City Manager’s Office
www.santa-ana.org/cm
Item # 25
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
July 1, 2025
TOPIC: Resolution Supporting Assembly Bill 91 (MENA Act)
AGENDA TITLE
Resolution Supporting Assembly Bill 91 - Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Inclusion Act
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt a resolution supporting Assembly Bill 91, the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Inclusion Act, which requires state and local agencies to collect and report disaggregated demographic data for MENA populations.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SANTA ANA SUPPORTING THE MIDDLE EASTERN AND NORTH AFRICAN INCLUSION ACT (ASSEMBLY BILL 91)
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
The City of Santa Ana is a diverse and inclusive community that is enriched by the cultural, economic, and civic contributions of residents from all backgrounds. The Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) community is an integral part of this diversity and plays a significant role in the city's social and economic life.
Despite their growing presence, MENA individuals have historically been underrepresented in demographic data collection due to the absence of a specific racial or ethnic classification in state and federal reporting systems. This lack of accurate representation presents barriers for the MENA community in accessing public services, educational resources, health care, and other critical programs.
Assembly Bill 91, authored by Assemblymember John Harabedian, seeks to address this issue by requiring state and local agencies that collect demographic data to include specific MENA categories and report this data in demographic summaries starting January 1, 2027. This bill is a critical step toward promoting equity, accurate
Resolution Supporting Assembly Bill 91 (MENA Act)
July 1, 2025
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representation, and improved access to services for the MENA community.
The proposed resolution formally supports AB 91 and recognizes the MENA community as a distinct racial and ethnic group, affirming the City of Santa Ana’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and the fair treatment of all its residents.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Resolution No. 2025-XXX Supporting the Middle Eastern and North African Inclusion Act (Assembly Bill 91)
Submitted By: Sylvia Vazquez, Deputy City Manager
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager