Carren Jao provides an update on efforts by the City of Los Angeles to replace its Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which was dissolved by state mandate earlier this year.
Seeing the dissolution of the CRA as an opportunity for the city to develop a more effective system for catalyzing economic development, "without the accompanying allegations of inefficiency and corruption that plagued its almost 70-year-old predecessor," the Los Angeles City Council has given formal approval to plans to develop a successor agency. According to Jao, the new entity, which is modeled after agencies in other major cities, will include an Economic Development Department and an accompanying economic development nonprofit.
"The city hopes that contracting with a nonprofit will afford more
flexibility and creativity, because the entity will not have to go
through the government bureaucracy," reports Jao. "Of course, [city administrative officer Miguel] Santana is quick to
confirm, the mayor and the City Council will still be the ultimate
decision makers."
Next steps include the hiring of a consultant to help develop a more detailed proposal for the agency, with City Council approval aimed for January 2013, and implementation by July 2013.
FULL STORY: CRA 2.0

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance
The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.

Spokane Mayor Introduces Housing Reforms Package
Mayor Lisa Brown’s proposals include deferring or waiving some development fees to encourage more affordable housing development.

Houston Mayor Kills Another Bike Lane
The mayor rejected a proposed bike lane in the Montrose district in keeping with his pledge to maintain car lanes.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont