Ehrenberg's interest in the sociocultural aspects of art and his participation in the community converted him into a public figure in the 1980s. While he kept exhibiting his work at individual and collective exhibitions, he also ran unsuccessfully as candidate for the municipal and federal elections in 1982 for PSUM (Partido Socialista Unificado de México). Three years later, due to the earthquake of 1985, Ehrenberg became involved in the protection and reconstruction of the legendary Tepito neighborhood against real estate speculation. When a year later another earthquake destroyed the neighborhood San Jacinto in the city of San Salvador, Ehrenberg coordinated the reconstruction program "Barrio a Barrio," which the city implemented to promote self-help based on his experience in Tepito. For his efforts and representing both neighborhoods, he was awarded the Roque Dalton del Consejo de Cooperación con la Cultura y la Ciencia en El Salvador (CONCISES) medal in 1987.