Joan Ramon Riera

Joan Ramon Riera is the Housing Commissioner of the Barcelona City Council. He is currently newsworthy due to the city council's intervention in a threatened eviction related to the rise of 'coliving' spaces in Barcelona. Specifically, the council, under Riera's leadership, has demanded that New Amsterdam Developers (NAD) halt the eviction of Txema Escorsa, a resident of a building on Sant Agustí street in Gràcia. This case, similar to the Casa Orsola situation in 2024, has sparked mobilization from housing collectives. The rise of 'coliving' is causing displacement of long-term residents, as investment funds purchase buildings and convert them into shared living spaces, often leading to evictions and community disruption. Riera's involvement highlights the city council's attempt to address the social impact of this trend and protect vulnerable tenants.