Housing Portfolio Manager

Ricardo Lopez

Ricardo Lopez leads our housing portfolio, including combatting homelessness and expanding affordable housing options. Previously, Ricardo managed the City of Chicago’s Inclusionary Housing Program (the Affordable Requirements Ordinance), which designates that market-rate residential developments allocate a percentage of units as affordable. Ricardo played a pivotal role in helping the city achieve its commitment to creating an equitable distribution of affordable housing in key areas that have historically lacked affordability.

Prior to joining the Chicago Department of Housing, Ricardo was a Senior Planner at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. In this role, he led the agency’s efforts in promoting health equity and contributed to the research, writing, and preparation of 28 plans and policy reports aimed at advancing equitable development and community well-being. Ricardo holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Post-Professional Certificate in Sustainable Urban Design from Arche works. He is a 2023 Fellow of the University of Chicago’s Civic Leadership Academy, and a 2024 Fellow of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation’s Leadership Academy.

Outside of work, Ricardo is an avid camper, recreational cyclist, and enjoys exploring new dog-friendly breweries in the city with his dog Chato.