We build housing that holds its value to the people who live in it.
EVI is a private real estate production, innovation, and investment firm dedicated to uncovering opportunities in overlooked, growing urban neighborhoods with strong demand for new housing and commercial growth. We deliver innovative approaches to development — whether in design, financing, wealth building, education, or placemaking — to create lasting change in the communities we serve. We believe in a collaborative planning approach, working hand-in-hand with city leaders and residents to solve complex challenges. Our goal is to expand housing at all levels, with a particular focus on workforce and affordable housing, to reinforce the American dream and the promise of a safety net.
Ernst Valery
Mr. Ernst Valery is the Managing Director of EVI, overseeing daily operations, project execution, and strategic relationships. Over a 25+ year career, he has successfully developed and invested in diverse real estate projects — ranging from LIHTC new construction and large-scale rehabilitations to mixed-use properties and condominium conversions — across eight states and Washington, D.C.
Mr. Valery holds a Master of Science in Real Estate Development and a Master's in Policy Analysis and Public Administration from Columbia University, and a Bachelor's in Urban and Regional Planning from Cornell University. He is also a Mel King Community Fellow at the MIT CoLab.
Dedicated to fostering equity in real estate, Mr. Valery established the $6.25 million Aequo Fund, which provides vital capital to Black, Brown, women, and immigrant developers — focusing on projects that expand affordable housing and strengthen community ties across select major U.S. cities. Beyond development, Mr. Valery is an active social entrepreneur who collaborates with MIT CoLab professionals globally to incubate businesses designed to build wealth and increase access to opportunity for tenant families and local communities.
Our core deal types, in plain language.
We acquire existing affordable properties and rehabilitate them using Low-Income Housing Tax Credits — preserving affordability while upgrading homes residents already live in.
We partner with public housing authorities to convert distressed public housing into long-term, project-based Section 8 — unlocking capital for deep renovations without displacing residents.
Ground-up affordable and workforce housing in markets where supply lags decades behind need.
Communities that integrate affordable, workforce, and market-rate units in the same building — by design.
Markets we know deeply.
- ·New York
- ·Pennsylvania
- ·Maryland
- ·Illinois
- ·Tennessee
- ·North Carolina
- ·Michigan
The Aequo Foundation
EVI's community impact vehicle. Aequo runs a 2:1 savings match program for tenant families, invests in resident education and financial coaching, and supports the long-term stability of the communities we operate in.