This year has the potential to be transformative for Santa Ana—full of challenges and opportunities. From looming budget cuts to exciting new developments, 2025 promises to keep residents on their toes.
City Council
In 2024, the Santa Ana City Council warned residents of impending budget cuts, driven by several factors:
- Measure X Sunset
Approved by voters in 2018, the sales tax increase under Measure X will begin phasing out in 2028, reducing City revenue significantly. - Stagnant Housing Market
With fewer properties for sale compared to other cities, Santa Ana’s property tax revenue has taken a hit, exacerbated by a statewide housing slowdown. - Declining Sales and Inflation
Santa Ana residents and visitors are spending less, partly due to the city’s high sales tax—the highest in the county—which drives shoppers to neighboring cities with lower rates. - Decreased Cannabis Revenue
The Santanero projects declining marijuana sales as flavored THC products face new bans and dispensary prices rise. Data regarding cannabis sales is pending.
The Council has a fiduciary duty to balance the budget, which could lead to funding cuts for city-sponsored events, reductions in public amenities like free parking in Downtown, and fewer community freebies such as calendars and Cultura magazines.
Programs for youth, including those run by parks and recreation and library staff, are also at risk—raising concerns about the potential impact on youth safety and engagement.
Looking ahead, the city must prepare for two global events: the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
Santa Ana has the opportunity to attract an influx of tourists seeking alternatives to Los Angeles. The train connection to LA and local accommodations offer potential, but only if the city collaborates with OCTA to ensure public transit remains efficient despite increased demand.
This is a chance to showcase Santa Ana’s unique character—imperfections and all.
Santa Ana Unified school board
Santa Ana Unified continues to face significant challenges, including declining enrollment, staff layoffs, and possible program cuts.
The district plans to lay off over 450 certificated staff this spring, with more reductions likely in the next school year due to persistently declining student enrollment. Vacant positions may be eliminated, while cuts to existing staff salaries do not appear likely.
Some underutilized programs may lose funding, specifically at community schools such as Valley High School. Districtwide, a decrease in funding to afterschool programs and wellness centers is also likely.
On a positive note, Chavez High School and Loren Griest Academy are turning negative perceptions around by offering recently District-cleared programs, such as an Associated Student Body course for continuation students, that provide new opportunities for engagement and growth.
OC Streetcar grand opening
This summer, the long-awaited OC Streetcar is set to launch, connecting the Santa Ana train station to 17th and Harbor. With fares expected to align with current OC Bus rates, the streetcar will provide an affordable transit option for residents and visitors.
The half-billion dollar project offers an exciting opportunity to really revitalize Downtown Santa Ana.
Despite the efforts of the Revive Santa Ana plan, Downtown still has less foot traffic than it did a few years ago.
A changing cityscape
Santa Ana’s landscape is evolving with major projects on the horizon:
- Related Bristol Project: Phase one begins this time next year, signaling big changes for the area.
- 17th and Grand Redevelopment: The failed business center could become a mixed-use hub, potentially featuring affordable housing. Sure, a Sam's Club is welcome, but affordable housing on top can put a dent in lack of affordable housing. Take the Costco housing plan for example.
- Warner Avenue Completion: Construction is set to wrap up this spring, fulfilling a promise by Public Works Director Nabil Saba to Councilmember David Penaloza late last year.
- New Bike Lanes: Phased projects will add bike lanes to Standard Avenue and McFadden Avenue, improving mobility for cyclists.
- Bristol Widening: Long-awaited expansion efforts may finally begin between Warner and Edinger Avenues.
What’s Next?
The first half of 2025 is likely to be business as usual, but all eyes will be on the City Council and school board as they finalize budgets for the new fiscal year by July 1st. These decisions will set the tone for Santa Ana’s future, shaping its trajectory for years to come.
The Santanero will be closely monitoring these developments, bringing you timely updates.
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