In November 2022, Yorba Linda voters rejected Measure Z, a ballot measure that sought to approve partial zoning changes in accordance with the Yorba Linda Housing Element. Measure Z only received 25% support from voters. This defeat left the City of Yorba Linda at a crossroads, facing the task of finding a solution that balanced state requirements with the desires of the community. To effectively address this matter and improve community participation, the City launched a robust outreach and engagement initiative that led to a revised, resident-driven 2021-2029 Housing Element that was approved with over 90% of voter support in November 2024.
In 2023, the City turned to Tripepi Smith for assistance in crafting and executing a community outreach and engagement strategy. President and Co-founder Ryder Todd Smith developed a community-based approach, creating a Working Group composed of Yorba Linda residents from both sides of the debate. Ryder facilitated productive conversations among the Working Group, which led to recommended changes that satisfied both State housing requirements and local concerns.
While the Working Group collaborated, Tripepi Smith worked with the City to simultaneously launch a comprehensive outreach campaign to educate the community about California housing policies and the City’s proposed changes to the Housing Element. The City created a dedicated website, offering residents easy access to important documents, meeting recordings and updates. Print materials like flyers and mailers, as well as email blasts were distributed regularly to ensure that every resident had access to information about the revised Housing Element and the public input process. Over the course of the engagement, Tripepi Smith facilitated 15 public engagement opportunities, including both virtual and in-person workshops for residents to ask questions, voice concerns and learn about the implications of the revised Housing Element.
By June 2023, the Working Group completed its discussions and presented its recommendations. The Yorba Linda City Council adopted the Working Group’s proposal, and Tripepi Smith continued its efforts to keep the community engaged through additional workshops and informational materials. After a few more revisions to the plan, the Housing Element was approved by the City Council and became conditionally certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development in March 2024.
“Tripepi Smith did a remarkable job providing resources and forums necessary to keep our residents informed about our revised Housing Element and how it could impact Yorba Linda as we know it,” said Mark Pulone, City Manager of Yorba Linda. “Engaging and encouraging the public to participate in this process was crucial. The variety of resources Tripepi provided helped convey the importance of our updated Housing Element for Yorba Linda and our ability to maintain local control over land use and housing.”
To achieve full certification from the State, the City needed voter approval for the revised Housing Element. This aligned with Measure B, Yorba Linda’s Right-to-Vote Amendment, which allows Yorba Linda voters to approve or reject major adjustments to the City’s land use documents.
The Yorba Linda City Council unanimously placed Measure JJ on the ballot for the November 2024 General Election. The measure received overwhelming support – early results showed a 90% approval rate, which increased to 91% once the vote was finalized. This remarkable approval rate highlighted the success of the outreach and consensus-building process that the City and Tripepi Smith executed.
“This project was about empowering the community to take ownership of their future while balancing the complex requirements of state housing law,” shared Ryder. “It was incredible to see residents come together, engage with the process and contribute a plan that reflects their vision for the future of Yorba Linda.”
As cities look toward the next Housing Element cycle, early engagement will be critical for success. The process provides an opportunity for communities to shape their future. Cities are encouraged to get involved early to build partnerships, foster community buy-in and ensure compliance with state mandates. For inquiries about partnerships or to learn more, reach out to RFP@tripepismith.com.
About City of Yorba Linda
Yorba Linda, known as the “Land of Gracious Living” is a city with a strong sense of community and small-town character. Incorporated in 1967, Yorba Linda is comprised of 20 square miles and remains a suburban community characterized by mostly residential family neighborhoods, key commercial centers, parklands and open space, multi-use trails, and important historic resources. Recognized as one of the “100 Best Places to Live” in the United States, Yorba Linda continues to uphold its shared values of responsible growth, preservation of existing neighborhood character, and conservation of natural resources.
About Tripepi Smith
Tripepi Smith is a California-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm that serves for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies. Its unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provides a competitive advantage to agencies seeking to leverage the internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm provides full content creation services, including: ghost writing, collateral development, photography, video production, aerial imagery, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution.