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RESOLUTION NO. 2025-030 <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 /> 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 /> 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 /> 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 /> 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 /> 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 /> 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 /> 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 /> 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 /> Resolution No. 2025-030 <br /> Page 1 of 2 <br />