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September 17, 2019 Dear Santa Ana City Council and Mayor I, IZR%k SAeX M 2 , Santa Ana resident, am writing this letter in support of THRIVE Santa Ana (THRIVE), our new community land trust (CLT) in Santa Ana, promoting development based on local needs, local vision and participation of residents like me. Since its establishment, THRIVE has worked towards a Santa Ana that includes and provides for all residents. Over 250 communities in the United States are using the CLT model to make development projects more equitable and sustainable. CLTs have effectively in strengthened the economy throughout the US, especially in neighborhoods of need. During the recent foreclosure crisis, CLTs outperformed other types of housing, with far fewer foreclosures and higher rates of secure homeownership. As platforms for development, CLTs bring together residents, developers, and City officials — something that is urgently needed throughout Santa Ana. On May 1st, 2018, THRIVE entered into Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with the City of Santa Ana for its first piece of land - a'/ acre parcel at the corner of Walnut and Daisy streets in central Santa Ana. Over nine neighborhood meetings and outreach events were held during Spring and Summer of 2018 to hear from residents about local needs and ideas, and to collaborate on the design of a community Micro -farm at Walnut and Daisy. This work has during Summer 2019 through membership meetings and Movie Nights at the Walnut and Daisy lot. THRIVE has submitted its site plan to the City of Santa Ana, working with the City's Planning Department to meet zoning and building codes. THRIVE looks forward to finalizing a Development and Disposition Agreement (DDA) with the City in October 2019. As a local resident, I believe that the Walnut and Daisy Micro -Farm proposed by THRIVE should be recognized as a public benefit project. This community business and gathering space will benefit the local neighborhood with opportunities for physical activity, economic growth and promoting healthy lifestyles. The project will in turn benefit the City as a whole, not only in direct provision of services and community benefits (a cost -saving to the City), also in creating a powerful example of resident -driven economic development. I ask that you approve THRIVE Santa Ana's request for an extension of their Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with the City for the Walnut and Daisy project. Further, I ask that City Council give direction to City staff for THRIVE to receive credit for cost savings brought to the City over time, and that the Walnut and Daisy parcel is transferred to THRIVE in a lease -to -own arrangement. The importance of ownership in building community wealth is now well understood and accepted. Take this opportunity to establish a framework for real economic growth in Santa Ana, rooted in the local community. Thank you. Sincerely, F'tig Santa Ana "ident -70