2014-10-15 LEGISLATIVE - Laserfiche WebLink

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Presentation and Discussion on Federal Promise Zones Proposal Alma Flores reported that the Promise Zone initiative will allow the City and local community partners to receive preferences in accessing existing federal resources to create jobs, improve public safety, enhance public education and identify solutions to overcrowded housing conditions. Santa Ana will apply for round III and it's currently vetting through issues with Holland & Knight in order to apply in 2015. Staff is currently identifying partners such as the school board, the County, nonprofits and others. Chair Sarmiento mentioned that partnerships will be very important such as school districts and non - profits and asked that staff keep Delhi Center in mind as a partner. Councilwoman Martinez suggested that Santa Ana also partner with the Orange County Probation Department and the faith -based community. 3. Quarterly State Legislative Update from Townsend Public Affairs — Report outlining legislative advocacy work July 2014 to September 2014 TPA Legislative Advocacy Update (July 2014 to September 2014) Casey Elliott provided an update on the State legislation that was approved as well as the efforts by Townsend Public Affairs on behalf of Santa Ana. Councilwoman Martinez mentioned that there will be another call for Active Transportation Planning Grant applications and discussed the importance of having shovel ready projects. She also discussed the importance of the Cap and Trade Program and mentioned that SCAG would be having a meeting in a couple of weeks. She added that Public Works and Housing staff will be in attendance and encouraged Townsend Public Affairs to also participate. Chair Sarmiento thanked Townsend Public Affairs for the new report format because it gives a description of the progress on current legislation and it's easier for the Committee to follow. Councilmember Sarmiento requested an update on the Water Bond as well as Edison's deferred decision on a power plant site selection. Casey Elliott reported that the Governor signed a $7.545 billion water bond, which will be on the November ballot as Proposition 1. Polling for the water bond is trending favorably— support in the high 50's with low 30's in opposition. He added that passage of the water bond by the voters will make significant funding available to address many of the water infrastructure needs in the City. Councilwoman Martinez requested that Townsend Public Affairs stay in communication with Santa Ana's Public Works Executive Director to take advantage of the water bond funding. She added that a possible water project could be a wetlands landscape project by Centennial Park. Legislative City Council Committee Minutes October 15, 2014, Page 3