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Our History

A Legacy of Community-Led Change

THRIVE Santa Ana was born from a decade of community organizing and advocacy to ensure public land serves local residents. Rooted in equity and sustainability, our journey has been shaped by grassroots leadership, collaborative efforts, and a vision for community-owned land. From early neighborhood initiatives to becoming Santa Ana’s first Community Land Trust (CLT), our history reflects the power of collective action in building a stronger, more resilient city.

2008

Local nonprofits and residents begin collaborating to ensure economic development projects prioritize affordable housing, open space, jobs, and business opportunities.

Santa Ana Collaborative for Responsible Development (SACReD):

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A coalition of residents, community groups, and organizations negotiates with developers and the City of Santa Ana.
 

Success: Affordable housing, a community

center, a neighborhood park, and local business space are included in the Station District development in the Lacy neighborhood.

2010

2013

Santa Ana Sunshine Ordinance is enacted, requiring transparency and resident input in economic development projects.


THRIVE partners with the City to facilitate community input for the City’s Strategic Plan.

Wellness Resolution passed by Santa Ana City Council:

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  • Commitment to a community-based economic strategy.

  • Provision of land for community-owned micro-farm and mercadito projects.

2015

2016

Public Land Advocacy:

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  • ​Santa Ana Building Healthy Communities (SABHC) Equity for All Workgroup stops the planned sale of over 90 parcels of public land.

  • Advocates for the exploration of community-led development models, including the Community Land Trust (CLT).

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Formation of THRIVE Santa Ana:

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  • City forms a workgroup with members of Equity for All to research the CLT model and opportunities.

  • The research includes visits to TRUST South LA and exploration of city-owned land.

  • October 2016: Incorporation of Santa Ana’s first Community Land Trust - THRIVE Santa Ana, Inc.

THRIVE shares its vision for community-led development with developers and presents proposal to the Santa Ana City Council in a Study Session.

December 2016

May 1, 2016

The City enters an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with THRIVE for its first parcel of community-owned land at 1901 W Walnut St.

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  • Project design includes community engagement through meetings, surveys, and art projects.
     

  • Collaboration with City staff on the planning process.

The City made a decision to transfer the 1901 W Walnut St parcel to THRIVE.

October 2018

2024

  • THRIVE engages Lacy neighborhood residents to develop a proposal for affordable housing on City-owned land.
     

  • Prepares to respond to the Housing Authority's Request for Proposals (RFP).
     

  • Hosting the first membership meeting to solidify resident ownership of the community development platform.

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