[4] A two year program within the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning focused on prospective models for community-driven economic development tied to shared wealth and ownership.

[6] Espinal entered public service as an aide to City Councilmember Erik Martin Dilan, ultimately serving as his chief of staff.

[9][10] In 2017, Espinal was named one of Time Out New York's "New Yorkers of the Year", largely in recognition of his advocacy in repealing the New York City Cabaret Law, enforcement of which disproportionately targeted LGBTQ and ethnic minority venues and creating the city's Office of Nightlife, dedicated to supporting DIY art spaces, music venues, bars and restaurants.

[2] In his first campaign, Espinal won the open 54th district seat in the New York State Assembly in a special election held on September 13, 2011.

[1][18] The seat was left vacant after Darryl Towns resigned from the post in order to take a position with Governor Andrew Cuomo's administration.

[24] In 2013, Espinal opted to leave the state Assembly to run for the New York City Council to succeed Erik Martin Dilan, and won the primary and general to take the seat in 2014.

While facing opposition from a citywide advocacy group, Espinal was able to secure what some have called the most comprehensive rezoning plan in the City of New York,[25] over a quarter of a billion dollars to address unemployment, crumbling infrastructure, and affordable housing issues.