In this episode of ChangeMakers with Katie Goar, we’re joined by Rob Fredericks, CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara. 

Rob shares his three-decade journey from cleaning up construction sites to leading one of California’s most respected affordable housing agencies. He breaks down how his team is reimagining what affordable housing can look like—blending beauty, functionality, and deep community impact. 

From adaptive reuse projects and supportive housing for formerly homeless residents to tackling the “missing middle” and preparing for the silver tsunami of retiring seniors, Rob offers candid insight into the challenges, creativity, and heart behind their work.

If you care about local solutions, thoughtful design, and housing that truly builds community, you’ll want to hear this one.