2014-006 - Santa Ana General Plan Housing Element and Public Safety Element Updates

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r POLICY FRAMEWORK HOUSING ASSISTANCE Santa Ana's community is defined by the many people who have made their way across the country or from other parts of the world, bringing with them different cultures and traditions. Many residents are first -, second -, or third - generation citizens and residents. Despite their varied backgrounds, the importance of family and shared sense of community form a common thread connecting Santa Ana residents. There are challenges for how to assist residents in securing and maintaining adequate and affordable housing. In recent years, increases in housing prices and rents have made it increasingly difficult for lower and moderate income households to afford housing, resulting in increasing cost burdens for residents. Rising cost burdens have contributed to significant overcrowding. The recent downturn in the housing market continues to place families at risk of foreclosure or very high cost burdens. The City of Santa Ana also faces unprecedented pressures. The California legislature has ended redevelopment and reallocated funds to address the state budget crisis. The federal government continues to cut back funding for housing and community development activities. As a result, the City must be creative in leveraging efforts with partners to pool the resources necessary to assist households. Moreover, the City must also make deliberate decisions about how best to allocate financial resources to different housing programs given the trade- offs required. The City's housing vision affirms and supports a vibrant Santa Ana, comprising a socially and economically diverse community of renters and homeowners. Housing our families and children is of critical concern. Assisting households of all backgrounds, circumstances, and income levels will play an important role in achieving and maintaining homeownership, providing renters a greater range of choices in housing, and protecting vulnerable individuals and families from displacement. Goal 3 Increased opportunities for low and moderate income individuals and families to find quality housing opportunities and afford a greater choice of rental or homeownership opportunities. Policies HE -3.1 Rental Assistance. Support the provision of rental assistance for individuals and families earning extremely low, very low, and low income with funding from the federal government. HE -3.2 Homeownership. Increase and expand homeownership opportunities for low and moderate income residents and employees 46 CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT