Eric Mai

Eric Mai

(Pronounced: “My”)

Policy Leader & Researcher
Housing & Community Development

I’m an experienced nonprofit leader with a background in history, urban planning, and community revitalization. For over five years, I have helped to increase knowledge and data accessibility around affordable housing, led growth and modernization at a policy and research nonprofit, and built relationships with non-traditional partners outside the housing industry.

I have a strong foundation in qualitative and quantitative data analysis and research design. More than anything, I believe in breaking down the barriers that prevent us from understanding complex topics by focusing heavily on data visualization, accessible language, and meeting people where they are.

I enjoy not just thinking about the work, but also how the work is done. Whether exploring ways to making work more efficient or creating systems that increase accountability and transparency, I believe that structure can lead to more flexibility and room for creativity.

Highlights

  • $1M+ in Grant Funding secured for affordable housing initiatives across Virginia
  • 20%+ Annual Nonprofit Revenue Growth driven through strategic data analytics and policy implementation
  • Organizational Modernization implemented through Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), systems and protocols development, and technological advancement
  • Statewide Data Initiatives launched to improve understanding of housing affordability and solutions
  • Cross-Sector Partnerships built with government, non-profit, and private organizations
  • Policy Translation expertise in converting complex analysis into actionable recommendations

Selected Works

  • Virginia Zoning Atlas (2025)
    Initiative Lead and Founder
    An interactive web map that compiles and analyzes Virginia zoning ordinances for their impact on housing.

  • Faith-Based Property Ownership in Virginia (2025)
    Principal Investigator
    Comprehensive statewide analysis, quantifying the potential impact of statewide “Faith in Housing” legislation.

  • Middle-Income Housing Programs: A National Scan (2025)
    Principal Investigator
    Research conducted to understand the breadth of statewide middle-income housing programs and initiatives.

  • House Bill 854 (2020-2022)
    Co-Author
    Statewide study on affordable housing and statewide programs commissioned by the Virginia General Assembly.