Santa Ana's neighborhood associations have been a very effective vehicle to encourage citizen participation for over twenty years. The experience of each neighborhood in our community is different whether that be in the areas of their history, leadership, the built environment or current issues and concerns. Each neighborhood is able to receive support from Santa Ana's Community Development Agency and is able to access assistance in the areas of capacity building and leadership training. Santa Ana residents typically find that they are able to focus on what they have in common through their neighborhoods and through their association, magnify the impact of their efforts.  Refer to the attached neighborhood map.

Neighborhood associations in Santa Ana are the institutionally recognized citizen participation vehicle and this opens many doors for residents who chose to be active. In addition, the Communication Linkages Forum (Commlink) further serves to represent the leaders of Santa Ana's diverse neighborhoods and is comprised of a seven member Board of Directors elected by the leadership of our neighborhoods. Commlink's work is ongoing and typically addresses issues of citywide interest, i.e. public policy in the areas of safety, development, finance and community standards. The group has a 15+ year track record of success and has monthly general membership meetings that are open to the public.

In addition, there are hundreds of community-based organizations in Santa Ana. They include our 63 neighborhood associations, nearly 50 parent groups at schools, over 100 faith-based organizations, 25 service clubs and over 200 non-profit social service agencies not to mention the municipal agencies and private companies with an interest in civic engagement.  Refer to the Resource Network webpage.