TO: Chair and Members of the Santiago Creek Commission
FROM: Jarad Hildenbrand, City Manager
1. Subject
title
Santiago Creek Commission Subcommittee Progress Update
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2. Summary
On February 24, 2026, the Orange City Council formerly adopted the Santiago Creek Strategic Plan. To assist with implementation of the strategic plan, the Santiago Creek Commission formed three ad-hoc subcommittees that could focus on projects related to specific subject areas. The City Council approved this approach on May 26, 2026. Since the City Council’s approval, the three ad-hoc subcommittees have been working with staff. The purpose of this item is to receive and file a consolidated progress report presentation from City staff regarding the three ad-hoc subcommittees.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
Receive and file a presentation regarding the progress of the Santiago Creek Commission subcommittees.
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4. Fiscal Impact
None
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 3: Enhance Quality of Life Through City Services
Goal 5: Improve Infrastructure, Mobility, and Technology
6. Discussion and Background
At the January 28, 2026, Santiago Creek Commission (SCC) meeting, the SCC approved the Santiago Creek Strategic Plan (Plan). The Plan represents the collective efforts of the SCC and community members that have participated in SCC meetings since they first began in April 2024. After approving the Plan, the Orange City Council formerly adopted the Plan on February 24, 2026. As a part of the Plan’s approval, the City Council directed the SCC to bring back alternatives to help put the Plan into action.
On April 22, 2026, the SCC approved an option to create three separate ad-hoc subcommittees so they may act in an advisory capacity to help implement the Plan’s projects. The ad-hoc subcommittees were separated into three different topics including:
• Ecological Preservation and Restoration
• Historical, Cultural, and Archeological
• Recreational Enhancement and Safety
The City Council approved this plan on May 26, 2026, and the respective subcommittees met with staff to advise on best practices and approaches to implement each project.
With roughly five months having now passed since the approval of the SCC ad-hoc subcommittees, at the October 28, 2026, SCC meeting, City staff will present a consolidated presentation that details the progress made since the creation of the ad-hoc subcommittees.
Although the presentation is not included with the October 28, 2026, SCC agenda packet, a copy of the presentation will be made available for public review after the meeting. Lastly, pursuant to the City Council’s direction on May 26th, the SCC ad-hoc subcommittees will dissolve in January 2027. At that time, City staff will present a comprehensive SCC ad-hoc subcommittee progress report at one of the January 2027 City Council meetings.
7. ATTACHMENTS
• None.