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AHA - 2026/03/24ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 24, 2026 The Anaheim Housing Authority regular meeting of March 24, 2026 was called to order at 5:23 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall located at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., in joint session with the Anaheim City Council, Anaheim Public Financing Authority, and Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were duly posted on March 19, 2026. MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT: Chairperson Ashleigh E. Aitken and Authority Members Carlos A. Leon, Ryan Balius, Natalie Rubalcava, Norma Campos Kurtz, Kristen M. Maahs, and Natalie Meeks. Interim City Manager Greg Garcia, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and Secretary Theresa Bass ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDAS: No additions/deletions related to the Anaheim Housing Authority agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS all agenda items): Cecil Jordan Corkern expressed concerns regarding the content and themes in Disney films. He requested continued discussions with the City Council on the issue. R. Joshua Collins urged the public to prioritize homelessness services, affordable housing, and shelter resources. He expressed concern over the long waiting lists for Section 8 vouchers and affordable housing options. He shared that the economy continues to thrive due to tourism, but many people remain unhoused in the community. He urged the City Council to address resident concerns regarding the Festival development. He encouraged rent control and requested the release of the unedited body camera footage of the officer -involved shooting of Albert Arzola. Dave Duran criticized City leadership regarding homelessness, public safety, and transparency. He raised concerns about the accountability of police officers involved in shootings, the treatment of unhoused individuals, and public participation. He urged compliance with new State legislation for increased transparency and remote participation. No electronic public comments regarding the Anaheim Housing Authority agenda were submitted. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz thanked the City employees who participated in the Big Give. She thanked the volunteers who participated in the cleanup at Guinida Lane. She shared that the residents requested a walking area. She noted that many participants were family members, friends, and residents contributed to the event. Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz shared the volunteer efforts at the Anaheim Community Foundation property to bring joy to the area used by nonprofits. She thanked the City employees and department heads who participated in the meaningful event. Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of March 24, 2026 Page 2 of 7 Authority Member/Council Member Maahs highlighted the East Anaheim Little League opening day on March 7th at Benito Juarez Park. She thanked the coaches, volunteers, and parents who assist with the league. She shared that Pioneer Park includes an accessible field for athletes in wheelchairs. She added that many families travel to Anaheim to access the field. Authority Member/Council Member Maahs thanked the City employees who participated in the Big Give. She highlighted the City employees who participated in Patriots & Paws to clean the barbecue area for veterans. Council Member Maahs reported her attendance at E. Kate Rea's 1501h Birthday Celebration at the Ebell Club. She shared that Kate Rea was an educator who earned her Master's Degree from UC Berkeley. She added that she was the founder of Anaheim's first PTA and a longtime leader on the City's Library Board and secured grant funding for the Carnegie Library. She expressed her appreciation of the Ebell Club for continuing to honor her legacy. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava thanked everyone who participated during public comments. She emphasized that each vote she casts is vetted and that she approaches her responsibilities as an elected official with seriousness and diligence. She shared that she grew up in the City of Anaheim and her father worked for the City for 40 years. She explained that for each project she reviews, she considers expert testimony and staff opinions seriously. She shared that she has opposed projects that staff have not recommended. She expressed empathy for the residents in Anaheim Hills due to safety concerns; however, she assured that she would not support a project that was not safe. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava reported that she visited a charter school in District 3 to speak with students. She shared that the school is educating young minds in the City from T-K to sixth grade. She recognized Public Utilities employee Darin Strain on his retirement after 30-plus years of service. She highlighted the Public Utilities Department and the safe drinking water in the City. She emphasized the City Council's commitment to resident safety and highlighted the Public Utilities Department's pride in maintaining safe water conditions throughout the City. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava reported her attendance at groundbreaking ceremonies at local elementary schools, including Loara Elementary School's Multi -Purpose Room Innovation Center. She recognized Team Kids who developed businesses to sell tickets to donate to a local nonprofit. She thanked the Anaheim Police Department, Fire & Rescue Department, and City staff for engaging in the process. She shared that many children in District 3 come from working-class families and emphasized the importance of providing opportunities to all in the City. She thanked Team Kids for providing access to entrepreneurial experiences. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava announced that a new taco restaurant had opened in District 3. She thanked Director of Economic Development Sergio Ramirez for ensuring that local businesses can thrive and open in the City. She thanked City staff for responding to enhanced safety initiatives in District 3, following a reported sexual assault. She reported that additional lighting was installed in the area, tree landscaping, and the HALO team had responded to ensure safety in the City. Council Member Rubalcava welcomed new resident Valentina Ceja to the City. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tern Leon acknowledged and thanked the Mejia family for inviting him and the Council to their home to commemorate the one-year anniversary of their daughter's passing. He shared that the family's mission is to support and help other families. He expressed his appreciation for those who have supported the family. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tern Leon shared his participation in the annual District 2 Read Across America tour. He added that he read to the current classes of his former third and fourth -grade teachers. He emphasized the importance of literacy and early education in schools and thanked the schools, administrators, and teachers for the invitation. He acknowledged City staff's continued efforts to expand access to books in the community. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tern Leon reported his attendance at Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of March 24, 2026 Page 3 of 7 the Natural Products Expo West show at the Convention Center. He mentioned that the convention is the largest show hosted at the Convention Center, with tens of thousands of visitors coming to Anaheim. He recognized the Convention Center staff, Code Enforcement, and the workers across the Resort District for their work. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tem Leon announced his attendance at the Barton Elementary Multi -Purpose Room groundbreaking. He shared that the opportunity highlights a collaboration between the City and school districts to create space for students and families. He shared his participation with City staff for the Big Give to clean up debris and graffiti in a District 2 neighborhood. He highlighted the impacts the event has on the community and thanked the City staff who participated. Mayor Pro Tern Leon announced his attendance at the Americana Awards. He recognized award recipients and Anaheim residents Alden and Linda Esping and their contributions to the City. He highlighted the Youth Leadership Summit that gathered high school students from across Anaheim and the County for a day of leadership, public speaking, civic engagement, and financial literacy. He noted that students participated in workshops and spoke with City leaders, including the Chairman of Disney Experiences, Thomas Mazloum. He highlighted the impact the event had on students, noting that students rated their experience positively. He expressed his commitment to the initiative and thanked everyone who assisted with the event. Including the volunteers and the District 2 office. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tern Leon shared that the Welcome to Little Arabia mural was complete. He noted that the initiative was a collaboration with the Arab American Civic Council, Al Karmel Market, and students from Magnolia High School. He shared that students from Magnolia High School contributed to the mural. He expressed his appreciation for the staff who assisted with the initiative. Authority Member/Council Member Balius recognized the Housing and Community Development Department and Public Utilities Department for installing new lighting and securing a fence at the vacant property on Beach Boulevard. He announced the Eggstravaganza at Maxwell Park on March 281h from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. He shared that the event would be hosted by the Magnolia Baptist Church. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken echoed Mayor Pro Tern Leon's comments on the Americana Awards. She shared that Linda and Alden Esping are school teachers who have dedicated their lives to the City. She congratulated them on their recognition. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken thanked staff for participating in the Big Give to help with projects throughout all the districts. She announced that residents have the opportunity to submit posters recognizing the 250th Anniversary of the United States. She shared that the posters would reflect community pride and civic engagement in Anaheim. She noted that submissions would be collected in collaboration with the Cultural and Heritage Commission. She shared that the submissions would be open until April 141h. She requested that the Interim City Manager share the information with the Cultural and Heritage Commission's staff liaisons to connect with Muzeo. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken thanked a student group with Benito Juarez for interviewing her on her role as a female Mayor. She thanked the New California Coalition for inviting her to a panel on addressing affordable housing. She shared that she participated with other mayors who have the greatest impact at the local level. CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE: Interim City Manager Greg Garcia echoed the Council's comments on the Big Give. He thanked City staff for their participation and the City Council for their support. He noted that approximately 150 volunteers participated, covering 12 projects throughout the City. He thanked AMEA and AFSCME for providing breakfast and lunch to the volunteers. He announced the Stay Housed Anaheim Program through the Anaheim Housing Authority to support emergency Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of March 24, 2026 Page 4 of 7 rental and security deposit assistance. He added that the program was authorized by the City Council when the Housing Trust was created. He reported that the program would offer residents a one-time emergency rent or security deposit assistance up to $3,000. He shared that utility assistance may also be provided. He highlighted the program and noted that it is unique to Anaheim. Interim City Manager Garcia announced that AMEA requested that City Council Agenda Item No. 22 be withdrawn from the agenda. He stated that, out of deference to AMEA, staff would withdraw the item from Council consideration. At 8:50 p.m., Mayor/Chairperson Aitken recessed the Anaheim Public Financing Authority, Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority, and Anaheim Housing Authority to address City Council Agenda Item No. 27. At 8:52 p.m., Mayor/Chairperson Aitken reconvened the Anaheim Housing Authority. CONSENT CALENDAR: The Consent Calendar was considered with Authority Member Kurtz pulling Item No. 6 for separate discussion and consideration. Authority Member Meeks moved to approve the balance of the consent calendar as presented, in accordance with reports, certifications, and recommendations furnished each Authority Member and as listed on the consent calendar, seconded by Vice -Chairperson Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. AHA177 5. Approve the Anaheim Housing Authority's Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Public Housing Agency Plan and Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Administrative Plan, and authorize the Executive Director, or designee, to execute required certifications and related documents. AHA177 7. Approve minutes of the Housing Authority meeting of February 24, 2026. BUSINESS CALENDAR: AGR-15881 6. Approve an Agreement for Sale of Property and Joint Escrow Instructions with Irvin J. Himmelberg, Trustee of the Irvin J. Himmelberg Power of Appointment Trust to the Irvin J. Himmelberg and Peggy Jo Himmelberg Living Trust dated May 18, 2007, in the acquisition amount of $3,000,000, to purchase properties located at 611 and 617 E. Eton Place, located in the Avon/Dakota Neighborhood; and authorize the Executive Director of the Anaheim Housing Authority, or designee, to execute and administer the agreement [associated tenant relocation costs in the amount of $898,208, as authorized in the Cooperation Agreement dated January 1, 2011 between the Anaheim Housing Authority and the former Anaheim Redevelopment Agency]. Executive Director of the Anaheim Housing Authority Grace Ruiz-Stepter reported that the request is for the Authority to purchase an available property located at 611 and 617 in the Avon/Dakota neighborhood. She stated that the Avon/Dakota neighborhood is a multi -family residential area within the broader Anaheim Colony that has been the focus of long-standing Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of March 24, 2026 Page 5 of 7 revitalization efforts led jointly by the City of Anaheim (City) and the Anaheim Housing Authority (Authority). She shared that the item is a continuation of revitalization efforts that have occurred in the neighborhood and expands upon efforts that began in 2013 with the purchase of several apartment buildings to convert into affordable housing. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that on June 1, 2010, the Authority entered into a Neighborhood Revitalization Agreement (Revitalization Agreement) with The Related Companies of California to guide redevelopment within the neighborhood. She stated that following the execution of the agreement, the Authority developed a Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (Revitalization Plan) calling for the strategic acquisition of deteriorated apartment buildings for rehabilitation and conversion into long-term affordable housing units. She noted that implementation of the Revitalization Agreement and Revitalization Plan has resulted in three completed phases of development within the neighborhood. She reported that the phases produced 91 newly constructed affordable workforce rental housing units and the acquisition, rehabilitation, and long-term operation of 37 additional affordable rental units. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter reported that the two key properties located at 611 and 617 E. Eton Place was recently listed for sale and represents a critical opportunity to support a potential Phase 4 development in the neighborhood. She stated that the combined purchase price for the properties is $3,000,000, which includes $50,000 to compensate the seller for potential business interruption related to closing activities. She added that the Eton Place Properties consist of two four-plex multi -family residential buildings that are currently occupied. She reported that the acquisition of the properties will require relocation of existing tenants to proceed with implementation of the Revitalization Agreement and Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and support a future Phase 4 development within the Avon/Dakota neighborhood. She shared that under the Tenant Relocation Plan, tenants would be eligible for rental -assisted housing. She added that the Housing Authority allows for priority Section 8 Rental Assistance if displacement is caused by City action. She added that those not eligible for Section 8 would receive financial compensation for relocation. She estimated that relocation would take approximately nine to 12 months for completion. She reported that under State law, the City is required to provide a 90-day notice. She mentioned that the notice period is typically extended beyond 90 days to ensure adequate time and limited disruption to families. She noted that the item was approved by the Housing and Community Development Commission. She shared that the proposed acquisition represents the next steps for the ongoing revitalization of the Avon Dakota Neighborhood and aligns with the Strategic Plan. DISCUSSION: Authority Member Kurtz thanked staff for bringing the item forward. She expressed concern about communication with tenants and proper notice. She emphasized the importance of providing timely information and reassurance regarding relocation assistance. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter stated that tenant communication would begin promptly following Council approval, with meetings planned in the coming weeks to inform residents of the property acquisition, timeline, and relocation process. She clarified that relocation would not be immediate, allowing residents time to plan, and noted that the project will require demolition and redevelopment, with a potential opportunity for residents to return once construction is complete. MOTION: Authority Member Kurtz moved to approve an Agreement for Sale of Property and Joint Escrow Instructions with Irvin J. Himmelberg, Trustee of the Irvin J. Himmelberg Power of Appointment Trust to the Irvin J. Himmelberg and Peggy Jo Himmelberg Living Trust dated May 18, 2007, in the acquisition amount of $3,000,000, to purchase properties located at 611 and Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of March 24, 2026 Page 6 of 7 617 E. Eton Place, located in the Avon/Dakota Neighborhood; and authorize the Executive Director of the Anaheim Housing Authority, or designee, to execute and administer the agreement [associated tenant relocation costs in the amount of $898,208, as authorized in the Cooperation Agreement dated January 1, 2011 between the Anaheim Housing Authority and the former Anaheim Redevelopment Agency]. DISCUSSION: In response to Chairperson Aitken, Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter shared that affected families are expected to have approximately a 12-month timeline before relocation, allowing time for planning and decision -making. She added that while a formal 90-day state notice will be issued as required, informal communication with residents will begin much earlier to provide advance notice and support. Chairperson Aitken inquired about relocation options for Section 8 families and whether housing assistance policies would allow consideration of school boundaries and neighborhood stability when identifying replacement housing. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter explained that Section 8 voucher holders have flexibility in choosing their replacement housing and are not required to accept the first available unit. Staff noted that relocation assistance may include prioritizing eligible displaced families for the Section 8 program to help secure more affordable housing. In response to Authority Member Balius, Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter confirmed that the property is the last approved acquisition that would be paid for from the former Redevelopment Agency. MOTION: Authority Member Kurtz moved to approve an Agreement for Sale of Property and Joint Escrow Instructions with Irvin J. Himmelberg, Trustee of the Irvin J. Himmelberg Power of Appointment Trust to the Irvin J. Himmelberg and Peggy Jo Himmelberg Living Trust dated May 18, 2007, in the acquisition amount of $3,000,000, to purchase properties located at 611 and 617 E. Eton Place, located in the Avon/Dakota Neighborhood; and authorize the Executive Director of the Anaheim Housing Authority, or designee, to execute and administer the agreement [associated tenant relocation costs in the amount of $898,208, as authorized in the Cooperation Agreement dated January 1, 2011 between the Anaheim Housing Authority and the former Anaheim Redevelopment Agency], seconded by Mayor Aitken. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. R100 8. RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2026-001 _ A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY amending the dates and times for regular meetings of the Authority for the 2026 calendar year and rescinding Resolution No. AHA-2025-008 [rescheduling the meeting of June 16 to June 23, 2026]. MOTION: Vice -Chairperson Leon moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2026-001 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY amending the dates and times for regular meetings of the Authority for the 2026 calendar year and rescinding Resolution No. AHA-2025-008 [rescheduling the meeting of June 16 to June 23, 2026], seconded by Authority Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of March 24, 2026 Page 7 of 7 ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, without objection, Chairperson Aitken adjourned the meeting of the Anaheim Housing Authority at 9:02 p.m. Ily submitted, e e a Bass, CMC S crary, Anaheim Housing Authority