter. 

Career Ambitions

While I am unsure at this time if I would like to dedicate myself towards a long term career within academia, I do know that I would like to incorporate these research interests into my work, regardless of where I end up after this program. Whether that be working as a research assistant at an urban research lab, or working as a research professor within a university. 

Education

• MURP Urban and Regional Planning, Ball State University
• B.S. Political Science, Arizona State University