Item 30 - Uncodified Ordinance Amending the List of Parcels

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Racially/Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Affluence While R/ECAPs have long been the focus of fair housing policies, racially concentrated areas of affluence (RCAA) must also be analyzed to ensure housing is integrated, a key to fair housing choice. A HUD Policy Paper defines racially concentrated areas of affluence as affluent, White communities. According to this report, Whites are the most racially segregated group in the United States and "in the same way neighborhood disadvantage is associated with concentrated poverty and high concentrations of people of color, conversely, distinct advantages are associated with residence in affluent, White communities." Based on this research, HCD defines RCAAs as census tracts where 1) 80 percent or more of the population is white, and 2) the median household income is $125,000 or greater (slightly more than double the national median household income in 2016). Regional Trend Figure 33 shows that the City of Santa Ana has no racially concentrated areas of affluence itself, but there are areas surrounding the City within the County. There is a higher concentration of RCAAs in South County, particularly in Newport Beach and along the coast. There is also a high concentration to the east in Tustin and north towards Yorba Linda. These areas all have higher median income and a higher percentage of white only populations. Local Trend While Santa Ana is generally a diverse and lower income city, with a large Latino population, there are some areas of relative affluence. However, Santa Ana does not typically align with traditional definitions of RCAAs, which are more common in wealthy suburban or metropolitan areas where affluent, racially homogeneous communities form. West Floral Park and Park Santiago are adjacent to Floral Park, one of the more affluent areas of Santa Ana. These two neighborhoods have higher incomes and are less racially diverse than other parts of Santa Ana, but these areas offer more development opportunity. These areas tend to have more single-family homes, larger lots, and greater access to amenities like parks, schools, and services. With the proximity of these neighborhoods to the West Santa Ana Boulevard Focus Area, these more affluent areas could influence growth in Downtown.