Department Overview

Economic Development Department

The Economic Development Department is responsible for the management and administrative oversight of all business and economic development programs throughout the city. In addition to providing economic development assistance and programs, the department includes the city's affordable housing division, business & public affairs activities, and film office.


Orange Redevelopment Agency

The Orange Redevelopment Agency (ORA) rehabilitates and revitalizes blighted and deteriorated areas of the city by various methods such as land assemblage, infrastructure upgrades and on-site improvements. The staff selects projects that relate to the three-fold mission of the Agency which is to enhance the commercial and industrial areas of the city; to revitalize those areas; and to increase, improve and preserve the community's supply of affordable low- and moderate-income housing.

Although the Orange Redevelopment Agency is a separate, legal entity from the City of Orange, the Orange City Council serves as its legislative body. The mayor chairs the Agency, the city manager is the executive director, and the city attorney serves as general counsel. The Redevelopment Division of the city's Economic Development Department serves as Agency staff.

Housing/Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

The Economic Development Department is charged with increasing and preserving the community's supply of affordable low-and moderate-income housing to comply with state and federal requirements. This goal is addressed by providing financial and development incentives to existing and potential multi-family housing owner-investors and developers, and owner-occupants of single-family and mobile homes.

Business and Public Affairs/Filming

The Economic Development Department manages the city's efforts to communicate effectively with the community and increase awareness about city events, projects and programs. The staff oversees publication of the quarterly city newsletter/recreation brochure, prepares and distributes news releases, answers media inquiries, produces brochures, leaflets, flyers, ads, and provides media relations and community outreach assistance to city departments. Business and Public Affairs also coordinates and oversees permitting for all on-location production with the City of Orange. This includes films, television series, commercials, student films, and still photo shoots.