Interim City Manager Provides an Update on the Status of Redevelopment
On December 29, 2011 , the California Supreme Court announced its decision regarding redevelopment. The Court decision eliminates all redevelopment agencies in California effective February 1, 2012.
During the coming weeks, the City will be faced with making some difficult decisions. We are currently reviewing and analyzing the impact of the Court's ruling on our community, our City, and our employees.
We will be aggressively advocating in Sacramento for additional time to implement the unwinding of the Redevelopment Agency. We will also participate in any and all statewide initiatives to reestablish the much needed economic development and job generation programs our cities need.
I will continue to update you on our implementation strategy and the efforts on behalf of our community to maintain housing and redevelopment programs and projects.
Santa Ana City Council Reacts to Recent 'America's Safest Cities' Article by Forbes
On December 15, 2011, Forbes published 'America's Safest Cities,' which ranked the City of Santa Ana 4th in the entire country. In order to find the 10 safest cities in America, Forbes looked at cities with a population exceeding 250,000. The article then ranked the cities' using their violent crime and pedestrian fatality rates to arrive at the final ranking.
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Santa Ana's Budget:
Tough Times, Tough Decisions
Like many communities in California, the recession has had a serious impact on Santa Ana's revenues. As a result of the economic downturn, key revenues including sales, property, and utility user's tax have declined. Additionally, the state government has balanced its budget by taking away local government revenues that were used for vital services. To respond to these shortfalls over the last several years, the City reduced its budget by approximately $46 million by fiscal year 2010-11 and eliminated over 390 full-time positions through attrition, outsourcing, reorganization, layoffs, and unfunding of vacant positions.
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Complete Streets: We Can Get There from Here
The City will be working with residents to update the General Plan Circulation Element and develop "Complete Street" policies. What is a COMPLETE STREET? It is a road that provides safe, convenient access for everyone including motorists, bicyclists, transit operators and users, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. You are invited to learn more at an upcoming community Open House.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Santa Ana Senior Center
424 W. 3rd Street.
Includes an optional guided walking tour of the downtown area from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Southwest Senior Center, 2201 W. McFadden Avenue. There is also an optional 4 mile guided tour by bicycle from 9:00 am-11:00am. You are required to bring your own bicycle and helmet to participate in this ride. Parents, activities for young children will be provided during this Open House.
To learn more about this community effort or share your ideas please visit www.santa-ana.org/santaanainmotion, or contact the City Planning Division at SantaAnaInMotion@santa-ana.org (714) 667-2792.