Loading...
AHPIA-2026/03/24ANAHEIM HOUSING AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 24, 2026 The Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority regular meeting of March 24, 2026 was called to order at 5:23 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., in joint session with the Anaheim Public Financing Authority, Anaheim Housing Authority, and Anaheim City Council. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were duly posted on March 19, 2026. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Ashleigh E. Aitken and Authority Members Carlos A. Leon, Ryan Balius, Natalie Rubalcava, Norma Campos Kurtz, Kristen M. Maahs, and Natalie Meeks. STAFF PRESENT: 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 and Public Improvements Authority agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS (all agenda items): No in -person speakers or electronically submitted public comments related to the Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority agenda. 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. 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. Authority Member/Council Member Maahs reported her attendance at E. Kate Rea's 150th 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. Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority Minutes of March 24, 2026 Page 2 of 4 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. Authority Member/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 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 Tern 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. Vice- Chairperson/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 Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority Minutes of March 24, 2026 Page 3 of 4 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 2811 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 Vice-Chairperson/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 14th. 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 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 Item No. 22 be withdrawn from the agenda. He stated that, out of deference to AMEA, staff would withdraw the item from Council consideration. Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority Minutes of March 24, 2026 Page 4 of 4 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 8:51 p.m., Mayor/Chairperson Aitken reconvened the Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority. CONSENT CALENDAR: At 8:51 p.m., the Consent Calendar was considered. MOTION: Vice -Chairperson Leon moved to approve 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 Authority Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. HP1188 3. Approve minutes of the Housing and Public Improvements Authority meeting of November 4, 2025. BUSINESS CALENDAR: R100 4. RESOLUTION NO.. AHPIA-2026-001 _..._ A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AUTHORITY amending the dates and times for regular meetings of the Authority for the 2026 calendar year and rescinding Resolution No. AHPIA-2025-003 [rescheduling the meeting of June 16 to June 23, 2026]. MOTION: Authority Member Meeks moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. AHPIA-2026-001__. A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AUTHORITY amending the dates and times for regular meetings of the Authority for the 2026 calendar year and rescinding Resolution No. AHPIA-2025-003 [rescheduling the meeting of June 16 to June 23, 2026], 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. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, without objection, Chairperson Aitken adjourned the meeting of the Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority at 8:52 p.m. submitted, Tfiefbsa— aAs, CMC Sec etar�, Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority