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ng Healthy munities September 17, 2019 Santa Ana Building Healthy Communities 1505 E 1711 St, Suite 117, Santa Ana, CA 92705 PHONE: (714) 617-8891 1 www.sa-bhc.org RE: Administrative Matter 60A: In support of the recommended action to Authorize the City Manager to execute a Second Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with THRIVE Santa Ana, Inc. Dear Santa Ana City Council and Mayor: Please receive this letter on behalf of Santa Ana Building Healthy Communities (SABHC) in support of THRIVE Santa Ana, the first community land trust (CLT) in Santa Ana, promoting development based on local needs, local vision and participation. Over 250 cities and diverse communities in the US are using the CLT model to make development projects more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable. We ask that you approve THRIVE Santa Ana's request for an extension of their Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with the City. Further, we ask the City to give direction to staff, that THRIVE receive credit for cost savings brought to the City, and that the Walnut and Daisy parcel is transferred in a lease -to -own arrangement. As you are aware, SABHC is a collaboration of dozens of community serving non-profit organization and adults and youth seeking to transform the conditions of health of low-income families of Santa Ana. Health is directly impacted by the use of the land where communities live, play, work and go to school. Moreover, health is impacted by participation and civic engagement. THRIVE offers a model for both —community participation in the land use decisions that impact their lives. CLTs have demonstrated effectiveness in strengthening the economy throughout the US, especially in neighborhoods of need. During the 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 during Spring and Summer to hear from residents about local needs and ideas, and to collaboratively design a community Micro -farm at Walnut and Daisy. On June 30th, THRIVE submitted its initial site plan to the City of Santa Ana. Currently, THRIVE is continuously working with the City's Planning Department to navigate zoning and building codes, and looks forward to finalizing a Development and Disposition Agreement (DDA) with the City in October 2019. The Walnut and Daisy Micro -Farm proposed by THRIVE should be recognized as a public benefit project. This community -driven business and gathering space will benefit the local neighborhood with opportunities for physical activity, economic growth and overall promoting healthy lifestyles. This project will in turn benefit the City as a whole, not only in the direct provision of services and community benefits, also in creating a powerful example of resident - driven economic development. Please approve the extension of THRIVE's Exclusive Negotiation Agreement, and direct staff to work together with THRIVE to draft a DDA that leads to CLT ownership of the land. The important 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 Support our CLT. Save our future. Sincer y, Joel �es Director of Operations Santa Ana Building Healthy Communities