Roger A. Clay Jr.
Community economic development and housing equity leader
Oakland, California
Summary
Longtime leader in housing and community economic development: Clay has spent decades leading organizations and initiatives that advance affordable housing, asset-building, and community economic development, including serving as president of the Insight Center and creating national programs focused on economic security for vulnerable communities. stanford+2
Legal and policy expertise applied to social justice: Trained as a lawyer (J.D.) and having served as general counsel for the California Housing Finance Agency and as a law partner, Clay has combined legal practice and policy leadership—including ABA leadership roles—to shape housing and community development law and policy. stanford+1
Focus on racial equity and asset-building initiatives: Clay has led and supported efforts to close the racial wealth gap—helping launch and advance initiatives and publications aimed at expanding asset-building opportunities and economic security for communities of color. philanthropy+1
Committed Stanford alumnus and civic volunteer: A Stanford alumnus (class of 1966) and one of the university's early Black undergraduates, Clay has provided long-term volunteer leadership to Stanford (trustee and alumni roles) and received the Gold Spike award for volunteer service. stanfordmag+1
Work
Education
Projects
Writing
The Imperative of Closing the Racial Wealth Gap (Executive Summary / Insight Center report)
January 1, 2009Executive summary/report addressing the racial wealth divide and outlining asset-building and policy recommendations; he contributed to and supported this initiative at the Insight Center.
Building Healthy Communities: A Guide to Community Economic Development for Advocates, Lawyers, and Policymakers
Co-editor of an ABA/field guide documenting themes and trends in affordable housing and community economic development, offering guidance for practitioners and policymakers.
A Brief History of Community Economic Development
Long-form piece on the evolution of the affordable housing and community economic development field (associated with his work and editorial contributions).