A panel of distinguished Angelenos recently discussed the missteps that led to the dissolution of California's redevelopment agencies, the hole that their closure creates, and the possible paths forward.
The Planning Report has published excerpts from a frank conversation organized last month by the Los Angeles Westside Urban Forum. Moderated by Renata Simril of Jones Lang LaSalle, the panel, "Life After the CRA: A New Paradigm for Affordable Housing and Economic Development," featured LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, LAANE co-founder Madeline Janis, and Community Corporation of Santa Monica Executive Director Sarah Letts.
The panelists agreed that tax increment financing may remain a useful tool to address the original charge of redevelopment: alleviating urban blight and providing affordable housing. But, as was pointed out, community redevelopment agencies had appeared increasingly to reflect cronyism, channeling public money toward museums and downtowns rather than the most desperate urban areas.
The panelists attempted to answer two crucial questions: Where did things go wrong? And what steps are municipalities taking to replace these structural sources of public funds?
Thanks to Kevin Madden
FULL STORY: Westside Urban Forum Examines Life Without the CRA

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

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

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

EPA Awards $267 Million to Clean Up and Reuse Contaminated Sites
The EPA is investing the funds to clean up and redevelop contaminated sites nationwide, supporting economic growth, community revitalization, and environmental restoration.

Knoxville Dedicates $1M to New Greenway
The proposed greenway would run along North Broadway and connect to 125 miles of existing trails.

Philadelphia Launches ‘Speed Slots’ Traffic Calming Pilot
The project focuses on a 1.4-mile stretch of Lincoln Drive where cars frequently drive above the posted speed limit.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions