HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-030 - Supporting the Middle Eastern & North African Inculsion Act (AB 91) RESOLUTION NO. 2025-030
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA SUPPORTING THE MIDDLE EASTERN AND
NORTH AFRICAN INCLUSION ACT (ASSEMBLY BILL 91)
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana is a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming
community that values the cultural, economic, and social contributions of all its residents,
regardless of racial, ethnic, or cultural background; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana is home to a growing Middle Eastern and North
African (MENA) community composed of individuals of different nationalities, ancestries,
and origins from the MENA region, who contribute significantly to the city's economy,
culture, and civic life; and
WHEREAS, data from the U.S. Census and other agencies has historically
undercounted the MENA community due to the lack of a distinct demographic category,
leading to inaccurate representation and barriers in accessing health, educational, and
economic resources; and
WHEREAS, representational data is essential for ensuring that MENA
communities have a voice in policymaking, civic engagement, equitable resource
allocation, and advocacy efforts; and
WHEREAS, the State of California is home to the largest MENA population in the
United States, yet state and local agencies have not disaggregated demographic data to
specifically account for MENA individuals, limiting the community's access to state-
supported programs and services; and
WHEREAS, Assembly Bill 91 (AB 91) by Assembly Member John Harabedian,
seeks to address this inequity by requiring state and local agencies that collect
demographic data to include separate categories and tabulations for major MENA groups
and to publish this data in demographic reports on or after January 1, 2027; and
WHEREAS, Assembly Bill 91 will help ensure that the MENA community is
accurately represented and will promote equitable access to public resources and
opportunities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Santa
Ana hereby formally supports Assembly Bill 91, the Middle Eastern and North African
Inclusion Act, and recognizes the importance of accurate representation and equitable
treatment of the MENA community in California.
Resolution No. 2025-030
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Santa Ana formally recognizes the
Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) community as a distinct racial and ethnic group
with unique cultural, economic, and social contributions to the City of Santa Ana and the
State of California.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon
its adoption by the City Council, and the City Clerk shall attest to and certify the vote
adopting this Resolution.
ADOPTED this 15f day of July, 2025.
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APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney
By:
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AYES: Councilmembers Amezcua Bacerra Hernandez Lopez,
Penaloza Phan Vazquez 7
NOES: Councilmembers None (0)
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers None 0
ABSENT: Councilmembers None fl
CERTIFICATION OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, JENNIFER L. HALL, City Clerk, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution
No. 2025-030 to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa
Ana on ,lulu 1, 2025.
Date: [Q(-�
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Resolution No. 2025-030
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