Disney Anaheim’s $15M Affordable Housing Pledge Hits Critical Vote: Will California Accept?

Rent spikes near Disney California. Eviction notices. Families squeezed out of their neighborhoods. In Anaheim, these issues have grown too large to ignore. But now, a long-awaited promise from one of the world’s most powerful entertainment giants could finally offer relief—and it’s up to the city to decide how to make it happen.

On Thursday, May 29, the Anaheim City Council will vote on how to spend the first $15 million from Disney’s $30 million affordable housing pledge, made as part of its DisneylandForward expansion agreement. While the headlines often focus on Disney’s new attractions, a deeper story is unfolding—one that could determine the future for hundreds of struggling residents. What exactly is the plan, and why does it matter so much now?

Disney California Expansion: A Strategic Gift or a Turning Point?

Last spring, Anaheim approved DisneylandForward, a long-term blueprint for transforming Disneyland Resort’s footprint. In return, Disney committed $30 million toward affordable housing efforts, with the first half due this year and the rest in five years.

Now, with the first $15 million delivered and an additional $1 million in federal grant money in the city’s hands, Anaheim officials have laid out a proposal they believe could make a meaningful dent in the housing crisis.

The plan is designed to address multiple layers of the problem: from building new homes to helping families buy their first property, and supporting those on the brink of eviction. But whether it passes remains to be seen.

Building from the Ground Up

The proposal earmarks $9.5 million for the “Build More Homes Initiative,” intended to support the construction of 250 to 300 affordable housing units. For a city where demand has long outpaced supply, this initiative aims to create more long-term, stable housing options. City leaders say this investment could jumpstart stalled projects or supplement existing efforts, ensuring that families who are currently priced out have a shot at staying in the city they call home.

Another key part of the plan focuses on homebuyer support. With $5.5 million allocated for a loan assistance program, qualifying residents could receive a “silent second mortgage” of up to $50,000. This 30-year loan carries a modest 3% interest rate, but no payments are required until the homeowner sells, refinances, or pays off the primary mortgage.

To qualify, households must earn no more than 150% of the median income in Orange County. The goal is to help middle- and lower-income families leap over the down-payment hurdle that has kept homeownership out of reach for many.

Disney California: A Safety Net for the Vulnerable

The final piece of the plan would direct $1 million toward emergency rental assistance. Under this initiative, families earning less than 50% of the county’s median income could receive one-time grants—up to $5,000 or the equivalent of two months’ rent—to prevent eviction.

With many families one crisis away from losing their homes, this safety net could be the difference between housing stability and homelessness. The grants would not be recurring, but designed to offer fast, impactful support when it’s needed most.

What Happens Next?

The proposal already passed a unanimous vote by Anaheim’s Housing and Community Development Commission. The final hurdle? A public meeting and vote by the City Council at 5 p.m. on Thursday at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd.

If approved, this plan would begin the rollout of the first phase of Disney’s housing contribution, reinforcing the broader commitments outlined in DisneylandForward.

That initiative also includes:

• $10 million in sewer improvements along Katella Avenue

• $8 million in funding for local park upgrades

• A $1.9 to $2.5 billion investment in Disneyland Resort over the next decade

Among the theme park additions currently in development are new Marvel-themed attractions like Avengers: Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab, and a highly anticipated Avatar-themed land.

Why This Moment Matters for Disney California

While Disney’s money may be tied to development agreements, the underlying shift is cultural. In an era where corporations are increasingly expected to contribute to social issues, Disney’s move to fund affordable housing—both in Anaheim and recently in Florida—signals a broader trend in how entertainment companies are investing in the communities that power their success.

The city’s decision this week won’t just determine how $16 million is spent—it could set a precedent for how future development deals are structured, how partnerships between municipalities and private companies are handled, and how major players in the tourism industry balance growth with responsibility.

For Anaheim’s families, it’s about more than numbers. It’s about security, dignity, and the ability to live near the magic without being pushed out by it.

Will the council say yes to the plan? And if so, will this be the first step toward solving one of California’s most persistent problems—or just a drop in a much bigger bucket?

We’ll find out Thursday.