Leah Levinger is an attorney and dedicated tenant organizer in the housing justice movement. Her post-graduate fellowship proposal evaluates the funding formula for project-based section 8 housing. The federal government bases its funding for section 8 buildings on local real estate values. Advocates believe this method creates a pattern of substandard housing in many communities of color, where housing values are often lower. Based on her research, she will recommend strategies to make the funding formula more equitable.
Before law school, Leah spent 15 years as a tenant organizer in Chicago. She co-founded several community organizations and a coalition that won citywide rent protections and improvements to federal housing law. Her work has led to the rehabilitation and development of thousands of affordable housing units.
Leah graduated from Yale Law School in 2022, where she served as a lead editor of the Yale Law and Policy Review. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago. When she is not working, Leah enjoys hiking and camping. She’s been known to play acoustic guitar and sing cover songs way too loud and off key.
67 East Madison Street, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60603
phone: 312.263.3830
