From the Orange County Register:
In a decision that could spell the end of redevelopment agencies in California, the state Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the Legislature had the authority to seize $1.7 billion in local redevelopment money to help balance the budget, and struck down a related bill that would have allowed redevelopment agencies to continue operating if they agreed to turn over a large chunk of their funding to the state.
The ruling would seem to prevent local redevelopment agencies from engaging in new business and would lead to their eventual dissolution.
Good News, – The Death of Redevelopment Agencies
A 44 page summary of the Evils, – “Redevelopment: The Unknown Government” http://www.coalitionforredevelopmentreform.org/a_ima/morr.pdf
22 pages here http://www.coalitionforredevelopmentreform.org/references/morrreport.php
In 2001 Redevelopment Agencies consumed 10% of property taxes, and can do the following without the vote of the people: be created – incur bond debt – use eminent domain to benefit private interests. Redevelopment Agencies provide no public services, and divert scarce tax dollars from education, police – fire & ambulance services – street maintenance, libraries, and everything else that cities should be doing. There is little public awareness or oversight.
A win for California and a defeet for the crooks