19E - APPROVAL AND ADOPTION ENTERPRISE ZONE

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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: JUNE 2, 2008 TITLE: APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF CONDITIONS FOR FINAL SANTA ANA ENTERPRISE ZONE DESIGNATION l.~ CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDED ACTION CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: APPROVED ^ As Recommended ^ As Amended ^ Ordinance on 1~ Reading ^ Ordinance on 2"d Reading ^ Implementing Resolution ^ Set Public Hearing For CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER 1. Approve and adopt a Negative Declaration for the Santa Ana Enterprise Zone. 2. Direct staff to comply with all conditions as outlined by the California Department of Housing and Community Development so the Santa Ana Enterprise Zone can receive final designation. DISCUSSION On January 31, 2008, the City of Santa Ana received a Conditional 15-year Enterprise Zone designation from the California Department of Housing and Community Development. The Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program was created by the State of California Legislature for the purpose of stimulating the economy in areas deemed by the State to be economically challenged. The program offers State Tax Incentives to businesses in the zone which helps the City retain companies and attract new companies to the area. On March 17, 2008, the City of Santa Ana received a letter from the California Department of Housing and Community Development describing the conditions that must be met before a Final Enterprise Zone designation can be issued. The conditions to be met include: describing the elements of the Hiring Credit vouchering plan, providing a detailed analysis of the advertising and promotional strategy for the EZ, and a listing of the staff that will be involved with the marketing of the EZ. Also, one of the conditions required by the State in order to receive a Final Enterprise Zone designation is the submission of a Negative Declaration. This Negative Declaration addresses the environmental 19E-1