Anaheim Update: Transit Reset, Housing Gap and River Walk Funding

Anaheim closed the week with several policy and infrastructure threads moving at once, from the end of a familiar resort shuttle system to renewed pressure on housing production and fresh federal money for local projects.

Transit after ART

ART bus service ended on March 31 after the Anaheim Transportation Network said it would wind down operations. OCTA said county buses already cover about 75% of former ATN routes, with the rest generally within walking distance of existing stops. For residents, hotel workers and visitors, the near-term question is whether OC Bus service can absorb demand around the resort district and ARTIC without major gaps.

Housing targets still loom

A city housing report reviewed in late March said Anaheim had permitted 2,406 of the 17,453 homes assigned in the current RHNA cycle as of the last annual report. Separate county reporting this week again listed Anaheim among the cities still behind on lower-income housing goals, keeping pressure on infill projects, approvals and financing strategies as the 2029 deadline gets closer.

New money for local connections

Federal funds announced in Anaheim include support for Store One, a planned entrepreneurship and workforce training hub for food businesses, plus $1.66 million for final design and construction of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Santa Ana River. City officials tied the bridge to broader OC River Walk access and linked Store One to small-business growth rooted in Anaheim.

Taken together, the week’s updates show Anaheim balancing visitor mobility, housing compliance and long-range economic development at the same time. That mix is likely to stay central as spring budget and planning decisions move forward.

Sources

https://111things.com/local-headlines/housing-pressure-transit-shifts-and-major-development-updates-lead-anaheim-headlines/
https://111things.com/local-headlines/anaheim-transit-shift-oc-vibe-parks-plan-and-new-federal-funds-for-river-bridge/
https://rideart.org/anaheim-transportation-network-announces-wind-down-of-operations/
https://www.octa.net/news/news-releases/octa-offers-anaheim-residents-visitors-and-employees-convenient-and-reliable-public-transit-options
https://local.anaheim.net/docs_agend/questys_pub/48983/49013/49016/49032/49073/49073.2.pdf
https://voiceofoc.org/2026/04/cities-lag-affordable-housing/
https://correa.house.gov/news/press-releases/in-anaheim-correa-announces-over-2-million-to-support-local-food-businesses-bridge-connecting-anaheim-and-orange