Laserfiche WebLink
122 <br /> <br />Workforce development programs represent a significant opportunity for Orange County <br />to strengthen its labor market and competitive advantages and improve economic equity. <br />These programs have fewer barriers to entry than four-year college degrees and are thus <br />more accessible to lower-income residents, including those in Disinvested Communities, <br />and are a proven bridge to sustainable, gainful employment. <br />Does your jurisdiction participate in a Comprehensive Economic Development <br />Strategy (CEDS)? <br />Yes <br />If so, what economic development initiatives are you undertaking that may be <br />coordinated with the Consolidated Plan? If not, describe other local/regional <br />plans or initiatives that impact economic growth. <br />The City participates in the preparation of the Orange County CEDS. The process is led by <br />the OCWDB. The most recent CEDS covers the period 2024 to 2029 and establishes six <br />goals. Goal number two is to “focus on residents living in disinvested communities.” <br />Disinvested communities are the top 25 percent of Census Tracts in Orange County based <br />on the economic, social, and environmental metrics of the CalEnviroScreen. In Santa Ana, <br />11 disinvested areas have been identified. Low- and moderate-income residents of these <br />areas may qualify for public service, housing and homeless assistance programs supported <br />with CDGB, HOME, and ESG funds. <br />Discussion <br />In the spring of 2020, unemployment rates in the United States reached the highest levels <br />since the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) began recording this data. According to the <br />BLS, national unemployment rates reached 23.5 percent in May 2020. Unemployment rates <br />remained at historically high levels for almost six months. As of May 2024, unemployment <br />rates had declined to 4.6 percent in Santa Ana and 4.5 percent in Orange County. In 2019, <br />prior to the pandemic, the unemployment rate in Santa Ana was 3.0 percent and 4.5 percent <br />in Orange County. <br /> <br />EXHIBIT 1