Six Questions with Director Ryan Balius

The OCCOG Governing Board includes 19 Orange County elected officials and 10 ex-officio non-voting members who work together to represent Orange County’s interests in regional planning policy.  Let’s meet Director Ryan Balius.
 
Question 1: What area of Orange County do you represent for OCCOG?
Answer 1: I am proud to represent District 19, the beautiful city of Anaheim.
 
Q2: What is your favorite thing about living in Orange County?
A2: My favorite thing about living in Orange County is the incredible diversity of our people, the wide range of opportunities available, and the genuine sense of community that you feel when you're here. Orange County is known worldwide for our stunning beaches and world-famous tourist destinations, attracting visitors from all over the globe. But those of us who call Orange County home know that it’s the people who truly make this place special. For me, it’s not just about the beautiful landscape or the attractions; it’s the connections, friendships and community that make this place feel like home.
 
Q3: What issue made you interested in running for public office?
A3: I have long been an advocate for improving public safety in our region. I am a proud supporter of our law enforcement groups and want to work to provide them with the resources they need to ensure our communities are safe. As a representative of District 1 in the City of Anaheim, I have also been passionate about economic development and helping to revitalize the Beach Boulevard corridor, while working to bring jobs, housing and sales tax revenue to our community.
 
Q4: What is (your city) doing to support affordable housing in the city?
A4: The City of Anaheim has been aggressive in working to provide affordable housing options for our residents. The City is proud to provide over 3,900 affordable apartment units and has been creative in re-purposing existing motel uses into affordable housing units. The City also continues to be active in the development of new affordable and supportive housing projects, with both the Miraflores Apartments and Tampico Apartments anticipated to add over 100 additional units. While there is still work to be done, Anaheim is committed to meeting the housing needs of our residents and we look forward to working together with our residents to make that a reality.
 
Q5: Why is it important for (your city) to be involved with OCCOG and SCAG?
A5: It is critical that the City of Anaheim be actively involved with both OCCOG and SCAG so that we can ensure that the needs of our community, and those of the region, are represented and heard. Without active representation, we are at risk of having the terms of important issues like housing and transportation being dictated to us, as opposed to working together to identify solutions that work for our member cities. Beyond that, I strongly feel that a united and cohesive membership is vital in demonstrating the collective will of our member cities – and Anaheim wants to continue to be a leader in that effort.
 
Q6: Can you tell us about a program supporting youth or the community in (your city)?
A6: Anaheim has tremendous programs that support the youth of our community across the spectrum. Whether it is through our recreation and sports programs, Anaheim STARS or our Fun on Wheels after school programs – the City strives to provide programs, classes and events that are intended to enrich the lives of our youth.

While difficult to pick one to highlight, a program that is very near to my heart is the Anaheim Youth in Government Day. The Youth in Government Day is such a wonderful opportunity for our kids to get involved and learn about the services that the City provides to our residents, hear about some of the issues that are important to the community. The kids even get to participate in mock City Council meeting. The 2025 event took place on February 19 and it was such a pleasure to see the enthusiasm and energy of the children that took part in the program. It is my hope that the Youth in Government Day is platform for the City to help inspire the future leaders of Anaheim.