Best Of | Grace Ruiz-Stepter Director, Housing and Community Development, City of Anaheim

Katie revisits her inspiring conversation with Grace Ruiz-Stepter, Director of the Housing and Community Development Department for the City of Anaheim. With over 20 years of experience managing housing programs at federal and local levels, Grace was a passionate leader dedicated to expanding affordable housing access and fostering community development. Before her current role, she held key leadership positions at the Housing Authority of Los Angeles County, where she managed initiatives that empowered communities through her advocacy and strategic vision.

In this episode, recorded in last winter, Katie and Grace explored Grace's journey to leadership, her vision for equitable, affordable housing, and the innovative strategies she was implementing in Anaheim. Grace opened up about the challenges driving her commitment and shared valuable advice for changemakers aiming to make a difference in their communities.Grace also provided insights into Anaheim’s current housing challenges, including the “silver tsunami” of aging Baby Boomers who will need accessible, affordable senior housing.

Drawing from her experience in both LA and Anaheim, she compared housing affordability challenges and highlighted how her department was addressing these issues to support Anaheim’s most vulnerable seniors.

Tune in for a powerful discussion that will leave you inspired to create change in your own community, driven by Grace’s seasoned leadership and dedication to building a better future through housing advocacy