9You 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 4:54 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] Se cond Readi ng - Zoning Code Amendments to Support Si xth Cycl e Housi ng El e me nt Impl e me ntati on)
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Good afternoon,
On behalf of the Kennedy Commission, I am submitting a public comment letter for Agenda Item #9 under the Consent 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 9 – Development Application: General Plan Amendment, Land Use Update, and
Housing-Related Code Updates
Dear Mayor Aitken and Honorable 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’re writing to encourage the city council to pass these essential zoning code and Housing Element
amendments. These changes go beyond Anaheim’s compliance with state housing law to reflect a
commitment to reaching RHNA targets and ensuring a steady supply of affordable housing of all types
for city residents, and expand housing opportunities for lower-income working families.
By providing by-right approval for projects on Housing Element sites, the City will reduce unnecessary
delays that often inhibit affordable housing production. Establishing minimum density requirements will
ensure that land identified to meet lower-income RHNA targets is developed at levels consistent with
Anaheim’s adopted Housing Element. Additionally, residential performance standards for
non-residential zones will encourage mixed-use developments that incorporate affordable homes near
employment, services, and transit, enabling smart growth where it is needed most.
We encourage the City to ensure robust implementation and monitoring measures in affordable housing
development and we commend the effort to cross-reference Housing Element sites from the previous
cycle to ensure these project sites are realized to their potential. Prioritizing affordable units and
ensuring the enforceability of policies is essential for the city to deliver lasting benefits to its most
vulnerable residents. These amendments drive meaningful change in how housing is developed and will
continue to shape Anaheim’s affordable housing policies.
The Kennedy Commission looks forward to working with the City in its affordable housing
implementation efforts going forward. Prioritizing affordable housing in the City’s implementation
framework will help guarantee that Anaheim meets Housing Element requirements and delivers lasting
benefits for the families who need housing the most. 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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