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i December 7, 2021 www.kennedycommission.org 17701 Cowan Ave.,Suite 200 Irvine,CA 92614 Mayor Sarmiento and City Council Members 949 250 0909 City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701 RE: Support to adopt Agenda Item 48, Sunshine Ordinance The Kennedy Commission (the Commission) is a broad-based coalition of residents and community organizations that advocates for the production of homes affordable for families earning less than $27,000 annually in Orange County. Formed in 2001, the Commission has been successful in partnering and working with Orange County jurisdictions to create effective housing and land-use policies that has led to the new construction of homes affordable to lower-income working families. Since its inception, the goal and intent of the City of Santa Ana Sunshine Ordinance have been to ensure that public information is readily accessible and available to all Santa Ana residents. The goal and intent of the Sunshine Ordinance have been vital for citizens to address the various legislative bodies before decisions are made and easy and timely access to public records. This constructive process invites the public to actively participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives and wellbeing, while simultaneously promoting an atmosphere of shared understanding and respect between elected policy- makers and the constituents they represent. Moreover, studies have shown that an open and transparent government fosters a relationship of trust among its residents. i As a result, this process facilitates the democratic opportunity for residents, elected policy-makers, and stakeholders to shape mutually beneficial outcomes for the City of Santa Ana and its residents. As such, we support the following amendments to the Sunshine Ordinance: Sunshine Ordinance Amendments • Publish City Council Meeting Agendas Seven Days Prior to the Meeting Date Publishing city council meeting agendas seven days prior to the meeting date would give Santa Ana residents timely access, information, and opportunities to prioritize city functions and programs that are important and/or impactful to them. • Expand the Number of Community Meetings for Certain Development Projects from One to Two Expanding the number of community meetings around development projects would allow Santa Ana residents to discuss jobs, housing, and open spaces interests and concerns. • Increase the Radius of Distributing Noticing of said Community Meetings from 500 Feet of