Suggestions
Cupid Alexander
Social Scientist | Planning, Economic Development, Housing | I help government, companies and social service agencies improve the quality of life for their residents.
Cupid Alexander is the Deputy Director of Housing for the City of San José, California. He assumed this role in March 2024 and has been serving in this position for about 6 months.1
Professional Background
Cupid Alexander has an extensive career in public service, focusing on improving the quality of life for all individuals. His experience spans various cities and roles:
- City of San José: Deputy Director of Housing (March 2024 - Present)1
- Houston Housing Authority: Senior Vice President Operations (July 2022 - November 2023)1
- City of Austin: Assistant Director (August 2021 - July 2022)1
- City of Spokane: Division Director of Neighborhoods, Housing & Human Services (November 2020 - July 2021)1
- City of Portland: Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Mayor's Office (May 2017 - November 2020)1
Education
Alexander has a strong educational background in business and public administration:
- Master of Public Administration from Portland State University1
- Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development from Portland State University1
- Bachelor's degrees from Western Oregon University, Fisk University, and Warner Pacific College1
Philosophy and Approach
Cupid Alexander's work is guided by five key principles:
- Finding the "solidarity dividend" where everyone can benefit
- Emphasizing the importance of listening
- Providing context, including historical perspective
- Embracing innovation
- Implementing a cycle of measurement, implementation, study, and improvement1
His expertise includes developing policies and strategies for housing, community development, and human services. Some of his notable projects include the "preference policy" in Portland, Oregon, and the winter sheltering strategy in Spokane, Washington.1
Cupid Alexander is known for his commitment to improving housing conditions and addressing issues related to homelessness. He has been involved in discussions and initiatives aimed at alleviating homelessness in his current role at the City of San José.2
Highlights
We had social housing once. It was called public housing. With some ingenuity, policy change, and strategic investment- we can have it again. And better.
Friends, I’ll say the quiet part out loud:
Stop listening to speakers, panelist’s, and presenters who’s housing & economic development solutions don’t work in their own agencies, communities, or regions.
It’s troubling the amount of bad advice I’ve seen given on some of these platforms that don’t hold muster.
Look; I know we’re all looking for the next “best” thing - and many of us are desperate to understand how to leverage limited financial resources for sustainable and scalable solutions that provide high quality housing and economic development options that our communities entrust us to initiate and operationalize.
But goodness. Just because we put people on a platform or give them a microphone doesn’t make them an authority, or even helpful. My suggestion; do your due diligence. There are some really talented leaders and strategists…but many times- they aren’t the ones presenting or provided the platform. Find them. Engage them. And learn from them.
And if I’m wrong, let me know! I’m always looking for healthy housing solutions- and I’m happy to be surrounded by colleagues here who are focused and aligned with that too.
