The City of Santa Ana is pleased to announce that its Downtown was recognized as one of five Great Neighborhoods in America by the American Planning Association (APA). Each year, as part of its Great Places in America program, the APA recognizes exceptional streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces in the United States. These places, according to the APA, demonstrate exceptional character, quality, and planning—attributes that enrich communities, facilitate economic growth, and inspire others around the country.
Regarding the distinction, Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido states, “the best is yet to come in Downtown Santa Ana. Thanks to careful planning and dedicated leadership from elected officials and City staff, Santa Ana is poised to benefit from major infrastructure investments like the OC Street Car. The City’s foresight in adopting a Transit Zoning Code has prepared Santa Ana to leverage this investment by catalyzing new housing construction, promoting new economic development opportunities, and encouraging more sustainable transportation choices.”
City Councilwoman Michele Martinez said, “It is an honor to represent a district that is recognized as one of America’s truly Great Neighborhoods. Downtown Santa Ana is a vibrant place where people can live, work, shop, and access a multitude of resources – all within walking distance. Downtown Santa Ana deserves its place on a list that includes past designees such as Adams Morgan in Washington D.C., Chinatown in San Francisco, and the Back Bay in Boston.”
With over 334,000 residents, Santa Ana is the fourth-densest city in the United States and serves as a unique gathering place for artists, entrepreneurs, and central Orange County’s creative class. Downtown Santa Ana is more than just a neighborhood, its booming local businesses, restaurants, and long-time residents are committed to the creation of a tight-knit, thriving community that celebrates diversity through festivals and public celebrations. More than anything, Downtown Santa Ana is a place that respects its past while working every day to create a prosperous and inclusive future.
The City of Santa Ana in partnership with the American Planning Association, Downtown Inc., Santa Ana Business Council, Frida Cinema and Santa Ana Building Health Communities will host a celebratory event to mark this accomplishment on October 20, 2016 at 5:30pm at the Frida Cinema located at 305 E. 4th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701. For event details please visit: http://tinyurl.com/dtsa-urbanized or contact Victor Negrete via email at: [email protected].
For more information about these neighborhoods, as well as APA’s Great Public Spaces and Streets for 2016, visit www.planning.org/greatplaces.
For additional information on this recognition please visit http://www.curbed.com/2016/10/3/13153566/park-street-neighborhood-urban-planning or article on the Orange County Register http://www.ocregister.com/articles/downtown-731075-santa-planning.html
For information about the City of Santa Ana visit http://www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us/ or contact (714) 647-5200.
