L.A. Times Editorial Supports Redevelopment 2.0

California's redevelopment program was killed during the budget fallout of the Great Recession. Now more state politicians see how tax increment devoted to development investments could be one tool int he state's affordable housing crisis.

2 minute read

August 31, 2019, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Los Angeles Downtown Historic Core

Omar Bárcena / Flickr

The Los Angeles Times Editorial Board suggests that the time has come for the state of California to revamp the idea of redevelopment agencies—an idea defunct since former Governor Jerry Brown axed the investment program in the height of the budget austerity of the Great Recession.

The editorial suggests that some of the state's affordable housing shortage could be alleviated by the reintroduction of redevelopment. Instead of the flawed system in place prior to the recession, the editorial calls for a Redevelopment 2.0.

Cities need an ongoing source of money for affordable housing. This is especially important as [Governor Gavin] Newsom and state lawmakers are pushing cities to zone for more homes for Californians at all income levels. Although the need for more market-rate housing can be addressed by lowering regulatory and political barriers, the critical shortage of affordable units is both a political and a financial problem. Simply put, developers can’t produce the amount of affordable housing needed without public subsidies.

Governor Gavin Newsom, in office since the beginning of the year, has spoken in favor of Redevelopment 2.0 before, but he hasn't been consistent on the issue—even as a bill to pursue a new redevelopment program, Assembly Bill 11, died in the Legislature in May. Another attempt at crafting legislation to revive redevelopment is also contained in Senate Bill 5, authored by State Senator Jim Beall (D-San Jose).

The editorial concludes with cautious support for the idea of redevelopment: "The idea behind redevelopment — to give local governments the ability to launch community revitalization projects that the private sector wouldn’t do alone — is still worthwhile. And the needs are at least as great."

Thursday, August 29, 2019 in Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

US and Texas flags flying in front of Texas state capitol dome in Austin, Texas.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness

A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

47 seconds ago - The Texas Tribune

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

1 hour ago - Inside Climate News

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board