December 10, 2008

PASADENA CITY MANAGER APPOINTS HOUSING DIRECTOR

Following an extensive search, City Manager Michael J. Beck announces the appointment of William K. Huang as director of the Pasadena Housing Department effective Jan. 5, 2009.

Huang is currently acting executive director of the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission, for which he oversees housing and community development, redevelopment, public housing and rental assistance. His permanent position is director of the housing development and preservation for the commission.

He previously was senior program associate for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, working with communities on housing development and neighborhood revitalization; and vice president/deputy director for Los Angeles Community Design Center, where he was responsible for all development, planning and architectural projects, including more than 2,000 units of affordable housing.

He has served on the board of directors of the Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing and as past board president of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative. He has been a long-time trainer in affordable housing development and design, and has helped start several leading community development corporations in Los Angeles.

A licensed architect, Huang has a master’s degree in architecture from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University.

“Pasadena has been at the forefront of smart growth and affordable housing but there remains much work to be done to ensure that housing is affordable for all income levels,” said Huang. “Housing needs to be designed and managed in such a way that it strengthens neighborhoods and respects the character of the community, such as the recently completed Fair Oaks Court.”

As director of the Pasadena Housing Department, he will oversee 35 employees and an annual budget of $37 million.

“Bill Huang will bring with him all the necessary qualifications and capabilities for this critical position,” said Beck. "I am confident he will provide exceptional leadership to guide the evolution of this new department as strategies and resources are developed to meet the housing needs of low-income and homeless residents.”

For more information about the Pasadena Housing Department visit www.cityofpasadena.net/housing or call (626) 744-8300.