California Controller John Chiang, an independent, elected officer, audited 18 of the state's 425 redevelopment agencies (representing 16% of all RDA dollars) and found huge differences in how blight is defined and a lack of accountability.
Gov. Jerry Brown's budget proposal calls for shutting down all redevelopment agencies (RDAs) in order to save the state $1.7 billion. The budget deficit is project to exceed $26 billion. Chiang ordered the audit to investigate claims by cities who have vigorously defended their RDAs as vital to fighting blight, creating jobs, and building affordable housing.
From the Los Angeles Times:
"Chiang's report, adding fuel to the argument that redevelopment agencies are sucking up precious funds with little to show for their efforts, was immediately condemned by redevelopment advocates as politically motivated. A furious battle is playing out between the state and cities over the governor's proposal to scrap redevelopment entirely."
From Contra Costa Times: California redevelopment agencies blasted in state review: The report showed a "failing to pay about $33 million they owe to the state's public schools, and poorly tracking the number of jobs that redevelopment creates."
From AP (via SF Examiner): State review faults Calif. redevelopment agencies: Controller John Chiang called the RDAs "a breeding ground for waste, abuse, and impropriety."
"For a government activity which consumers more than $5.5 billion of public resources annually, we should be troubled that there are no objective performance measures demonstrating that taxpayers are receiving optimal return for each dollar invested," Chiang said in a statement.
From Orange County Register: Redevelopment agencies: Not accountable, controller says: Chiang's report noted the wide definitions of 'blight'.
"In Palm Desert, redevelopment dollars are being used to renovate greens and bunkers at a 4.5 star golf resort."
Thanks to The Roundup
FULL STORY: Controller reports redevelopment agency failings
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.