J. Reid Porter is the Founder and CEO of Act (Advocates for Community Transformation), a Christian, place-based justice organization that strengthens neighborhoods by empowering residents to shut down drug houses and reduce crime. Act uses existing civil laws to take legal action on behalf of neighbors, offering a private solution to a public safety problem. Its model brings together residents, law enforcement, pro bono attorneys, and the church to pursue justice as an expression of Christ’s call to love one’s neighbor. 

Before founding Act, Reid practiced trial law in Dallas and volunteered in the underserved community of West Dallas. He holds a J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law and a B.A. in history with a minor in Spanish from the University of Texas at Austin. A Manhattan Institute Civil Societies Fellow, Stand Together Catalyst Partner, and Praxis Fellow, his work has appeared in major national and local publications.