California Cities Sue Over Laws That Kill Redevelopment

"Agency advocates say the laws, signed by Gov. Jerry Brown last month as part of the state budget, are unconstitutional because they violate Prop. 22, passed by voters last fall to prevent the state from raiding local tax coffers, including redevelopment agencies.

The lawsuit, long threatened by some cities and which was filed directly in the state's highest court in order to expedite a ruling, also asks the court to issue a stay by Aug. 15 to prevent the legislation from going into effect until the court can rule on the merits of the claims."

The suit was filed on behalf of the California Redevelopment Association, which represents the state's active redevelopment agencies. San Jose, Union City, Brentwood, Oakland, Modesto, West Sacramento, and Guadalupe also signed on their support.