200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite #433
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5160
Fax: (714) 765-4454
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
DATE: JUNE 10, 2025
FROM: COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: APPROVE A LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
ANAHEIM AND HIGHER GROUND YOUTH AND FAMILY
SERVICES, INC.
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 11
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: YES
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Motion, approve a License Agreement between the City of Anaheim and Higher Ground Youth and Family Services Inc., to use a portion of Lincoln Park, located at 1535 E. Broadway, to provide services to children and families, for a seven year term, and authorize the Director of Community Services, or designee, to execute and administer the Agreement on behalf of the City.
DISCUSSION:
In 2014, Higher Ground Youth and Family Services, Inc. (Higher Ground) entered into a License Agreement with the City of Anaheim (City) for use of a designated portion of Lincoln Park, located at 1535 E. Broadway, to conduct recreational activities, after-school tutoring, art and music classes, digital media courses, dance studio sessions, parent-child counseling, positive parenting classes, and family wraparound care services. These programs and services are provided at no cost to the participants Monday through Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and occasionally on Sundays for special events.
To facilitate these programs, Higher Ground installed portable buildings and constructed batting cages within the License Area outlined in Exhibit A to the Agreement (Attachment 1). In 2019, Higher Ground entered into the First Amendment of the License Agreement, extending the original license for a period of five years. Higher Ground continues to successfully provide services to both children and families in the immediate area, as well as attracting clients from other areas of the City to participate.
In 2024, the Community Services Department conducted the Anaheim Youth & Families and Older Adults Needs Assessment Surveys to identify service gaps within the community, focusing on key areas such as food access, education, and active living. As a result, priority areas for program and service development were identified, including areas surrounding Lincoln Park. Recognizing the gap in access, Higher Ground has recently expanded services with a new initiative to address food insecurity in the community. Their innovative food pantry allows residents to ‘shop’ for groceries, offering them the ability to select items that best fit their individual preferences and needs. Higher Ground’s program Approve a License Agreement Between the City of Anaheim and Higher Ground Youth and Family Services, Inc.
June 10, 2025
is taking a significant step toward improving food access and approval of a new Agreement would help secure the support necessary to sustain this vital service for the community.
Consistent with the previous License Agreement, this new Agreement stipulates that no rent will be charged to Higher Ground for the use of the land, and the City will cover all utility costs. Higher Ground remains responsible for the maintenance and operational expenses of the facility. The term of this License Agreement is seven (7) years.
This Agreement is in line with City’s Strategic Plan Goal B Enhance Livability, Strategy 4 - Conduct and implement a needs assessment for youth and seniors.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Sufficient funds are budgeted in the Community Services Department’s General Fund budget, and funding for subsequent years will be subject to City Council approval of budget appropriations.
Respectfully submitted,
Sjany Larson-Cash
Director of Community Services
Attachment:
1. Agreement (includes Exhibit A)