Niki Wetzel

Niki Wetzel, a 26-year community development professional, joined the City of Garden Grove on July 10, 2023 as Community Development Director. Niki is responsible for overseeing the City’s Planning Services, Building and Safety, and Code Enforcement divisions.

Prior to Garden Grove, Niki served as the Deputy Director of Planning and Building for the City of Anaheim, overseeing historic and multi-billion-dollar projects such as the future OC Vibe mixed-use project and the Disneyland Forward project. She also managed and mentored a staff of 25.

Niki began her professional career in 1995 with the City of Laguna Niguel. She later joined the City of Anaheim as a planner until 2004, when she moved over to the City of Rolling Hills Estates managing large development projects as a principal planner.

In 2015, she joined the City of Lake Forest, where she was promoted to Assistant Director of Community Development, overseeing the Planning and Code Enforcement divisions, before re-joining the City of Anaheim in 2020.

She holds a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Cal Poly Pomona, where she was recognized as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Most Outstanding Graduate Student. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and Psychology from UC Santa Barbara, graduating with high honors. She is a member of the American Planning Association and maintains membership and certification from the AICP.

She and her husband have three adult children. She loves dogs and has adopted two from local animal shelters. She is a registered yoga instructor and is passionate about promoting a healthy mind and body.