Marques Vestal

Marques Vestal is an Assistant Professor of Urban Planning and Critical Black Urbanism at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. He holds a Ph.D. in History and dual M.A./B.A. degrees in Afro-American Studies from UCLA. His research focuses on the social history of residential property in Black Los Angeles, linking property conflicts to broader urban development and Black liberation struggles. He is a historical consultant for the Luskin Center for History and Policy and advises Million Dollar Hoods, a community initiative analyzing mass incarceration costs in Los Angeles.

• Educations: Ph.D. History (UCLA), M.A. Afro-American Studies (UCLA), B.A. Afro-American Studies (UCLA)

His work addresses housing inequality, racial capitalism, and tenant governance, emphasizing policy solutions like social housing. He has contributed to high-profile studies on homelessness, rent control, and fiscal impacts of incarceration.

Advising roles include leadership with Million Dollar Hoods and policy collaborations. His affiliations include the South Central Tenants Union, reflecting his commitment to grassroots advocacy.