Carren Jao provides an update on efforts by the City of Los Angeles to replace its Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which was dissolved by state mandate earlier this year.
Seeing the dissolution of the CRA as an opportunity for the city to develop a more effective system for catalyzing economic development, "without the accompanying allegations of inefficiency and corruption that plagued its almost 70-year-old predecessor," the Los Angeles City Council has given formal approval to plans to develop a successor agency. According to Jao, the new entity, which is modeled after agencies in other major cities, will include an Economic Development Department and an accompanying economic development nonprofit.
"The city hopes that contracting with a nonprofit will afford more
flexibility and creativity, because the entity will not have to go
through the government bureaucracy," reports Jao. "Of course, [city administrative officer Miguel] Santana is quick to
confirm, the mayor and the City Council will still be the ultimate
decision makers."
Next steps include the hiring of a consultant to help develop a more detailed proposal for the agency, with City Council approval aimed for January 2013, and implementation by July 2013.
FULL STORY: CRA 2.0
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
Rethinking Computing: Researchers Tackle AI’s Energy Demands
USC researchers are reimagining how AI systems are trained and powered — through smarter algorithms, innovative hardware, and brain-inspired designs — to dramatically reduce computing’s energy footprint.
Amazon-Owned Robotaxis to Begin Testing in LA
Los Angeles will become the sixth city where Zoox is testing its autonomous vehicle technology.
New York MTA Says No More Borrowing, Will Cut Costs Instead
The agency says it won’t take out any new loans to finance its planned improvements and is finding other ways to cut costs.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions