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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE OCTOBER 18, 2016 TITLE; DOWNTOWN SANTA ANA GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS IN AMERICA DESIGNATION {STRATEGIC PLAN NO. 3,4F) :(22- � CITY MANAG RECOMMENDED ACTION CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: APPROVED ❑ As Recommended ❑ As Amended ❑ Ordinance on 1" Reading ❑ Ordinance on 2nd Reading ❑ Implementing Resolution ❑ Set Public Hearing For_ CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER Receive and file the designation of Downtown Santa Ana as a Great Neighborhood in America by the American Planning Association and the celebratory event planned for October 20, 2016. DISCUSSION The American Planning Association (APA) is a national organization that provides leadership in the development of urban planning and communities. Since 2007, the APA has celebrated places of exemplary character, quality, and planning thorugh its flagship Great Places in America program. APA recognizes streets, public spaces and neighborhoods that represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historic interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow — and most importantly, a legacy of planning. Thanks to Santa Ana City Council's leadership and it's vision of the community, this year the Downtown was recognized as one of five Great Neighborhoods in America by APA. Past recipients of this honor include iconic neighborhoods such as Chinatown in San Francisco, Back Bay in Boston, and Roosevelt Row in Phoenix. Downtown Santa Ana is a neighborhood with prosperous local businesses, restaurants, and long-time residents that are committed to the creation of a thriving community that celebrates diversity through festivals and public celebrations. The area has a great mixture of land uses, ranging from government buildings to shops and offices, all the way to a small industrial sector in the east. Downtown Santa Ana's architecture is a unique blend of Beaux Art, Classic and Spanish Revival, Victorian, Craftsman, Brutalism, California Contemporary, and some Art Deco that makes each walk an experience. Nominations for Great Places are received from APA members, staff, professionals with experience in the planning field, and the general public. Nominations then go through a rigorous review process by a committee of APA leaders who are professional planners to determine the designees. A few factors the committee considers in identifying great places: 19F-1