Rebecca Louie is president and CEO of Wakeland Housing and Development Corp., a leading affordable housing developer and operator in California.
Since its start as a nonprofit in 1998, San Diego-based Wakeland has created nearly 9,000 affordable homes throughout the state.
Louie discusses her career path, her organization’s ambitious new project, and more.
How did you get started in affordable housing?
My journey into affordable housing began with a strong foundation in policy and planning. Before joining Wakeland Housing, I worked at the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), our regional planning agency, where I focused on affordable housing policy. It was an incredible learning experience that gave me a deep understanding of the systemic challenges and opportunities that shape housing development on a larger scale. I gained invaluable insights into the policies, regulations, and strategies that drive affordable housing in our region.
However, my passion for making a direct, tangible impact on people’s lives led me to Wakeland Housing in 2005. Joining Wakeland was an exciting opportunity to transition from planning for housing to actually being involved in getting it built. At Wakeland, I was able to put the knowledge I gained at SANDAG into action, overseeing the development of affordable housing projects from concept to completion. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to be part of the development of over 8,700 affordable homes, working with a dedicated team to create safe, sustainable, and dignified housing for families and seniors in need. It’s been a dream career, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done to help build stronger communities.
What skills have helped you most in your career?
I am very decisive, which allows me to move quickly and make informed decisions, even when faced with complex challenges. In an industry where timelines are often tight and resources are limited, being able to assess situations quickly and act has helped drive projects forward and keep the momentum going.
Empathy is another core strength that has allowed me to build strong relationships with both residents and stakeholders. Understanding the unique challenges that low-income families and seniors face is not only essential to creating meaningful housing solutions, but it also helps me foster trust and collaboration among my team, partners, and the communities we serve.
Last, fairness has been a cornerstone of my approach. I believe in treating everyone with respect and ensuring that all voices are heard, whether it's the residents we’re building for or the professionals I work with. This fair and equitable mindset has helped me create a positive work environment and build partnerships that drive successful projects.
What are you and Wakeland Housing working on this year?
We currently have six projects under construction—five in San Diego County and one in Los Angeles County. Our focus will be on completing these projects and getting people moved in, which is always my favorite part of the job. In addition, we are excited to soon break ground on a new affordable housing project at Riverwalk in San Diego’s Mission Valley. Riverwalk San Diego is really going to be a game changer, transforming what is now a golf course to a vibrant, livable community conveniently located right in the middle of San Diego.
It’s an ambitious $3 billion, 200-acre, transit-oriented development in a master-planned village. When completed, it will feature 4,300 multifamily units, 110 acres of parkland, 1 million square feet of office space, and 150,000 square feet of retail. The affordable housing component that Wakeland is developing will include 188 homes. This project also involves the creation of a new light-rail transit station, along with adjacent bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure that connects to surrounding networks. The master developer for this major project is Hines, one of the largest privately held real estate investors and managers globally, with over $90 billion in assets under management.
How has being a Native Alaskan and a member of Tlingit-Haida tribe influenced you?
I think being Alaskan in general gave me a strong sense of adventure and a love for a good challenge, qualities that make me well-suited for a career in affordable housing. My Tlingit relatives were also all funny and fearless, and I like to think I bring both of those elements into my work.
Who inspires you and why?
I am truly inspired by our residents. Many of them have faced significant challenges—whether financial hardship, health issues, or other obstacles—and yet, they approach each day with incredible resilience and determination. Their strength and perseverance in the face of adversity motivate me to continue my work, as I am constantly reminded of the importance of creating safe and supportive environments that help people not just survive but thrive.
Proudest recent moment:
I am incredibly proud and honored to have been named Alumna of the Year by the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at the University of California at San Diego. Being part of this program's inaugural class in the mid-1990s was a transformative experience that shaped my career in affordable housing. To be recognized now for my work in this field feels like a full-circle moment, and it serves as a reminder of how far both I and the department have come since those early days.
This recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the dedication and values that I have carried with me throughout my career. The program instilled in me a deep commitment to creating equitable, sustainable communities, and it has been a privilege to apply those lessons in my work. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to inspire the next generation of urban planners and to show how the work we do can have a lasting, positive impact on the communities we serve.
What else would you like to accomplish?
I am committed to being part of the movement to overhaul California’s affordable housing system, which is currently held back by complex regulations, fragmented funding, and slow approval processes. These inefficiencies drive up development costs and create delays, preventing us from building the homes that Californians urgently need.
To address these issues, my primary areas of focus are:
- Create permanent funding sources: Most jurisdictions in California, as well as the state itself, lack a reliable, long-term funding source for affordable housing. This makes it difficult to plan for future developments and limits many cities and counties from being able to fund affordable housing projects;
- Coordinate funding: We need to develop a more unified and flexible financing system that allows developers to access funding more easily, reducing the complexity of managing multiple sources and speeding up the timeline for building affordable housing; and
- Expedite approvals: Establishing clear timelines and offering incentives for government agencies will help streamline the approval process, making it faster and more efficient.
By focusing on these areas, we can create a more efficient, cost-effective, and equitable system that increases the availability of affordable homes, speeds up the development process, and ultimately makes housing more accessible for all Californians.
Advice for others looking to move up to the next level in affordable housing:
I have a few pieces of advice that I give to people who are looking to move up to the next level in affordable housing:
1. Always stay focused on the mission of providing safe, affordable, and dignified housing for those who need it most. Affordable housing projects can take years to complete, requiring patience, persistence, and the ability to navigate through bureaucracy and challenges. Those who rise in this industry are those who remain committed to the mission, even when progress feels slow. Let your passion for making a positive impact drive your work and your career;
2. Develop a deep understanding of the industry. Affordable housing is complex, involving a mix of policy, finance, community engagement, and construction, and it is constantly evolving. Stay up to date with emerging trends, new financing tools, and changes in local, state, and federal housing policies. Attend conferences, take courses, and read industry reports to keep expanding your knowledge and skill set. Be curious about everything and learn all you can; and
3. Build relationships and network. The affordable housing sector is highly collaborative. Build a strong professional network with stakeholders like government officials, community leaders, developers, architects, and financial partners. Surround yourself with mentors who have experience in the field—they can offer invaluable advice, connect you with opportunities, and help guide you through the complexities of the industry.
