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were created for Santa Ana residents — the City continues to monitor this project to ensure the College District meets its contractual obligations. Other economic development activities undertaken by the City during the 2008 -2009 report period (non -HUD funded) include the following: ■ State Enterprise Zone: The Enterprise Zone is designed to promote business growth and job generation by offering tax credits. Qualified businesses reduce State income taxes by an amount equal to the amount of wages paid to qualified employees. These "hiring credits" are provided to employers who hire low -wage earners, target area residents, laid -off, or long -term unemployed persons. A business may earn up to $35,000 in tax credits per qualified employee. A total of 3914 individuals were assisted through these efforts during the 2008 — 2009 report period. Santa Ana's initial Enterprise Zone expired on June 7, 2008. During the report period, the City applied to the State of California and was awarded a new 15 -year Enterprise Zone designation effective June 8 2008. ■ Work/ Opportunities /Resources /Knowledge (WORK) Center: A coalition comprised of the City, the Workforce Investment Board of Santa Ana, the State Employment Development Department, Santa Ana College, and the Orange County Social Services Agency. This coalition provided free services to individuals seeking job search assistance, on- the -job training, and job skills training. Services include labor market information, resume /application writing assistance, job search workshops, job search assistance, and on- the -job training. Du ' e r eriod iffer r' rogram enrolment was utilized which ensur all s s uti ng 0 center al participated in the federal the Workforce Inve' ent , c pr a the port period approximately 6,500 job seekers in ed ra ing plo a services the WORK Center /WIA. ■ Business Attraction /Retention: The City also provided economic opportunities for residents through other programs including the Redevelopment Agency funded Business Retention /Attraction program. Program staff estimates that 558 jobs were added or preserved via program efforts during the 2008 -2009 report period. C. HUD APPROVED NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES OR EZ/EC ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT In January 1999, HUD designated the City of Santa Ana as a Federal Urban Empowerment Zone (FEZ). The mission of the Santa Ana Empowerment Corporation (SAEC) is to build a sustainable community that fosters economic opportunities for all Empowerment Zone residents and businesses. During the first three -years of designation, the SAEC's mission was supported by the key elements outlined in its implementation plans. These elements include education, job training, job placement, business development, safety, childcare, health, transportation, housing, youth 43 19F -49 Draft 8/26/2009