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525 Cabrillo Park Drive, Suite 125, Santa Ana, CA 92701 <br />Phone: (714) 245-9500 <br />www.AAOC.com <br />November 17, 2023 <br />Santa Ana Planning Commission <br />City of Santa Ana <br />22 Civic Center Plaza <br />Santa Ana, CA 92701 <br />Dear Commissioners, <br />Orange County has long been one of the most attractive places to live and work in California. Our strong <br />economy, close proximity to freeways and transportation centers, good schools, safe communities, and <br />enviable weather have made this a desirable destination to live, work, play, raise families, invest capital, <br />and locate businesses. <br />However, all of this is at risk from a severe shortage of housing in Orange County, a reality that is <br />challenging communities small and large across California. Experts say the state must double its current <br />rate of housing production to 180,000 units annually to keep up with the expected population growth <br />and demand in coming years. Moreover, all cities, including Santa Ana, are facing state -mandated <br />requirements to plan for new housing — single and multi -family — to accommodate future projected <br />growth. <br />While Santa Ana is one of the few cities in California that has already met or exceeded its existing <br />Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation by the state, the need for more high -quality <br />housing in Santa Ana, particularly along South Bristol Street where the city's General Plan calls for <br />higher density residential, should remain a focus and priority for city leaders. <br />Related Bristol is exactly the type of visionary, mixed -use development the city and the region needs <br />going forward. It will significantly benefit Santa Ana in terms of housing with 3,750 new units, it will <br />deliver an expected $10.7 million in annual local tax revenue, and it will create 7,600 new jobs. <br />This is potentially a $3 billion private investment, the largest in the city's 154-year history, and it would <br />be transformational for Santa Ana and an example of modern, innovative mixed -use development done <br />right. On behalf of the Apartment Association of Orange County, I urge you to support and ultimately <br />approve Related Bristol. <br />Sincerely, <br />David J. Cordero <br />Executive Director <br />