Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Resolution No. 2025-XXX <br />Page 1 of 2 <br /> <br />RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX <br /> <br />A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF <br />SANTA ANA SUPPORTING THE MIDDLE EASTERN AND <br />NORTH AFRICAN INCLUSION ACT (ASSEMBLY BILL 91) <br /> <br />WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana is a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming <br />community that values the cultural, economic, and social contributions of all its residents, <br />regardless of racial, ethnic, or cultural background; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana is home to a growing Middle Eastern and North <br />African (MENA) community composed of individuals of different nationalities, ancestries, <br />and origins from the MENA region, who contribute significantly to the city’s economy, <br />culture, and civic life; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, data from the U.S. Census and other agencies has historically <br />undercounted the MENA community due to the lack of a distinct demographic category, <br />leading to inaccurate representation and barriers in accessing health, educational, and <br />economic resources; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, representational data is essential for ensuring that MENA <br />communities have a voice in policymaking, civic engagement, equitable resource <br />allocation, and advocacy efforts; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, the State of California is home to the largest MENA population in the <br />United States, yet state and local agencies have not disaggregated demographic data to <br />specifically account for MENA individuals, limiting the community’s access to state - <br />supported programs and services; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, Assembly Bill 91 (AB 91) by Assembly Member John Harabedian, <br />seeks to address this inequity by requiring state and local agencies that collect <br />demographic data to include separate categories and tabulations for major MENA groups <br />and to publish this data in demographic reports on or after January 1, 2027; and <br /> <br />WHEREAS, Assembly Bill 91 will help ensure that the MENA community is <br />accurately represented and will promote equitable access to public resources and <br />opportunities. <br /> <br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Santa <br />Ana hereby formally supports Assembly Bill 91, the Middle Eastern and North African <br />Inclusion Act, and recognizes the importance of accurate representation and equitable <br />treatment of the MENA community in California. <br /> <br />BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Sa nta Ana formally recognizes the <br />Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) community as a distinct racial and ethnic group