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UUE WWW Clergy fd Laity United For Erouomlcjustav Board of Directors Rev. Jim Conn United Methodist Church (Ret.) Chair Natty Hung, Esq. UCLA Labor Center Chair Rabbi nn Aryeb Cohen American Jewish Oniverslty Vim Chair Derek Smith UNTIE HERE Local 11 Treasurer Rev. Dr. Sarah Halverson - Cara Fairview Community Church Seorctary Mary staacavage Meditation Coalition Personnel Chair prisoldo Mariscal SEIU UHvi Vivian Rothstein Santa Monlca CLUE Committee Glynndana Shaviin Clancy Warher, UNrr@ HERC Rlshop Mary Ann Swenson United Methodist Church (Rot.) Shakeel5yad eC Communities Organized for Reaponslble Development All Twelril rearnslars r.ocal 20I0 Staff Michelle Sayler Executtva Director Jeremy Arnold Faith -Rooted Organizer Rev. Rebecca Nllur Development Director Rev, Juan Carlos Durruthy Falth-Rooted Organizer Lucero Garcia Faith -Rooted Orgonizer Pastor Cue JnMarla ranh�Rootad erganlmr Navin Johnson operations Manager Adam Overton Falih,Reotod Organizer 9ulltermo Torres interim Dir, of Orgonlzing September 10, 2019 Dear Santa Ana City Council and Mayor: Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) is writing this letter 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 United States are using the CLT model to make development projects more equitable and sustainable, We 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, we ask that City Council give direction to City staff, that THRIVE 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. As people of faith and conscience, our calling is to build a more just, equitable, and sacred society. In Proverbs(31.9) we are reminded of our responsibility to "Speak up, judge righteously, champion the poor and the needy," CLUE strongly supports THRIVE in their work to make a difference in the lives of working families in Santa Ana through community centered development. 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 an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with the City of Santa Ana for its first piece of land - a'/3 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 promoting healthy lifestyles. The project will in turn benefit the City as a whole, not only in direct provision of services and conummity benefits (a cost -saving to the City), but 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 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. Zder irector