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450 West Fourth Street <br />Suite 130 <br />Santa Ana, CA 92701 <br />Ph: 714-542.7792 <br />Fax: 714.5424853 <br />lofinoheolthoacess.orp <br />August 20, 2019 <br />Santa Ana City Council and Mayor <br />City of Santa Ana <br />20 Civic Center Plaza <br />Santa Ana, CA 92701, <br />Dear Santa Ana City Council and Mayor: <br />Latina Health Access is writing this letter in support of THRIVE Santa Ana, the first community <br />land trust (CLT) in Santa Ana, promoting development based on local needs, local vision and <br />participation. Over 250 cities and diverse communities in the US are using the CLT model to <br />make development projects more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable. We ask that you approve <br />THRIVE Santa Ana's request for an extension of their Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with the <br />City. Further, we ask the City to give direction to staff, that THRIVE receive credit for cost savings <br />brought to the City, and that the Walnut and Daisy parcel is transferred in a lease -to -own <br />arrangement. CLTs have demonstrated effectiveness in strengthening the economy throughout <br />the US, especially in neighborhoods of need. As platforms for development, CLTs bring together <br />residents, developers, and City officials, something that is urgently needed in Santa Ana. <br />Latino Health Access fully supports THRIVE's mission as it aligns with our mission to promote <br />health equity. In our work to improve the social determinants of health through direct services <br />and policy advocacy, we have seen that the main concerns and priorities for our community are <br />related to land use: housing, economic opportunity, access to open space and healthy foods. <br />Santa Ana residents are in need of quality affordable housing, healthy, open spaces and <br />accessible recreational opportunities, and we know that these needs are directly related to poor <br />health outcomes we see today. <br />On May 1st, 2018, THRIVE entered into Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with the City of <br />Santa Ana for its first piece of land - a %3 acre parcel at the corner of Walnut and Daisy streets in <br />central Santa Ana. THRIVE held over nine neighborhood meetings and outreach events during <br />spring and summer to hear from residents about local needs and ideas, and to collaboratively <br />design a community Micro -farm at Walnut and Daisy. On June 30th, THRIVE submitted its initial <br />site plan to the City of Santa Ana. Currently, THRIVE is working with the City's Planning <br />Department to navigate zoning and building codes, and looks forward to finalizing a <br />Development and Disposition Agreement (DDA) with the City in October 2019. <br />The Walnut and Daisy Micro -Farm proposed by THRIVE should be recognized as a public benefit <br />project. This community -driven business and gathering space will benefit the local neighborhood <br />with opportunities for physical activity, economic growth, and promotion of healthy lifestyles. <br />We request that you approve the extension of THRIVE's Exclusive Negotiation Agreement, and <br />direct staff to work together with THRIVE to draft a DDA that leads to CLT ownership of the land. <br />The importance of ownership in building community wealth is now well understood and <br />accepted. Take this opportunity to establish a framework for real economic growth in Santa Ana, <br />rooted in the local community. <br />Sincerely„ <br />Nancy Mep, IVISW <br />Directorof Co m €ty Engagement & Advocacy Programs <br />