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City of Anaheim to Vote on Allocation of $15 Million DisneylandForward Funds
This week, the City of Anaheim is set to make a pivotal decision regarding the allocation of the initial $15 million contributed by Disney for affordable housing. This significant sum is a component of the broader DisneylandForward project.
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As reported by the Orange County Register, the Anaheim City Council was scheduled to convene today, Thursday, May 29, to deliberate on the proposed utilization of these funds. The current plan presented to the council outlines a multi-faceted approach: it aims to support the construction of new affordable housing units, offer loan assistance to prospective homebuyers within the city, and provide crucial funding for low-income families facing the threat of eviction.
The DisneylandForward initiative, an ambitious expansion plan for Disneyland Resort, received approval from the City of Anaheim last spring. A key component of this approval included Disney’s significant commitment of $30 million dedicated to affordable housing. This funding is being disbursed in two installments: the initial $15 million is being provided this year, with the remaining $15 million scheduled for release in five years.
Adding to these funds, Anaheim is also set to receive $1 million from a federal grant. City staff will present a comprehensive affordable housing plan for discussion and approval at Thursday’s City Council meeting.
The core of the proposal centers on the “Build More Homes Initiative,” which requests $9.5 million of the total $16 million (the $15 million from Disney plus the $1 million federal grant). As its name suggests, this initiative is focused on the direct construction of new affordable housing units. Officials project that this allocation could facilitate the creation of an estimated 250 to 300 new units.
Furthermore, the proposal outlines a loan assistance program for homebuyers. This program would offer a 30-year “silent second mortgage” of $50,000, carrying a 3% interest rate. A “silent second mortgage” means borrowers would not be required to make payments until they sell, refinance, or fully pay off their primary home. Eligibility for this program would require a household income not exceeding 150% of the median income for Orange County.
Finally, the remaining $1 million of the allocated funds would be directed towards supporting residents at risk of eviction. This assistance would come in the form of one-time grants, capped at $5,000 or two months’ rent, whichever is lower, for households whose income is under 50% of the median income.
Anaheim’s Housing and Community Development Commission has already given its unanimous approval to the proposed funding plan.
The decisive City Council meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. It’s worth noting that Disney’s commitments extend beyond affordable housing; as part of the DisneylandForward agreement, the company also pledged $10 million for sewer improvements along Katella Avenue and $8 million for Anaheim city parks within the first year. Overall, Disney has committed to investing between $1.9 billion and $2.5 billion in Disneyland Resort over the next decade. This significant investment includes exciting plans such as an expansion to Avengers Campus, featuring new attractions like Avengers: Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab, as well as a brand-new “Avatar” themed land.
In a related initiative, Disney is also providing funding for an affordable housing project in Florida, which received approval from Orange County Commissioners last fall.
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