Pasadena Names Jim Wong as New Director of Housing

The City of Pasadena has appointed James (Jim) Wong as its new Director of Housing following a nationwide search that attracted many well-qualified candidates. Wong, who brings more than 40 years of experience in housing programs and administration, will lead the department responsible for addressing the city’s housing challenges and implementing various housing initiatives.

“Jim will be a tremendous asset to our City as the Director of Housing due to his strong background in housing administration, a proven track record of delivering critical housing programs, and being a respected presence within the regional housing community,” said City Manager Miguel Márquez.

“Jim works effectively with both the community he serves and his team, leveraging their collective expertise to develop creative solutions to our many complicated housing challenges.”

Wong has worked for the City of Pasadena for 35 years, most recently serving as Acting Director of Housing. He began his career with the city in 1990 as a Program Coordinator III, administering a homebuyer assistance loan program. In 2004, he became a Senior Project Manager before taking on his current role.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the City of Pasadena in this new capacity,” Wong said.

The new director holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and a Master’s Degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from UCLA. Outside of his professional life, Wong enjoys collecting music and searching for used vinyl records in Pasadena.

Wong officially began his new position on Monday, March 24, 2025. He will oversee the Housing Department’s annual budget of $46.3 million and manage 91 full-time equivalent employees.

Wong succeeds former longtime Department Director Bill Huang, who served as Pasadena’s inaugural Housing Director from 2009 until his retirement on December 16, 2024. Huang dedicated 15 years to building the city’s Housing Department from the ground up.