As the global Covid-19 pandemic stretches into the summer, working families in Santa Ana are struggling to make ends meet. The need will be much greater as the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated needs that were already existing in our communities. Housing costs in Santa Ana have been out of reach and will continue to be out of reach.

Now would be the absolute worst time possible to weaken the Housing Opportunity Ordinance and deplete the city’s affordable housing monies. City councilmembers are proposing to reduce the fee that developers must pay when they choose not to build affordable housing and to use money for affordable housing for “safety activities”. Money for affordable housing should not be diverted to fund public safety programs as residents have demanded decreases in public safety spending and increased investment in affordable housing.

Yet, that is exactly what the City will be considering. Developers that will build market rate housing, housing that Santa Ana residents will not be able to afford, have made their voice heard in City Hall. We ask you to advocate for your community and submit a public comment in support of protecting affordable housing by preserving the Housing Opportunity Ordinance.

These amendments were recommended by Santa Ana Councilmembers Jose Solorio, Phil Bacerra, Juan Villegas, and Nelida Mendoza. They need to hear you don’t support their recommendations.

Co-Sponsors: The Kennedy Commission, Vecindario Lacy en Accion, Santa Ana Building Healthy Communities