In California, Assessing the Obstacles to Redevelopment 2.0

Continuing their excellent coverage of the twists and turns in the California redevelopment saga, CP&DR have run two articles this week providing updates on efforts to navigate a path forward for redevelopment.

1 minute read

February 24, 2012, 10:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


As officials across the state continue to struggle with the complexities of the dissolution of redevelopment agencies, Josh Stephens reports on legislative efforts to fund housing and manage the disposal of redevelopment agency assets and the obstacles to moving with a new redevelopment structure.

On the legislative front, Stephens reports on two bills introduced in the state senate, "The first would give cities and successor agencies greater powers to maximize the value of redevelopment agency assets rather than subject them to a 'fire sale.' The second represents a holy grail for many housing advocates: a consistent, dedicated source of funding for affordable housing, to the tune of up to $700 million per year."

On moving forward, Stephens reports on a speech made by one of redevelopment's strongest supporters in the capital, Sen. Alex Padilla, at a conference this week. Padilla provided a bit of candid history by noting that the complete elimination of redevelopment was accidental, "due to legislation...that was crafted hastily and poorly last summer."

Although Padilla is optimistic about the legislature's support for replacing redevelopment, he identified the governor as the biggest potential obstacle, "He got what he wanted," said Padilla. "I don't see the policy pushes and pulls for him to really engage here."

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 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 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight