Zach Neumann

Zach Neumann is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of the Community Economic Defense Project (CEDP), an organization dedicated to building economic and racial equity by partnering with low-income and working people.12

Professional Background

Neumann is an eviction and debt defense attorney with a focus on protecting renters' rights and addressing economic hardship.2 His work extends beyond his role at CEDP:

• Academic Involvement: He serves as a nonresident fellow at the Urban Institute and a lecturer in law and policy at the University of Colorado.2
• Advocacy: Neumann is actively involved in fighting evictions and providing support to those facing housing insecurity.3

Founding of CEDP

Neumann co-founded CEDP in April 2020 with Sam Gilman. The organization initially started as The COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project, aimed at protecting Colorado renters from eviction and displacement during the coronavirus pandemic.1

CEDP's Impact

Under Neumann's leadership, CEDP has:

• Served over 31,000 people
• Disbursed over $100 million in rental assistance
• Drafted and passed laws expanding renters' rights
• Curtailed predatory towing practices
• Strengthened rights of mobile home park residents
• Established a fair housing unit within the Colorado Attorney General's office1

Current Focus

As Co-CEO, Neumann continues to guide CEDP's expanded mandate, which now includes:

• Eviction defense
• Foreclosure and HOA defense services
• Addressing predatory consumer and medical debt
• Defending victims of non-consensual towing
• Preventing homelessness through diversion efforts1

Neumann's work reflects his commitment to addressing economic inequality and housing insecurity in Colorado and beyond.