Edgy Interview: Melanie Woods

Get ready for a conversation with one of San Diego’s influential housing voices: Melanie Woods, Vice President of Local Public Affairs for the California Apartment Association, where she leads legislative advocacy on housing, land use, and homelessness across San Diego County. Melanie’s path blends policy chops with real-world grounding. Raised by a lifelong developer (who warned her not to become one), she once dreamed of being an architect — drawn to design and the act of building itself. Her career pivot came early, serving as a policy advisor to former County Supervisor Ron Roberts, where relentless community meetings gave her a front-row seat to how decisions actually get made. That experience shaped her core belief: effective advocacy requires having sat on the other side of the table. Appointed by Mayor Todd Gloria to the San Diego Historical Resources Board, Melanie now helps balance preservation with growth. In this interview, she brings sharp insight (and humor) to CEQA reform, California’s housing crunch, leadership, spin playlists, and why she’s unbeatable at brunch. Grab a glass of wine and enjoy this tasty Edgy Interview.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was growing up, my dad, a lifelong developer, told me I could be anything I wanted just as long as I didn’t become a developer. I started working at his company when I was ten and quickly realized there was nothing better than helping build homes for people to live in. I wanted to be an architect because I loved the design component.

What was your favorite musical genre as a teenager and what are you listening to now?

Let me set the stage. As a teenager, a studded belt, a black tank top, far too much eyeliner, and emo-punk all the way. These days, I love anything I can set a spin song to — usually pumped-up pop — and I’m also a proud Swiftie.

Most people say they got a lucky break at some point. Tell us about yours.

I’m not sure I’d call it a “lucky break,” but my first job in politics really set the stage for my career. I worked as a policy advisor for Supervisor Ron Roberts, focusing on housing and transportation issues, and attended about thirteen community meetings a month. It was an incredible learning experience giving me the chance to work alongside brilliant people and meet so many political and community leaders. I truly believe that to be a successful lobbyist, you need to have a seat on the other side of the table and seen how decisions are made firsthand.

Who should play you in your biopic?

Jennifer Lawrence. She feels very real to me. She isn’t polished. She trips on the red carpet and swears during interviews but she’s also genuinely talented and dynamic.

What book – fiction or non-fiction – influenced you most?

Think and Grow Rich. While it’s a classic, it holds special meaning for me because my dad gave it to me as a college graduation gift. It resonated deeply because it validates perseverance and ambition, and reinforces the idea that success isn’t simply luck of the draw, it’s something you can learn, shape, and work toward intentionally.

If you could repeal one law, which would it be and why?

That would be CEQA. While it was originally designed to protect the environment, in practice it is often used to delay or block development rather than improve outcomes. These delays make it harder to build housing and infrastructure that communities need. Reforming or repealing CEQA could streamline development while still protecting the environment in smarter, more effective ways.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve helped preserve while serving on the Historical Resources Board?

I’m proud to be part of the Historic Resources Board at a time when Preservation in Progress is moving forward. It helps protect San Diego’s unique neighborhoods while guiding thoughtful growth. By balancing preservation with development, we maintain the city’s character, encourage smart investment, and support a high quality of life for residents.

What’s one housing policy that’s perversely affected housing availability in CA?

California’s legal framework around construction defect litigation is having a perverse effect on housing production. While intended to protect homeowners, it has made building new homes riskier and far more expensive for developers. Many builders either limit the number of new homes they construct or avoid certain markets altogether to reduce potential liability. As a result, fewer homes are built, which contributes to the state’s ongoing housing crisis.

Which reality TV show would you most like to compete on and why would you win?

American Ninja Warrior – I admire the strength, agility and mindset it takes to be a competitor. And I — for sure — wouldn’t win 😊

If you were a competitive eater, which food would be your specialty?

Brunch. I am excellent at brunch.

Tell us about your favorite hobby.

I have a few. Competitive Costco shopping. If this were an Olympic sport, I’d have several medals by now. I’m also an avid audiobook listener at 2x speed; between three book clubs, I usually make my way through about 50 books a year. Not to be cliché, but I do love noisy beach walks with my kids, chasing sunsets and collecting rocks. And finally, teaching spin because there’s nothing better than picking the perfect music to match the movement.

What advice do you have for young people who are starting out?

Focus on building and valuing your network. These are the people you’ll turn to for wisdom, support, and sometimes even job opportunities. San Diego is a surprisingly small community. There are so many times I might not know the answer, but I do always know exactly who to call to get it.

Where do you see yourself, professionally, in 10 years?

I see myself continuing to work at the intersection of housing and politics shaping meaningful solutions and having a lasting impact.

Will you ever run for political office, and if so, which would it be?

This question is really near and dear to my heart. Early in my career, I was part of Run Women Run, an organization dedicated to increasing women’s representation in elected office. I learned how often women don’t see themselves in leadership or elected roles and how easily they count themselves out. That lesson has stayed with me: leadership isn’t just about opportunity; it’s about believing you belong at the table. I promised myself I would never do that, so my answer is simple: never say never.

What would you change about yourself?

I wish I was better at spelling.