TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Jarad Hildenbrand, City Manager
FROM: Christopher Cash, Public Works Director
1. Subject
title
Authorization for the Director of Public Works to sign a grant agreement and related documents with the State Coastal Conservancy for the OC River Walk-Upland Habitat Restoration Design Project
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2. Summary
This resolution gives authority to the Director of Public Works to be the signing authority of grant documents related to the $1,472,000 in grant funding received from the California Coastal Conservancy for the Upland Habitat Restoration Project, a component of the larger OC River Walk project.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 11679. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange approving the grant of funds from the State Coastal Conservancy for the Upland Habitat Restoration Design Project and authorizing the Director of Public Works to sign a grant agreement and related documents.
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4. Fiscal Impact
None.
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 5: Improve Infrastructure, Mobility, and Technology.
6. Discussion and Background
The City has been an active participant in the OC River Walk project including participation in the establishment of a master plan for the project in 2021 and execution of a cooperative agreement for the project with the City of Anaheim in 2023. Specifically, the cornerstone for the City of Orange’s participation in the project is the development of improvements contemplated in the OC River Walk Master Plan on property, north of Katella Avenue, directly adjacent to the Stadium Prominade Shopping Center. This property is directly across the Santa Ana River from the Honda Center and the OC Vibe project. This project also has significance for the City’s efforts on economic revitalization for the West Katella Avenue area.
In late 2025, Public Works Department staff submitted a grant proposal to the California Coastal Conservancy for the OC River Walk-Upland Habitat Restoration Project along the Santa Ana River Trail (SART). This project is proposed as part of the larger OC River Walk Project which aims to transform a 1.7-mile stretch of the Santa Ana River (River) into a regional open space that connects surrounding communities to the natural resources of the River.
This phase of the project will develop plans to restore native upland habitat, improve access to the riverbank, and enhance flood control within an unused, undeveloped area next to the River and the SART. This work applies to property that the City has a lease option for from the Orange County Flood Control District as part of the Santa Ana River Trail development projects.
The design will improve the area into a more inviting open space that includes a segment of the SART, and create shaded rest areas, scenic overlooks, and gathering spaces. It will also reopen an adjacent 0.45-mile pedestrian trail. These improvements will reduce heat island effects, filter stormwater, restore habitat, and create a functional green space that promotes recreation, active transportation, and public health.
On April 23, 2026, the California Coastal Conservancy approved funding for the City’s proposed project in the amount of $1,472,000. This grant amount will fund the design phase of this project. Staff anticipates being able to return to the California Coastal Conservancy for construction funding once design work is complete.
The City’s adoption of an Authorization Resolution is a requirement of the SCC grant and is needed to execute a grant funding agreement.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• Resolution No. 11679
• SCC City of Orange Funding Recommendation 04232026