Fearing the End, Redevelopment Agencies Go on Bond Spree

Municipal redevelopment agencies have sold almost $700 million in bonds so far this year, which is more than half of the amount of bonds issued in all of 2010, according to a new report from the state.

"The rush to market comes as the Legislature considers Brown's plan to eliminate the state's 400 redevelopment agencies and send much of the $5 billion a year in property taxes the agencies control to counties, schools and the state.

City officials have responded with fury, saying the plan will starve local economic development, halt affordable housing programs and cost jobs."