Although the core values of health and equity led to a number of policies and actions designed to address the topic of environmental justice, the City conducted additional analysis, roundtables, and public engagement in 2020 to ensure Santa Ana’s disadvantaged communities had opportunities to share their experiences and concerns.
The City released a Draft General Plan and Draft program environmental impact report (PEIR) in August 2020 and a Final EIR shortly after. Based on community input at the Planning Commission public hearing, the City opted to extend outreach efforts on environmental justice and recirculate the Draft PEIR on the topics of open space and air quality.
After additional efforts between Fall 2020 and Spring 2021, the City had conducted a multifaceted environmental justice outreach campaign consisting of two virtual community workshops, 10 community forums (centrally located to affected communities), and a multilingual survey, with flyers and meeting materials provided in multiple languages. The ideas and feedback communicated by residents and stakeholders led directly to revised and new policies and implementation actions.
In August 2021, the City released a revised Draft General Plan and a recirculated Draft PEIR, followed by the Final recirculated PEIR in October 2021. Public hearings were completed in November and December, with the City Council adopting the updated General Plan and certifying the PEIR in December 2021.