12 (01)You don't often get email from jleverin@uci.edu. Learn why this is important
From: Joshua Wyatt Le ve ring <jl e veri n@uci.edu>
Se nt: Tue sday, Se pte mbe r 23, 2025 3:16 PM
To: The re sa Bass <TBass@anaheim.net>
Cc: Ce sar C <ce sarc@ke nne dycommi ssi on.org>; kennedyc@ke nne dycommission.org
Subje ct: [EXTERN AL] A TID Modif i cati ons - Workforce Housi ng Programs and Fundi ng
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Good afternoon,
On behalf of the Kennedy Commission, I am submitting a public comment letter for Agenda Item #12 under the Business
Calendar section in tonight's City Council meeting.
Thank you,
Joshua Levering
Housing Policy Intern
September 23, 2025
Mayor Ashleigh Aitken
Members of the Anaheim City Council
200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
RE: Item 12 – Workforce Housing and Programs for ATID Area Modifications
Honorable Mayor Aitken and Members of the City Council,
The Kennedy Commission (the Commission) is a broad-based coalition of residents and community
organizations advocating for the production of homes affordable for families earning less than
$30,000 annually in Orange County. Since 2001, we have successfully partnered with jurisdictions
across the county to create housing and land-use policies that increase affordable housing
opportunities for lower-income working families.
We are writing to provide comments for the City of Anaheim’s proposed modifications to the
Anaheim Tourism Improvement District (ATID) as it expands the boundary; revises and adds
housing-related programs and improvements; and reallocates funding for housing-related programs.
Allocating 9% of the ATID budget toward housing and stability programs for low-income and
moderate-income households employed in hospitality within the district is a critical step forward to
addressing local housing needs. The Commission supports that, at a minimum, the allocation of at
least 9% of revenue generated from the ATID should support proposed Workforce Housing
programs and housing development that is affordable to the low-income workforce in Anaheim.
Anaheim has an urgent need to increase housing opportunities for its low- and very low-income
workforce as over half of Anaheim residents are considered lower income due to low salaries, high
cost of living, and lack of affordable housing. The high costs of living and low wages result in 60%
of Anaheim’s renters facing a high rent burden. High housing costs and the lack of affordable
housing result in overcrowding, with 79% of Anaheim’s renters living with more than one person
per room as renters try to manage housing cost burdens.
The majority of employees within the ATID are employed in the service industry, which do not
offer high enough salaries to enable those who work in Anaheim to live in Anaheim. The Resort
District is the economic engine of the city and the tourism industry is upheld by those service sector
jobs who keep the resorts in Anaheim thriving. As such, the city must ensure employees have
access to affordable housing in Anaheim, by prioritizing the development of new housing for low-
and very low-income affordable units. Developing affordable workforce housing will help Anaheim
be more competitive in leveraging state and federal resources for future housing grants and
strengthened economic development.
The proposed programs for First-Time Homeowners, Housing Stability, and the Build More Homes
Initiative prove to be a critical step forward in addressing the housing needs of Anaheim’s
workforce. This commitment ensures that the people who uphold Anaheim’s tourism economy have
access to secure and affordable homes in the city that they work in, helping them to thrive in their
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community. Additionally, expanding the area’s boundaries to include short-term rentals and other
forms of temporary lodging should be done in a way which helps prevent displacement, with the
added revenue supporting greater development of affordable housing.
This vision will reinforce all who work in Anaheim deserve the ability to live in Anaheim. These
initiatives reflect meaningful progress toward housing solutions that reduce displacement risk for
lower-income households and directly benefit Anaheim’s tourism industry workforce. By investing
in both immediate stability and long-term housing opportunities, the City demonstrates leadership in
aligning economic development with housing opportunities for Anaheim’s low-income workforce.
The Kennedy Commission commends the City of Anaheim for prioritizing affordable housing in the
ATID area and urges the Council to continue advancing policies that protect, preserve, and expand
housing opportunities for the city’s lowest-income workers.
We look forward to working with the City of Anaheim to advance housing security and affordability
for all. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (949) 250-0909 or
cesarc@kennedycommission.org.
Sincerely,
Cesar Covarrubias
Executive Director
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