Housing Director William ‘Bill’ Huang Announces Retirement

[Updated]  Bill Huang, City of Pasadena Housing Director, has announced his retirement effective December 16.

“It has been an honor and privilege to have served as Pasadena’s first Housing Director for the past fifteen years,” said Huang. “I have been blessed to have been able to work together with many others to increase the availability of affordable housing in Pasadena and to decrease the overall homeless population at the same time.

“Approximately 10% of all Pasadena households now reside in some form of affordable housing and the homeless population has decreased by over 50% since 2011. I am certain the homeless and affordable housing crisis will remain a top priority for the City in the years to come.”

Huang credits the highly supportive housing environment for the ability to effectively address the homeless and housing crisis, including strong support from City Council, all City departments, nonprofit partners, faith-based organizations, and homeless and housing advocates.

“In addition, the employees of the Department of Housing are unquestionably knowledgeable in their field and unwaveringly dedicated to the department’s mission to provide residents with affordable, safe, and high-quality housing,” Huang said.

Huang started in Pasadena in 2009.

City leaders and elected officials praised Huang for his vision and advocacy.

Vice Mayor Steve Madison called Huang, “The best housing director in the country.”

“He truly walks the walk when it comes to addressing housing issues in our community. Above all, Bill is a compassionate advocate for affordable housing and those who so urgently need affordable housing, and he works tirelessly to develop solutions to the many housing-related challenges that Pasadena—and the region—now face. It’s largely as a result of Bill’s splendid efforts that Pasadena is best-in-class in promoting affordable housing.

His well-earned retirement is a huge loss for Pasadena and we will be hard pressed to replace him; and at the same time that recruitment process is a huge opportunity that we must make a top priority.”

Huang has been honored with numerous professional and academic awards including SCI-Arc’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, induction into California Housing Hall of Fame, and a Pasadena Foothill Chapter of the American Institute of Architects’ Presidential Citation.

During his time as Housing Director, the City was recognized by the Urban Land with the Larsen Housing Policy Leadership Award for the top housing policy for a mid-sized city and was recognized by the Ivory Prize for housing innovation.

Assistant City Manager Nicholas Rodriguez told Pasadena Now that Huang “is a visionary and among the best recognized and regarded in the field … we have been very fortunate to have his wisdom and expertise over the years.”

Huang’s work in affordable housing spans over 30 years, first as an affordable housing developer and architect then moving to the public sector as the Housing Director for Los Angeles County and the City of Pasadena.

He also led the West Coast real estate consulting and lending operations for the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

He also served as the Deputy Director of the nonprofit Los Angeles Community Design Center where he oversaw affordable housing development and architectural services for numerous housing and community facilities.

Huang also helped to establish Hollywood and West Hollywood Community Housing Corporations, Heritage Housing Partners, and others.