HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - Item 10Flores, Dora
From:Jacki Valentin <jackiv@kennedycommission.org>
Sent:Tuesday, March 3, 2026 4:39 PM
To:!City Clerk
Cc:Alejandra Perez Matus; Cesar C
Subject:Public Comment Letter
Attachments:Santa Ana 2025 APR report.docx (2).pdf
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Hello,
On behalf of the Kennedy Commission, I am submitting a public comment letter regarding the 2025 Annual
Progress Report, for tonight's city council meeting.
Thank you.
--
Jacqueline Valentin
Assistant Projects Manager | she/them
3
March 3, 2026
Mayor Valeria Amezcua
Members of the City Council
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701
RE: Agenda Item 10 — 2025 Annual Progress Report (APR) on Housing Element
Implementation
To The Honorable Mayor Amezcua and Members of the City Council,
The Kennedy Commission (the Commission) is a broad-based coalition of residents and community
organizations advocating for the production of homes affordable for families earning less than
$30,000 annually in Orange County. Since 2001, we have successfully partnered with jurisdictions
across the county to create housing and land-use policies that increase affordable housing
opportunities for lower-income working families.
The 2025 Annual Progress Report (APR), regarding Housing Element Implementation, reflects 5
very low deed-restricted units and 76 very low non-deed restricted units, and permitted 101
non-deed restricted low-income units. However, there were no deed-restricted low units reported.
Deed-restricted units ensure that housing remains affordable to income-qualified households over
time, providing lasting community benefit and directly addressing housing cost burdens faced by
lower-income residents. Without such restrictions, affordability levels may fluctuate with market
conditions, limiting the extent to which reported production translates into stable, equitable housing
opportunities consistent with State housing goals.
In addition, the City permitted 6 deed restricted moderate units and 67 non-deed restricted
moderate units. At the above moderate income category, the City permitted 61 units and also has
surpassed the RHNA’s obligations of above moderate by 223%.
RHNA obligations are not intended to function solely as long-range planning targets, but as an
accountability framework designed to address regional housing shortages and expand access to
housing opportunities across income levels. Continued underproduction of deed-restricted
affordable housing risks compounding existing shortages and undermines progress toward
affirmatively furthering fair housing goals. Advancing partnerships with affordable housing
developers, ensuring site readiness, and prioritizing implementation-focused actions will be
essential as the City works to close remaining gaps before the end of the planning cycle.
We appreciate the opportunity to provide these comments and look forward to continued
engagement with the City to support the production of affordable housing opportunities for current
and future residents. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (949) 250-0909 or
cesarc@kennedycommission.org.
Sincerely,
1
Cesar Covarrubias
Executive Director
2