City Manager’s Office
www.santa-ana.gov/cm
Item # 33
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
August 4, 2026
TOPIC: FY 206-2027 to FY 2031-2032 Five-Year Strategic Plan
AGENDA TITLE
City of Santa Ana FY 2026-27 to FY 2031-32 Five-Year Strategic Plan
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt the City of Santa Ana FY 2026-27 to FY 2031-32 Five-Year Strategic Plan.
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
In accordance with Section 2-157 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code, the City Manager is responsible for preparing and submitting a five-year Strategic Plan to the City Council.
The Strategic Plan establishes the City's long-term vision, strategic priorities, goals, and performance measures to guide organizational decision-making, resource allocation, and service delivery over the next five fiscal years. The Plan also provides the flexibility to adjust annual initiatives based on available resources and evolving community needs.
The City's previous Strategic Plan covered Fiscal Years (FY) 2020-21 through 2024-25.
Over the past five years, the City has made significant progress toward achieving the goals established in that plan while continuing to respond to changing economic conditions, infrastructure needs, community priorities, and organizational challenges.
Adoption of a new five-year Strategic Plan ensures the City continues to maintain a clear organizational direction and complies with the requirements of the Sunshine Ordinance.
Development of the FY 2026-27 through FY 2031-32 Strategic Plan began in July 2025 with two (2) Executive Management Team goal-setting sessions on July 30, 2025 and August 8, 2025.
In December 2025, the City’s polling consultant conducted a scientific survey of 623 likely voters, which provided a 95% confidence level with a 3.9% margin of error.
FY 206-2027 to FY 2031-2032 Five-Year Strategic Plan
August 4, 2026
5 9
5 2
Although funding interest was not the primary purpose of the survey, the survey included questions to gauge support for various City services. Survey results indicated that voters are predominantly interested in funding public works and public safety.
On January 23, 2026, the City Council participated in a public strategic planning workshop to provide feedback and recommendations directly to the Executive Management Team.
City staff also conducted outreach presentations to introduce the draft Strategic Plan to the community and gather feedback regarding the priorities and services that the City should focus on over the next five years. Presentations were held at a Neighborhood Association Leaders’ meeting on March 24, 2026, a Santa Ana Communication Linkage Forum (Com-Link) on March 26, 2026, and at Latino Health Access on April 6, 2026, and April 29, 2026.
This enhanced community feedback emphasized expanding housing opportunities, supporting youth through educational programs and paid internships, improving transportation infrastructure including roads, sidewalks, bus stops, parking, and street lighting, and enhancing parks, libraries, and recreational amenities. Residents also expressed support for cleaner neighborhoods, assistance for small businesses, expanded services for individuals experiencing homelessness, improved pedestrian safety, and additional programs for residents of all ages.
Following completion of the outreach process, the Executive Management Team refined the City's goals, performance measures, and strategic direction to develop the proposed Strategic Plan in alignment with the adopted budget priorities. The updated plan maintains the City's five Strategic Priorities:
1.Financial Stability: Protect and enhance revenue streams while maintaining a healthy reserve balance to provide for the expenditure of funds in support of the long-term priorities of the City's strategic plan.
2.Community Safety: Provide a safe environment for residents and visitors while reducing crime and addressing the impacts of homelessness on our quality of life.
3.Modern Facilities and Infrastructure: Ensure maintenance and preservation of City facilities and roadways to better serve the population and visitors.
4.Efficient City Services: Streamline the methods of providing services to help ensure doing business with the City is easier and more efficient.
5.Economic Diversification and Expansion: Enhance economic vitality by growing revenue streams, attracting quality jobs, and diverse businesses, developing housing opportunities, and desired amenities for residents.
FY 206-2027 to FY 2031-2032 Five-Year Strategic Plan
August 4, 2026
5 9
5 2
Each Strategic Priority includes measurable goals and performance measures that are designed to guide City operations over the next five years. Consistent with prior practice, department-specific strategic initiatives will continue to be developed annually in support of these goals through the City's budget and work planning processes.
The proposed Strategic Plan is included as Exhibit 1.
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. City of Santa Ana FY2026-27 to FY2031-32 Strategic Plan Submitted By: Sylvia Vazquez, Deputy City Manager
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager