Correspondence - Item 21 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Director of Planning and Building would be redundant and would create new administrative delays for affordable housing partners - delays that ultimately drive up project costs and make housing unaffordable. Erodes the City’s Leadership on Affordable Housing Santa Ana has earned recognition across the region for its strong record of supporting affordable housing. The proposed amendment would risk reversing that progress. The staff report’s reference to a recent Habitat for Humanity proposal as a reason for the policy change is particularly troubling. Habitat for Humanity and other nonprofit builders are mission-driven partners that follow standard pre-loan procedures to ensure projects are feasible and responsible. Singling out a nonprofit affordable housing developer sends the wrong signal to affordable housing partners who have long viewed Santa Ana as a reliable collaborator. For these reasons, we urge the City Council to reject Agenda Item 21 and instead direct staff to work with affordable housing developers, advocates, and community partners to strengthen policies that facilitate, not hinder, the creation of affordable homes. Santa Ana’s leadership on housing can and should continue to serve as a model for other cities working to meet state housing goals and uphold fair housing principles. Thank you for your consideration and for your ongoing leadership on housing issues. Habitat for Humanity stands ready to collaborate with the City to promote solutions that expand homeownership opportunities and advance housing equity and inclusion for all Santa Ana residents. Sincerely, Debbie Arakel Executive Director