Laserfiche WebLink
REQUEST FOR <br />COUNCIL ACTION <br />CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: <br />SEPTEMBER 2, 2008 <br />TITLE: <br />EMPOWERMENT ZONE MEMORANDUM OF <br />AGREEMENT WITH HUD <br />CI ANAGER <br />RECOMMENDED ACTION <br />CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: <br />APPROVED <br />^ As Recommended <br />^ As Amended <br />^ Ordinance on 1ST Reading <br />^ Ordinance on 2"d Reading <br />^ Implementing Resolution <br />^ Set Public Hearing For <br />CONTINUED TO <br />FILE NUMBER <br />Authorize the Mayor to execute an amendment to the Memorandum of <br />Agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. <br />DISCUSSION <br />In January 1999, the City of Santa Ana received designation as a Round II <br />Federal Empowerment Zone from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban <br />Development (HUD). Santa Ana was one of 15 cities in the nation, and the <br />only city in California, awarded this urban zone designation. <br />The City submitted a boundary modification request to HUD to expand the <br />Empowerment Zone boundaries, specifically Developable Site #3, by 682.8 <br />acres to allow for an increase in job opportunities for Zone residents. <br />Additionally, the expansion would provide 1,230 businesses with the <br />opportunity to utilize the federal tax incentives. Statutory regulations <br />allow Round II Empowerment Zones to have up to three non-contiguous <br />parcels, not to exceed 2,000 acres that may be developed for commercial <br />or industrial purposes. Developable Site #3 was the only area that met <br />the regulatory requirements for expansion. <br />On July 1, 2008 HUD informed the City of its approval of the City's <br />request for boundary modification. An amendment to the Memorandum of <br />Agreement (Exhibit 1) has been prepared by HUD and requires the Mayor's <br />signature. <br />251-1 <br />