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