California Tries To Wring Every Last Cent From Redevelopment

California's erstwhile redevelopment agencies are pleading with the state to maintain funding for projects they consider crucial. So far, the Department of Finance has taken a decidedly conservative approach.

1 minute read

May 17, 2012, 12:00 PM PDT

By Josh Stephens @jrstephens310


"In many cases, DOF has refused to allow high-density or transit-oriented projects to go forward – a move that makes sense in financial terms but seems to run counter to the Brown administration's urban development policy goals. And in at least one case, DOF is asking a local government to kill projects funded by federal dollars," writes Josh Stephens.

"DOF seems to be interpreting AB 1X 26 more conservatively than even successor agencies' oversight boards, which were expected to be conservative themselves insofar as oversight board members represent taxing entities that stand to gain from the freeing up of tax increment funds. As it turns out, many oversight boards have been sympathetic to the agendas of former redevelopment agencies."

Thanks to Josh Stephens

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 in California Planning & Development Report

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

November 11, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A road in north eastern Nebraska with power lines on either side, and grassy fields.

Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity

Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.

November 6, 2026 - Grist

People walking and cycling on a street in Boston.

Study reveals best places in the U.S. for cycling, walking

New research from Streetlight Data examines bicycle and pedestrian miles per capita in the 100 largest U.S. cities by population.

November 8, 2026 - Smart Cities Dive

Mark, an older white man in a blue jacket, smiles in front of a plaque that commemorates his scholarship.

Federal government nominates new FTA administrator

Mark Aesch is currently the founder and CEO of a transportation management consulting firm.

30 minutes ago - Mass Transit

A rendering of people walking through a park to the chicago bears stadium, which is large and dome shaped.

Developers reveal $10 billion stadium plan as ‘Hail Mary’ to keep Bears in Chicago

The plan would also boast a public park, high- and mid-rise buildings and a youth sports complex.

2 hours ago - Chicago Sun Times

People watch as carbon dioxide is vented during a safety demonstration outside Nome City Hall in Jefferson Co.

As Texas embraces carbon storage, a Black community questions the risks

Texas now issues permits for companies to store carbon dioxide underground. East Texas residents fear safety risks, and skeptics doubt the climate benefits.

3 hours ago - Texas Tribune

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.