Meet Jessica Dominguez

In the heart of Denver's educational landscape, where I have dedicated over two decades of my life as a Denver Public School teacher, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of housing instability on our students, teachers, and schools. Fueled by a commitment to find solutions, I took a leave of absence during the 2018/2019 school year to delve into the complexities of affordable housing, driven by the urgency to address the displacement affecting our educational community.

During my leave, my efforts were recognized as I was named one of Denverite's "Who's Next in Housing." Mayor Hancock appointed me to both The City of Denver's Housing Advisory Committee and Planning Board, entrusting me with the responsibility of shaping policies that would directly impact the lives of residents facing housing challenges. My involvement extended beyond these appointments as I became deeply engaged in various working groups and committees dedicated to finding sustainable housing solutions.

Simultaneously, I assumed the role of Lead Housing Organizer at the Interfaith Alliance, where I helped spearhead the Congregational Land Campaign (CLC). We successfully facilitated partnerships between churches and mission-aligned developers to construct much-needed affordable housing. My dedication to this cause remained unwavering, even as I returned to the teaching profession.

Back in the educational sphere, I took on the responsibility of founding and chairing the Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA) Affordable Housing Committee. Through strategic advocacy, we achieved significant milestones, making affordable housing official policy at the state level through the Colorado Education Association (CEA). Additionally, our committee successfully garnered support for housing legislation at the city level, emphasizing the rights of renters and amendments to the zoning code. We are currently exploring how the school district  might leverage its underutilized land for affordable housing. 

Life's journey has brought me full circle, and I am once again helping churches develop affordable housing as the Director of Abundant Ground at Mile High Ministries. Serving as the first point of contact for churches, I guide them through the discernment process, answering technical development questions, and providing the necessary support to embark on inclusive community development projects with mission aligned developers. Many of these churches require rezoning to proceed with their projects. Currently, I am helping to lead policy legislation YIGBY-Colorado (Yes in God’s Back Yard), which is being sponsored by two legislators for the 2025 session. This legislation would save time, money and streamline the development process for the churches we help. 

Additionally beneficial to the churches I help is my extensive experience in the real estate industry, which spans over 18 years and has grown from residential real estate to multifamily housing development. I co-founded Love Thy Neighbor, a Colorado-based real estate business focused on resisting displacement and promoting homeownership for low to moderate-income households. Our efforts were recognized in 2018 with a community service award and featured in an article by the Denver Metro Association of Realtors. I have collaborated with key players in affordable housing, such as Habitat for Humanity and Elevation Community Land Trust, assisting hundreds of buyers in navigating affordable for-sale housing. 

My development experience and education includes completing Urban Land Institute's Real Estate Diversity Initiative program in 2019. I have been able to participate in two multi-family developments from construction to leasing up. I have been able to help several churches connect to mission aligned developers through a comprehensive education and technical assistance program and competitive RFP process. 

As a woman of color, my unique perspective as an educator, housing advocate, and now development consultant positions me as a committed advocate. My multifaceted experiences have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the field. I am eager to leverage this knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the affordable housing landscape.