Item 26 - EIR No. 2020-03 and GPA No.2020-06 Santa Ana General Plan Update

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EIR No. 2020-03 and GPA No.2020-06 Santa Ana General Plan Update February 15, 2022 Page 6 Senate Bill 1000 was signed into law in 2016 requires cities to identify "environmental justice" or "disadvantaged communities" within their jurisdiction as part of the general plan process. This law has several purposes, including facilitating transparency and public engagement in local governments' planning and decision -making processes, and to identify objectives and policies to reduce the unique or compounded health risks in disadvantaged communities that prioritize improvements and programs to address the needs of disadvantaged communities. It also requires that cities promote equitable access to health - inducing benefits, such as healthy food options, housing, public facilities, and recreation. Given that the environmental justice issues touches all aspects and all elements of the General Plan, it was determined early in the process that the best fit for the City is to incorporate environmental justice policies woven into the fabric of the various Elements. To identify for the public and the reader, a unique identifying logo consisting of a colored tile with the letters "Eq" in the center and "EX in the upper right corner has been incorporated into the various General Plan policies and implementation measures that address environmental justice concerns in the City. Additionally, the City prepared optional elements based on the input from the community to address special and unique community priorities. These elements include the Community, Economic Prosperity, Public Services, Historic Preservation, and Urban Design elements. Outlined below is an overview of the 11 Elements that are being updated, excluding the Housing Element as mentioned previously: Community Element. The Community Element is a new element of the Santa Ana General Plan. The element reinforces the city's values of recreation, culture, education, health and wellness, and cultivates opportunities for improved quality of life for all residents. The goals and policies of this element can be realized through partnerships with local agencies and organizations on facilities, activities and events throughout Santa Ana This Element functions in tandem with other elements of the General Plan, such as Open Space, which contains policies related to parks and recreation facilities. Several plans and programs implemented by the City and other agencies and organizations overlap with the goals and policies of this Element, such as the Community Arts and Culture Master Plan, which establishes goals and strategies on topics such as cultural equity, infrastructure for the arts, communitywide access, youth programming, and place making. There are 3 goals, 28 policies and 18 implementation items associated with this element. This element is not mandated by State law and is an optional element. Mobility Element. The Mobility Element, known as the Circulation Element in the current General Plan, is the City's blueprint for moving people, goods, and resources throughout the community. Moving beyond mere functionality, the City seeks to improve the quality of life in Santa Ana by providing more complete streets, offering ways to be more active, and conserving natural resources. In planning the City's transportation system for the