Laserfiche WebLink
Introduction <br />This chapter introduces the Housing Element: its purpose, content, public <br />outreach process, and relationship to other City planning efforts. <br />OVERVIEW <br />Incorporated in 1886, the City of Santa Ana has a rich historical and cultural <br />heritage. The City of Santa Ana is the county seat, and it boasts an eclectic urban <br />environment, burgeoning employment centers, transit hub, historic <br />neighborhoods and downtown, and a rich history dating back to the mid- 1800s. <br />These features distinguish Santa Ana as Orange County's downtown. <br />The City of Santa Ana has seen significant changes in its housing market and <br />housing conditions during the last decade. Housing prices tripled from 1998 to <br />2007, and now are significantly declining with the market downturn. Housing <br />and apartment rents have increased steadily during this time. As an urban center, <br />the revitalization of housing and neighborhoods is also a critical concern. At the <br />same time, the City of Santa Ana has one of the most diverse international <br />populations of all communities in the County of Orange. <br />The Housing Element recognizes the community's housing needs and the <br />complexity of programs needed to address them. The vision, goals, policies, and <br />programs are designed to address the following issues: <br />■ Adapting to changing housing market conditions. <br />• Meeting state - mandated regional housing needs goals. <br />• Furthering quality housing and neighborhoods. <br />• Accommodating social and economic diversity. <br />• Assisting residents with special housing needs. <br />• Supporting the City's long -term economic development. <br />The Housing Element seeks to address each of these planning issues, while <br />balancing them with other City goals and objectives that will further the City's <br />long -term vision as "Downtown Orange County." <br />CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT <br />r <br />