Richard Close, a member of the Oversight Board supervising the dissolution of the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency, discusses the challenges of defining 'enforceable obligations' and the legal battles he anticipates in the coming year.
Richard Close, a partner at the Law Offices of Gilchrist & Rutter, sat down with The Planning Report to discuss his position on the seven-member Oversight Board supervising the dissolution of the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency. The Oversight Board reviews all legal and financial matters decided by the three-member Governing Body, and, as Close explains, their efforts will become increasingly complicated when the successor agency grapples with the slipperier definitions of ‘enforceable obligations' on certain projects.
The California Legislature repealed redevelopment agencies as part of a budget-saving effort in AB 26. Since then, municipalities across the state have struggled to determine how they might advance planning efforts without previous tax increment financing tools. The law is designed to ensure that former redevelopment agencies stay faithful to existing contracts while disposing of all assets. The story provides perspective on what can happen when a government agency removes support from private development efforts.
FULL STORY: Richard Close Explains the Process of Overseeing the Dissolution of the Los Angeles CRA
Supply, Demand, and Affordable Housing
Bill Witte, president of Related California, one of the most active developers of residential and commercial properties on the West Coast, talks about real estate, affordable housing, and a squeezed middle class with The Planning Report.
Powering L.A.'s Future Without Breaking the Bank
Through determined investment, L.A. is on track to generate a third of its power from renewables by 2020. Varun Sivaram, formerly Mayor Villaraigosa's senior advisor on energy and water policy, explains how the city must modernize its power system.
Simplifying Transit-Adjacent Real Estate Development
In a talk delivered at last December’s US High Speed Rail Conference in Los Angeles, Allan Kotin of Allan D. Kotin and Associates outlined the short-term decisions that can lead to long-term returns on transit-oriented development.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion
The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Santa Monica Lowers Speed Limits
Posted speed limits will be reduced by 5 miles per hour on dozens of the city’s streets.
For Some, Co-Housing Offers Social and Economic Benefits
Residents of co-living developments say the built-in community helps ease the growing isolation felt by many Americans.
New Map Puts Bay Area Traffic Data in One Place
The Traffic Monitoring site uses community-collected speed and volume data to reveal traffic patterns on local roads.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Caltrans
Los Alamos County
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners