City of Santa Ana

This Community Engagement Plan outlines targeted outreach strategies to promote broad-based and inclusive participation in the annual budget development process across all Council Wards. The plan focuses on increasing transparency and accessibility of budget information, aligning the budget to reflect community priorities, expanding engagement to include underrepresented groups, and strengthening trust by demonstrating how community input influences resource allocation.

The meeting of the Historic Resources Commission included discussions regarding the listing of properties on the Santa Ana Register and executing historic property preservation agreements. Specifically, there was consideration of placing the property at 935 West 20th Street (the Russell Irving House) on the register and executing a preservation agreement with the property owner. The house qualifies as an intact example of a minimal traditional house with colonial revival detailing and is categorized as contributive to the overall character of West Coral Park. The commission also reviewed a request to place the property at 2307 North Broadway on the Santa Ana Register.

The City Council meeting included a presentation to Sanana High School's Elizabeth G Maria's Legal Studies Academy for their mock trial accomplishments. The council also recognized the winners of the San An Water Youth Poster Contest, highlighting the importance of water conservation. The governor's concerns about the ongoing drought and potential reintroduction of conservation efforts were mentioned.

The meeting included a public hearing on the consolidated annual performance and evaluation report. The report, required by HUD, assesses affordable housing and community development needs. Key topics included the CDBG program, aimed at developing viable urban communities, the HOME program, focused on supplying affordable housing, and the Emergency Solutions Grant program, designed to assist individuals and families in regaining stability after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness. Discussions also covered capital improvements, code enforcement, public services, and housing rehabilitation efforts.

The meeting included a revenue update, which showed an increase compared to the prior fiscal year due to e-commerce sales and strong economic activity. The committee also discussed expenditure updates, including carry forward amounts from fiscal year 2122 to the next fiscal year 23. The council is going to consider whether or not to reduce some of the Cannabis tax rates. The city has a ballot measure on the November election to restructure the city's business tax.