California Voters Show Support for Redevelopment

Election Day provided a big boost for proponents of redevelopment in California. A statewide measure to restrict use of eminent domain lost badly, while voters in San Francisco and Napa County showed support for redevelopment projects.

1 minute read

June 4, 2008, 1:00 PM PDT

By Paul Shigley


"Voters' rejection of Proposition 98 on the statewide ballot marked the second time that property rights advocates have failed to capitalize on public backlash to the U.S. Supreme Court's 2005 Kelo decision upholding the use of eminent domain for economic purposes."

"While the 2006 vote on Proposition 90 was close, Tuesday's voting on Proposition 98 was not, as the measure received only 39% support. Instead, a modest alternative backed by the League of California Cities and the California Redevelopment Association - Proposition 99 - won with 62.5% of the vote. Proposition 99 bars the taking of owner-occupied homes for economic development projects."

Meanwhile, voters in San Francisco endorsed a 700-acre redevelopment project that promises up to 10,000 housing units, 2 million square feet of office space and possibly a new football stadium.

In Napa County, voters rejected a slow-growth initiative aimed at crippling reuse of an old industrial site along the Napa River.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008 in California Planning & Development Report

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

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

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.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

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.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Person wearing mask walking through temporary outdoor dining setup lined with bistro lights at dusk in New York City.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?

Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

June 19, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of new neifhborhood under construction with enpty lots in foreground.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won

A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

July 2 - CALmatters

Low-rise Pearl Sreet mall in Boulfer, Colorado.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide

Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

July 2 - Boulder Reporting Lab

Two-story buildings with porches in walkable Florida neighborhood.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code

The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.

July 2 - CNU Public Square