Legislative Updates

2013 Executive Director's Updates

May 13, 2013 - 2013 Redevelopment Bills
Prepared by Brent Hawkins

April 29, 2013 - 2013 Redevelopment Bills
Prepared by Brent Hawkins

March 1, 2013 - 2013 Redevelopment Bills
Prepared by Brent Hawkins

2012 Executive Director's Updates

April 13, 2012 - CRA INITIATES DISSOLUTION PROCESS; NEXT GENERATION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE FORMS
In a letter sent to local redevelopment agencies and to city managers statewide this week, the California Redevelopment Association announced that it has initiated a process that will ultimately lead to the dissolution of the statewide association.

April 3, 2012 - CALL TO ACTION for AB 1585 and AB X1 26 LEGISLATIVE CLEAN UPS

March 13, 2012 - NEW LEGISLATION ADDRESSES FALLOUT FROM THE END OF #REDEVELOPMENT AS A FINANCING TOOL

February 15, 2012 - LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO CARRY AB 1X 26 FIXES
With the deadline for bill introduction looming (February 24), CRA’s legislative advocacy team is focusing on its work with the legislative leadership and staff seeking to draft corrections, clarifications, and other amendments to AB 1X 26. Changes are needed to address ambiguities in the statute and ameliorate problems and unintended consequences. During “phase one&r href="http://www.calredevelop.org/External/WCPages/WCWebContent/WebContentPage.aspx?ContentID=1952">January 31, 2012 - Dissolution, Redesign, & Annual Conference Update

January 27, 2012 - CRA Executive Director's Update

January 26, 2012 - CRA Urges Members to Ask Legislators to Support SB 659 Extending the Dissolution Deadline; Lengthy List of Issues Emerging As Feb 1 Deadline Approaches
CRA and League of California Cities officials, our respective legal counsel, our lobbying team, and public finance experts have been engaged in multiple meetings with the Department of Finance Director and her staff, and representatives from the Treasurer’s Office, and the State Controller.

Fitch Downgrade Comes on Heels of Moody’s Investor Services Downgrade Last Week
Following on the heels of a rating downgrade by Moody’s Investor Services last week, today Fitch placed California bonds secured by redevelopment tax increment revenue on “Rating Watch Negative”.

SB 659 (Padilla) Introduction/Dissolution Prospects
Today Senator Alex Padilla introduced SB 659, legislation designed to extend the dissolution date of ABX1 26 (as modified by the Supreme Court) from February 1 to April 15.

January 4, 2012 - CRA ADVOCACY TEAM WORKING AGGRESSIVELY ON THE FUTURE OF REDEVELOPMENT
Since the California Supreme Court decision last week, CRA Board of Directors, staff, League of California Cities, and an advocacy team that includes lobbyists and legal counsel have been working aggressively on a legislative program to restore and reshape redevelopment for the future. We have begun extensive work collaborating with legislators, local government and redevelopment allies, and others to develop a policy and legislative plan to reestablish this vital tool.

2011 Executive Director's Updates

December 29, 2011 - COURT UPHOLDS ABX1 26 BUT STRIKES DOWN ABX1 27 – WORST CASE SCENARIO FOR REDEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION IN CALIFORNIA. ACTION NEEDED IMMEDIATELY TO SECURE LEGISLATIVE “FIX” TO SAVE LOCAL REDEVELOPMENT AND JOBS
Today, the Court announced its decision in CRA v. Matosantos – a devastating ruling that could forever change the face of California communities and hamper job creation and economic advancement.  The Court upheld ABX1 26 (the redevelopment “elimination” bill), but struck down ABX1 27, the bill that would have allowed agencies to continue after making a payment to the state. Without immediate legislative action, the Court’s ruling would mean redevelopment in California is abolished – destroying the source of hundreds of thousands of jobs and economic revival.

November 8, 2011 - Watch Oral Arguments in CRA/League Legal Challenge to State: November 10 at 9:00 a.m. on the CalChannel

October 20, 2011 - CRA v. Matosantos Oral Arguments to be Broadcast; Proceedings Set for November 10 at 9 AM
Earlier this week, the California Supreme Court announced that it had set a date for oral arguments in the CRA and League of California Cities’ challenge to recent legislation, AB 1X 26 and 27, California Redevelopment Association v. Matosantos. And, of interest to the many local redevelopment practitioners throughout the state, the November 10 proceedings will be broadcast on the California Channel, www.calchannel.com.

October 19, 2011 - California Supreme Court To Hear Oral Argument in CRA/League Lawsuit on November 10, 2011
The California Supreme Court announced today it will hear oral arguments for California Redevelopment Association v. Matosantos on November 10 at 9:00 a.m. This is the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s plan to eliminate redevelopment agencies unless they agree to pay $1.7 billion for FY 2011-12 and $400 million in subsequent budget years.

October 18, 2011 - SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF HIGHLIGHTS HOW PASSAGE OF SB 1X 8 SUPPORTS CRA/LEAGUE ARGUMENT; DOF POSTS APPEALS DECISIONS
The Legislature’s passage of SB 1X 8 highlights the flaws in AB 1X 26 and 27. CRA and the League filed a supplemental brief this week to draw the Supreme Court’s attention to these problems.

October 10, 2011 - CRA and League File Reply Brief to Amici Briefs; Governor Vetoes Bills Because They are "Premature"
Replies to the arguments in the amicus briefs filed September 30 were filed Friday, meeting the Supreme Court’s deadline. All deadlines set by the Court have been met; the next major milestone will be the announcement of a date for oral arguments. CRA will keep its Members posted as soon as that occurs.

October 4, 2011 - AMICUS BRIEFS FILED IN CRA v. MATOSANTOS
Fourteen amicus curaie briefs on CRA v. Matosantos were filed by the Supreme Court’s September 30 deadline. Seven of these were in support of the CRA and League of California Cities challenge to the constitutionality of AB 1X 26 and 27. Replies to the arguments in the briefs are due by Friday, October 7

September 26, 2011 - CRA and the League File Their Reply to the State's Defense of AB 1X 26/27.
On Friday September 23, CRA and the League of California Cities filed with the California Supreme Court their reply to the briefs submitted by the State and the County of Santa Clara defending AB 1X 26 and 27

September 16, 2011 - MORE INFORMATION: COURT’S DENIAL OF REQUEST TO MODIFY STAY; SUMMARY OF GUIDANCE ON ROPS
On August 22, 2011, CRA and the League of California Cities requested the Supreme Court to modify its stay of AB1X 26-27 in order to clarify:
That the stay did not undo the effect of continuation ordinances enacted prior to issuance of the stay; and
That communities that did not enact a continuation ordinance prior to the stay should be permitted to do so while the case is pending.

September 15, 2011 - Alert: Court Denies CRA & League Motion; More Info to Follow
The CA Supreme Court denied CRA and the League’s request for modification of the stay orders regarding continuation ordinances. The notice was brief and offered no explanation for the denial. CRA will be sending out an advisory with more information as soon as it is available.

September 14, 2011 - CRA v. Matosantos Lawsuit Update: State Legislature Session Ends
The State files its brief in response to CRA v. Matosantos, meeting the September 9 deadline. CRA has posted the documents on its website. According to the court, the County of Santa Clara has also filed its opposition to our legal challenge of AB 1X 26 and 27. CRA and the League of California Cities will be filing our response to the State’s arguments before our September 24 deadline.

September 9, 2011 - Correction to Sept 9 Update: More Information Re Agencies Next Steps to Comply with Supreme Court Stay Orders
The Court's modified stay order required all agencies to adopt and send an Enforceable Obligations Payment Schedule (EOPS) to the DOF by August 29.

September 9, 2011 - SB 450 GOES TO GOVERNOR; AB 1275 IS A 2-YEAR BILL; AB 1X 26/27 CLEAN UP BILLS MOVE
The “clean up” legislative language regarding AB 1X 26-27 was amended into AB 1X 25, AB 1X 31, SB 1X 8, and SB 1X 13. After debate in the budget committees, these bills moved to the floors of both houses to be voted on before the Friday September 9 deadline. AB 1x 31 (Calderon) was re-referred to the Assembly budget committee. SB 1X 8 (Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Committee) was sent to the Governor for signature after the Senate concurred with the Assembly’s changes, 30-7. SB 1X 13 (Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Committee) is in the Senate for concurrence with the Assembly changes.

Legislature's Deadline for All Bills; AB 1X 26-27 Clean-up Bills and Other Action; CRA/League Lawsuit Update
The “clean up” legislative language regarding AB 1X 26-27 has been amended into AB 1X 25, AB 1X 31, SB 1X 8, and SB 1X 13. The Senate and Assembly budget committees are currently debating and voting on them. This afternoon (September 7), AB 1X 25 remains in Senate budget committee.

September 7, 2011 - September 7 - Summary of AB 1X 26-27 Clean Up Legislation

September 7, 2011 - AB 1275 (Torres) Floor Alert Sept 7

September 2, 2011 - Updates on CRA/League Request for Clarification and Modification of Court Modified Stay Order; No Ruling from Court At This Time
As reported earlier, CRA and the League of California Cities filed a “motion for clarification” on August 22, requesting the Court to clarify its intentions regarding cities that adopted continuation ordinances prior to August 11. In their motion, CRA and the League further requested the Court consider a modification regarding these ordinances for those agencies that had adopted them and for those who were planning to do so but were unable to complete the process prior to the stay orders.

September 1, 2011 - Moody’s Warns of Possible Downgrade to Redevelopment Bonds
Yesterday, Moody’s Investor Services announced it was putting all its rated California redevelopment tax allocation bonds “on review” for possible downgrade due to the redevelopment budget bills passed in June and the resulting State Supreme Court review.

August 30, 2011 - CRA Legislative Action Report: Oppose AB 1275; Next Steps for SB 450
Legislation to eliminate the validation actions for redevelopment, AB 1275 (Torres), will be going to the Senate floor after the Labor Day Weekend. Members are urged to call their state senators to ask them to vote “NO” on AB 1275.

August 25, 2011 - UPDATES ON SENDING ADOPTED EOPS TO DOF AND SCO
To all those who have asked questions about the EOPS and other related matters, CRA has been able to get updated information on where to send these documents.

August 23, 2011 - AUGUST 27, 2011 DEADLINE TO ADOPT ENFORCEABLE OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULES; CRA & LEAGUE ISSUE ADVISORY ON MEETING EOPS DEADLINE
No later than August 27, 2011, each redevelopment agency must adopt an Enforceable Obligation Payment Schedule (EOPS). Information that must be included on the Schedule is found in Health & Safety Code 34169(g) (added by AB 1X 26). After August 27, 2011, a redevelopment agency may not make a payment unless it is listed on the adopted EOPS (Section 34167(h)). This requirement applies to all redevelopment agencies whether their cities “opted-­- in” to the voluntary payment program or not.

August 23, 2011 - CRA & League File Motion for Clarification with the Court; Updates on 2011 Legislative Session
Yesterday CRA and the League of California Cities filed with the California Supreme Court a “Motion for Clarification and Modification.” The motion requests the Court clarify one issue raised by its August 11 stay and the revision on August 17.

August 18, 2011 - Supreme Court Issues Modification to Stay of AB 1X 26-27
On August 17, 2011, the California Supreme Court issued an order modifying its stay of AB 1X 26-27, clarifying ambiguities in the August 11 order.

August 17, 2011 - CRA and League Releases General Guidance for Agencies: What the CA Supreme Court Stay Means for Agencies over the Next 4 Months
Local government and redevelopment agencies achieved a victory when the California Supreme Court decided to hear the case and stayed the effectiveness of these unconstitutional laws until they make a decision.

August 11, 2011 - CRA Recommends Agencies Intending to Appeal DOF’s Payment Amount File by Deadline; CRA Legal Committee Examining Questions Raised By Partial Stay
Today’s announcement that the California Supreme Court will hear the lawsuit filed by the California Redevelopment Association and the League of California Cities included a partial stay regarding the effectiveness of AB1X 26-27 until it can rule on the constitutionality of these two bills.

August 11, 2011 - CA SUPREME COURT WILL HEAR CRA/LEAGUE CHALLENGE ON CONSTITUTIONALITY OF AB 1X 26-27; GRANTS STAY
Today the California Supreme Court announced it would hear the lawsuit filed by the California Redevelopment Association and the League of California Cities, which requests that the Court declare unconstitutional AB 1X 26 and AB 1X 27. The Court states in its order that “the briefing schedule is designed to facilitate oral argument as early as possible in 2011, and a decision before January 15, 2012.”

August 5, 2011 - ENFORCEABLE OBLIGATION PAYMENTS SCHEDULE TEMPLATE AVAILABLE NOW; COMPLETED SCHEDULE DUE AUGUST 28, 2011 IF NO COURT STAY
AB 1X 26 requires Agencies to submit their completed enforceable obligation payments schedule (EOPS) by August 28. CRA has available a template for reporting “enforceable obligation payments,” which is an Excel spreadsheet format with instructions.

August 1, 2011 - DOF Calculations Posted; Appeal Deadline August 15
The State Department of Finance (DOF) has calculated each redevelopment agency’s payment amount pursuant to AB X1 27.

July 27, 2011 - State Files Response to CRA & League Lawsuit; CRA & League Reply Due Friday
Today, the State filed its response to the CRA and the League of California Cities’ petition to the California Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of AB 1X 26 and 27. It is posted on our website

Efforts to Cleanup Legislation Ignore Fundamental Flaw; Press Events Statewide Tell of Harm Expected Due to AB 1X 26 and 27 - July 27, 2011
CRA has learned about efforts to draft a legislative package for consideration after the Legislature returns from its summer recess to supposedly “fix” AB 1X 26 and 27. Some of our members have contacted us for information to help their legislators craft language to “fix” the two bills that eliminated their redevelopment agencies and created an ongoing system of payments required if jurisdictions want to save their redevelopment powers and projects.

CRA AND LEAGUE FILE LAWSUIT AND REQUEST STAY IN STATE SUPREME COURT - July 18, 2011
CRA and the League of California Cities filed their petition today, July 18, asking the California Supreme Court to overturn AB 1X 26 and AB 1X 27 because they violate the Constitution. The Cities of San Jose and Union City have joined as plaintiffs against the State of California.

Form Available for AB 1X 27 Ordinance - Join CRA Free Online Webcast Tuesday July 12 at 2 pm (PST) - July 11, 2011
CRA has received many requests for draft language for the ordinance required by AB 1X 27, the legislation which provides agencies exemption from AB 1X 26 elimination if they pay.

FAQ on ABX1 26 and ABX1 27 AVAILABLE - July 5, 2011
It is critical that CRA members stay in close contact with their legal advisers. The FAQ won’t answer all questions – the bills are complex, in many ways poorly drafted and ambiguous, and every agency’s situation is different. At the same time, this Q&A and this week’s video-conference provide CRA members with information and re-assurance to help them make the best decisions possible for their communities. CRA will add more to this document as more questions are raised.

HE GOVERNOR SIGNS BUDGET AND ABX1 26 AND ABX1 27 – CRA READIES LAWSUIT AGAINST STATE OF CALIFORNIA - June 30, 2011
Today, the Governor signed SB 87, the main budget bill containing the FY 2011-12 State Budget. He had signed several budget-related bills yesterday, including ABX1 26, which eliminates redevelopment agencies, and ABX1 27, which requires agencies to make $1.7 billion in payments next year to stay alive.

Legislature Passes Budget Bills To Governor - CRA and League Ready To File Lawsuit - June 28, 2011
This evening the Legislature approved the latest budget proposal, SB 87, which counts on $1.7 billion from redevelopment agencies under previously passed trailer bills, AB 1X 26 and 27. Earlier in the day the two redevelopment trailer bills were sent to the Governor who yesterday promised to sign them.

Governor Plans to Sign Illegal Redevelopment Elimination Bills - Urge Legislators & Governor to Reject "Smoke & Mirrors" Budget - June 27, 2011
Governor Brown’s Administration today announced that he plans to sign AB 1x 26 and ABX1 27, the illegal redevelopment elimination bills passed by the legislature a few weeks ago. This announcement was made in announcing a new “Democrat only” budget plan to be voted on in the next few days.

THANK THE 47 STATE LEGISLATORS WHO REFUSED TO VOTE FOR REDEVELOPMENT ELIMINATION - June 24, 2011
The State Legislature continues to hold the redevelopment elimination trailer bills (ABX1 26 and ABX1 27) without sending them to the Governor. The Governor has vetoed the main budget bills. CRA continues negotiations with legislators in an attempt to get them to reverse course on the destructive elimination bills and to instead support CRA’s redevelopment reform and revenue package.

Housing Reform Update/Legal Update on Redevelopment Trailer Bills - June 22, 2011
CRA task force reached agreement with the proponents for SB 450 (Lowenthal), which contains the Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Fund (LMIHF) use reform measures that are a part of the legal and responsible revenue and reform package of alternatives available to the Governor and the State Legislature. It is set for a hearing next Wednesday, June 29, in the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee...

CRA Posts Estimates for ABX1 27 Required Agency Transfer Amounts - June 20, 2011
CRA has posted on its website the payment estimates required under ABX1 27 should that legislation become law. The formulas in the legislation are different from earlier SERAF/ERAF shifts.

GOVERNOR VETOES BUDGET; REDEVELOPMENT BILLS STILL Threaten - June 16, 2011
This morning, the Governor vetoed SB 69 and AB 98 which constitute the State budget for FY 2011-12 passed by the Legislature yesterday. (Click here for the Governor’s Press Release). The Governor did not announce his intention to either sign or veto the various “trailer” bills that were passed in conjunction with the primary budget bills, including the bills relating to redevelopment, AB X1 26 and 27

STATE LEGISLATORS VOTE TO PASS TWO-BILL PLAN TO ELIMINATE REDEVELOPMENT - June 15, 2011
The Senate voted to pass ABX1 26 and ABX1 27, both 21-15. The Assembly voted, 51-23, to concur with the Senate approval of ABX1 26 and, 47-28, with ABX1 27. CRA will make the official vote available as soon as it is published. In the meantime, here are the unofficial tallies for ABX1 26 and ABX1 27 in the Senate and in the Assembly. The entire budget package is on its way to the Governor for signature.

Legislators Vote Today on 2-Bill Elimination Plan; Urge Them to Oppose SBX1 14 & 15 and ABX1 26 & 27 - June 15, 2011
The two-bill elimination scheme is in SBX1 14, SBX1 15, and in ABX1 26 and ABX1 27.

Another Proposal to End Redevelopment Agencies Emerges; Unconstitutional, Illegal, and Unnecessary - June 14, 2011
There are less than three days left for the State Legislature to meet the constitutional deadline for sending a budget to the Governor – that’s Wednesday, June 15.

Another Proposal to End Redevelopment Agencies Emerges; Unconstitutional, Illegal, and Unnecessary - June 14, 2011
CRA has learned of another illegal elimination proposal being floated in both houses of the Legislature in recent days. A two-bill strategy has been proposed by legislative staff that essentially would eliminate redevelopment agencies, then exempt agencies from elimination if they make payments to local schools. While no bill has been introduced and no language is available, legal counsel has advised that this scheme is likely unconstitutional and a violation of Proposition 22...

A Vote to Abolish Redevelopment Could Come at Any Time – Contact Your Legislators: Mend It Don’t End It! - June 7, 2011
When the Senate session ended last week, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) announced that work on the budget would begin on Wednesday, June 8 and Senators should be prepared to stay through the weekend, if necessary, for votes...

Assembly Member Alejo and 14 Legislators Sponsor Redevelopment Reform Bil - June 1, 2011
Assembly Member Luis Alejo (D-Salinas) has amended AB 1250 to include redevelopment reform provisions similar to those in SB 286 authored by Senator Rod Wright (D-Inglewood). Senator Wright has joined Assembly Member Alejo as the principal co-author on AB 1250, and 13 more State Senators and Assembly Members were added as joint- or co-authors...

Key Redevelopment Legislative Actions & What CRA Members Can Do - May 26, 2011
A new effort emerged this week when a coalition of “property rights” advocates and conservative organizations announced it had formed to push Republican lawmakers to vote to kill redevelopment. In the face of well-funded efforts such as this one, we urge you to step up your advocacy efforts....

GOVERNOR CONTINUES TO CALL FOR END TO REDEVELOPMENT - May 16, 2011
Today, the Governor released his FY 2011-12 Budget Revision, which maintains his original proposal to eliminate redevelopment agencies and divert $1.7 billion of tax increment to Medi-Cal and trial courts in the budget year and after that to the underlying taxing entities...

CRA Opposes Committee Action to Pass Amended Validation Act Bills - May 11, 2011
Today, the Assembly Local Government Committee passed the Validating Acts for 2011. SB 191, SB 192, and SB 193 were amended May 2 to exclude redevelopment-related actions from the bills’ protections, leading CRA to take an Oppose position on them...

ERAF PAYMENTS DUE TODAY MAY 10 - May 10, 2011
As a reminder, SERAF payments to counties are due by close of business today.  CRA urges agencies to make those payments on time and accompany them with the transmittal letter...

ERAF PAYMENTS DUE MAY 10 – RULING ON CRA APPEAL STILL PENDING - May 6, 2011
Since CRA has not received any indication from the Appeals Court that a ruling in our lawsuit is forthcoming, we urge agencies to make the payment to the county by the end of the day on May 10. A sample transmittal, or cover, letter is available on our website.

CLARIFICATION ON REDEVELOPMENT REFORMS & FOCUS SHIFTS FROM ELIMINATION TO REFORM - May 2, 2011
CRA will be hosting a free online video conference on Tuesday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m. to discuss the redevelopment reforms outlined in SB 286.  Click here to watch the video conference.  If you are unable to access the website, phone call-in details are listed below.

REDEVELOPMENT REFORMS INTRODUCED & FOCUS SHIFTS FROM ELIMINATION TO REFORM - April 28, 2011
SB 286 BY SENATOR ROD WRIGHT (D-LOS ANGELES) HAS BEEN AMENDED TO INCLUDE CRA’S COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE OF REDEVELOPMENT REFORM MEASURES.

ASSEMBLY AND SENATE ON SPRING RECESS & APRIL 14 & 24 - April 12, 2011
Both houses of the Legislature are scheduled to be on Spring Recess April 14-24. This is a time when legislators will be back in their home district offices, and it is a perfect opportunity to schedule a meeting with them!

HOUSING REFORM BILL PASSES SENATE COMMITTEE; AUTHOR & CRA PLEDGE TO WORK TOGETHER ON BILL - April 5, 2011
Today, April 5, with a unanimous vote of 9-0, the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee passed SB 450 (Lowenthal A) relating to reforms of the use of redevelopment housing funds.

HOUSING REFORM BILL TO BE HEARD IN SENATE COMMITTEE – TUESDAY APRIL 5
SB 450 (Lowenthal A) relating to reforms of the use of redevelopment housing funds, will be heard in the Senate Transportation & Housing Committee on Tuesday April 5 at 1:30 p.m. in Senate Room 112.

NO VOTES TODAY, MARCH 25, IN ASSEMBLY AND SENATE - March 25, 2011
Both the Senate and Assembly held floor sessions this morning at 9:00 a.m. without voting on either SB 77 or AB 101, the bills dealing with the elimination of redevelopment elimination. The leaders of both houses announced members are on-call for the weekend and observing Cesar Chavez Day on Monday, March 28

FLOOR SESSIONS SCHEDULED FOR 9:00 A.M., FRIDAY, MARCH 25 IN BOTH ASSEMBLY AND SENATE - March 24, 2011
Floor sessions for both the Senate and Assembly are scheduled to take place starting at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, March 25. There may be an effort by the leadership to have one or both houses vote on a measure providing for the total elimination of redevelopment agencies by majority vote.

Call Legislators Now - Vote to End Redevelopment May Be Tomorrow - March 23, 2011
Floor sessions for both the Senate and Assembly are possible tomorrow. There may be an effort by the leadership to have one or both houses vote on a measure providing for the total elimination of redevelopment agencies by majority vote.

NO VOTE MONDAY, 3/21 ON THE ELIMINATION OF REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL - March 21, 2011
Today, the Senate did not consider AB 101, the budget trailer bill that would eliminate redevelopment agencies. Additionally, on the other side of the Capitol, there was no further action taken in the Assembly.

NO VOTE TODAY ON THE ELIMINATION OF REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL - March 17, 2011
Today, the Senate did not consider AB 101, the budget trailer bill that would eliminate redevelopment agencies. Last night, AB 101’s twin, SB 77, was one vote short of the two-thirds vote needed to pass the Assembly. However that bill can be reconsidered but the day passed without action on either SB 77 or AB 101.

ASSEMBLY FALLS SHORT OF 2/3 VOTE REQUIRED TO END REDEVELOPMENT - March 16, 2011
The Assembly fell one vote short of the two-thirds vote it needed to pass SB 77, which would eliminate redevelopment agencies. The vote was 53-23. Click here to see the snapshot of the latest vote. The Assembly will convene tomorrow, Thursday, March 17, at 11:00 a.m.

The Senate took no action on redevelopment legislation but will convene Thursday, March 17 at 11:00 a.m., when the redevelopment bill could be taken up.

CRA continues to make the case against the elimination of redevelopment agencies and to provide a straightforward alternative to legislators.

Senate and Assembly Floor Votes Scheduled for Wednesday, March 16 at 1:00 p.m. - March 15, 2011
Floor votes in the State Senate and Assembly are scheduled to take place tomorrow, Wednesday, March 16, at 1:00 p.m. Specific bill language was just released this afternoon. The elimination of redevelopment is included under AB 101 and SB 77. The bills will require a 2/3 majority of each house to pass.

THE CALIFORNIA REDEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION'S ALTERNATIVE PROPOSAL FOR VOLUNTARY REDEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCHOOLS - March 15, 2011
CRA has crafted an alternative to the Governor’s proposed elimination of redevelopment agencies that provides significant funding to schools that could also help close the state’s budget deficit, avoids the unconstitutional provisions of the proposal that would lead to contentious and costly legal battles, and continues local redevelopment’s contributions to reviving the state’s economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Senate and Assembly Floor Votes Delayed - Continue Asking Legislators to Oppose Elimination of Redevelopment! - March 1, 2011
The floor votes scheduled for today in the State Senate and Assembly have been postponed. They may take place tomorrow – Friday, March 11 - however, it is possible the vote could be delayed until next week. We’ve heard negotiations may continue through the weekend. Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) has told his members to stay within 4 hours of the State Capitol.

Tell Legislators to Follow the Voters; Statewide Poll Shows Strong Support for Redevelopment - March 8, 2011
The State Senate and State Assembly are still scheduled to hold floor debates and votes on the Governor’s budget package on Wednesday March 9, though it is possible this vote could be delayed. Continue pressing your legislators to vote "no" on a budget package that includes the elimination of redevelopment. Visit www.MyVoteCountsCA.org and attend a press event scheduled within the coming days.

Easy-to-Use Tool for Contacting Your Legislator - March 4, 2011
Contact your legislators by using the CAPWIZ tool on the CRA website. Once you access the CAPWIZ tool, simply enter your address and the legislators representing your area will be displayed along with their contact information.

CRA ALERT - IT'S NOT OVER! Call Your Legislators Today to Ask for Support; Redevelopment Reforms Being Proposed by CRA Board - March 3, 2011
Today, the 10 members of the Budget Conference Committee voted, 6-4, to move the Governor's proposal to eliminate redevelopment agencies to both houses for a vote by the Assembly and Senate members. Votes that could occur as early as Wednesday next week.

SUMMARY OF BUDGET TRAILER BILL TO DISSOLVE REDEVELOPMENT - February 28, 2011
Last week, the Department of Finance posted trailer bill language for the Governor’s proposal to eliminate redevelopment agencies and take $1.7 billion for state purposes.

Legislative Counsel Testifies that Governor's Redevelopment Proposal Legally "Problematic" Because of Prop. 22 - February 28, 2011
Sacramento – In testimony before the Senate and Assembly Budget Conference Committee on Friday, February 25, a representative from the Office of Legislative Counsel indicated the Governor’s proposal to abolish redevelopment is legally "problematic."

CRA Legislative Update - DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE RELEASES BILL LANGUAGE - CRA ANALYSIS HAS BEGUN - February 24, 2011
Yesterday afternoon, the Department of Finance posted bill language for the Governor’s proposal to eliminate redevelopment agencies and take $1.7 billion for state purposes. Click here to read the bill language as posted by the DOF. CRA’s attorneys are currently analyzing the language. We will provide more detail to you soon.

CRA Legislative Update - Information Request and Update on Committee Hearings - February 10, 2011
On February 15, there will be a joint hearing of the Senate Transportation and Housing and the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committees. They will be discussing “Redevelopment and Affordable Housing Finance.”

CRA Legislative Update - Information Request and Update on Committee Hearings - February 8, 2011
Hundreds of local government elected officials, redevelopment practitioners, stakeholders, and business owners came to the February 3 (Senate) and February 7 (Assembly) hearings discussing the Governor’s proposal to eliminate redevelopment.

CRA ALERT - Today's Senate Hearing on RDA elimination; Monday, 2/7 Assembly Hearing; HCD issues bond pause memo - February 3, 2011
More than 100 local government elected officials and advocates crowded today’s hearing to tell the members of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee #4 that local redevelopment “is the best way to create jobs.”

Upcoming Senate/Assembly Budget Subcommittee Hearings - 2/3 and 2/7 - February 2, 2011
February 3, 2011 – 9:30 a.m. – Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 4 Hearing on Redevelopment, 9:30 a.m. (or upon adjournment of Senate floor session), State Capitol, Room 112 *Pre-Hearing Briefing: 9:00 a.m. – League of California Cities Conference Room (1400 K Street, 3rd Floor, Sacramento

Be Heard at Hearings on Proposal to End Redevelopment - February 1, 2011
The first budget subcommittee hearings on the Governor’s proposal to eliminate redevelopment agencies will be held this Thursday, 2/3 (Senate), and next Monday, 2/7 (Assembly). The hearing time and location details are noted above. CRA urges our members to make sure your local elected officials and stakeholders are contacting your legislators NOW and coming to Sacramento on February 3 & 7 to meet with them at the State Capitol.

Be Heard at Hearings on Proposal to End Redevelopment - January 27, 2011
The first hearings on the Governor's budget proposal to eliminate redevelopment agencies will be held in the Senate and Assembly Budget subcommittees related to local government. The dates are noted above, with additional details below. These hearings are opportunities to tell your legislators that local governments throughout California do not support this proposal.

STATE CONTROLLER OFFICE TO AUDIT 18 REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES - January 24, 2011 
CRA received a courtesy call this morning regarding the State Controller John Chiang’s call for an audit of redevelopment agencies. According to the SCO, this is an effort to obtain facts on the use of redevelopment funds and agency compliance with the laws governing their activities.

IMPORTANT DATES: - January 24, 2011
- February 3, 2011, 9:30 a.m., Senate Budget Committee Hearing, State Capitol, Room 112
- February 7, 2011, 1:00 p.m., Assembly Budget Committee Hearing, State Capitol, Room TBD

Answers to Concerns & Speculation Regarding Proposal to End Redevelopment - January 14, 2011 
The Governor's proposal to abolish redevelopment agencies as of July 1, 2011 also calls for urgency legislation to prohibit existing agencies from creating new contracts or obligations.

Governor Recommends Elimination of Local Redevelopment - January 10, 2011
Today, the Governor proposed to do away with local redevelopment agencies by July 1, 2011.  His proposal abolishes local redevelopment in the following manner:

Governor to propose elimination of redevelopment agencies - January 3, 2011
Sacramento Bee features an article highlighting proposed budget cuts on Governor Jerry Brown’s agenda.  One such potential cut, according to unnamed source, involves the elimination of redevelopment agencies statewide.

2010 Executive Director's Updates

Deadlines Related to SERAF Payments - December 20, 2010
CRA continues to be actively engaged in litigation in the Third District Court of Appeal in order to invalidate AB X4 26 and reverse the unconstitutional transfer of $2.05 billion in local redevelopment funds by the State. While we hope for a decision by May 2011, there is no way ...

Potential New Threat to Redevelopment - December 10, 2010
On December 9, State Treasurer Bill Lockyer told the audience at the League of California Cities' Municipal Finance Institute that there was a real possibility that organizations opposed to Proposition 22, such as the California Teachers Association (CTA) and conservative tax groups opposed to redevelopment, could come together in 2012 to support a ballot measure to rollback provisions of Prop 22.

Clarification on Prop 22 and SERAF payments; and AB 1389 pass-through payment disputes - November 11, 2010
We have received several inquiries about whether there is still a requirement to make the May 10, 2011 SERAF payments in light of passage of Proposition 22.  Unfortunately, the answer to those questions is that the SERAF payments must still be made.

Proposition 22 Passes - November 11, 2010 
Local government received tremendous support yesterday after California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 22, which prohibits the State from borrowing or taking funds used for redevelopment, transportation, or local government projects and services. With 99 percent of California precincts reporting thus far, Prop. 22 received 61 percent in favor vs. 39 percent against.

AB 1389 Reporting, AB 2531 Vetoed, and Budget Update - October 6, 2010
A number of redevelopment agencies have asked if they are required to file reports with their county auditor by October 1 this year under AB 1389. CRA has been informed by the State Controller's Office that AB 1389 does not require reporting of pass-through payments for 2009-10. The only requirement for agencies is to report any outstanding pass-through payment obligations to their County Auditor per Health and Safety Code Section 33684 (d), which states...

AB 2531 Goes to Governor's Desk - Send Support Letters Now! - October 5, 2010 
Following the Senate's passage of AB 2531 (Fuentes), 21-12, and Assembly concurrence with the Senate changes to the legislation, the bill is on its way to the Governor.

Attorney General Confirms CRA Interpretation of Pass–Through Payment Statutes - September 21, 2010
Attorney General Confirms CRA Interpretation of Pass–Through Payment Statutes On September 16, the Attorney General issued an opinion that should resolve many of the outstanding disputes between redevelopment agencies and county auditors over the correct calculation of pass-through payments to other property taxing entities in redevelopment project areas.

Legislative Session Comes to End without a State Budget - September 2, 2010
The 2009-2010 Legislative Session came to an end Tuesday night with the usual flurry of votes on last-minute bills but with no approval of a State budget. Earlier in the day, both houses debated and voted on two budget proposals--one presented by the Democratic leadership and another presented by the Republicans. No one was surprised when neither proposal received the necessary two-thirds vote required.

AB 2531 Goes to Governor’s Desk – Send Support Letters Now! - August 27, 2010

AB 2531 Up for Vote and Update on Budget Talks – August 10, 2010
AB 2531 (Fuentes), which would give redevelopment agencies additional authority to assist industrial and manufacturing businesses, increase jobs, and improve energy efficiencies, could be voted on in the Senate as early as Thursday, August 12.

Senate Committee Moves AB 2531 & Green Economic Development Forward - July 1, 2010
Senate Committee Moves AB 2531 & Green Economic Development Forward The members of the Senate Local Government Committee voted, 3-2, on Wednesday to move AB 2531 (Fuentes) forward.

Support Economic Development - Letters due to Committee by Friday June 25 - June 22, 2010
AB 2531 (Fuentes) will be heard in the Senate Local Government Committee on Wednesday, June 30. Letters of support to the Committee must be received by Friday, June 25. By making this deadline, you can be assured the Committee members will know of your support for this legislation.

Assembly Speaker Not Interested in Using Redevelopment to Fill Budget Gap - June 9, 2010
No one has to tell Assembly Speaker John Perez how great redevelopment agencies are--he knows firsthand from his days on the Los Angeles City Community Redevelopment Agency board. “It’s a huge, huge, important tool,” and he’s convinced that the turnaround that occurred in areas of his district would not have happened without redevelopment. That’s what he told the local government representatives attending the League of California Cities’ Legislative Lobby Day on June 2 at the State Capitol.

LAO Overview & Recommendations Re 3 Budget Plans June 4 2010

CRA Legislative Update & Action Alert - June 1, 2010
Friday, May 28, the Assembly Appropriations Committee passed AB 2531 (Fuentes) to the Assembly Floor.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - May 25, 2010
ABx4 26 permits a redevelopment agency that has made the full payment for the 2009-10 fiscal year to SERAF to amend its redevelopment plan to extend the time limits on the effectiveness of the redevelopment plan and receipt of tax increment by one year.

Executive Director's Legislative Upate - May 18, 2010

The Governor did not propose to take more from local redevelopment agencies than what was already included in AB X4 26 in order to close the estimated $19.1 billion state budget deficit when he announced his May Revise Budget Proposal for FY 2010-11 on May 14. An additional taking of $350 million in redevelopment funds next May 10 was approved last year in AB X4 26.

Temporary Stay Denied; Payments to be Made May 10

Executive Director's Legislative Update - May 4, 2010

Today, Sacramento Superior Court Judge Lloyd Connelly upheld AB X4 26, the state budget bill passed in July 2009 as part of the 2009-10 state budget that requires redevelopment agencies statewide to transfer $2.05 billion in local redevelopment funds over the next two years.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - April 29, 2010

Led by the League of California Cities, the coalition formed to pass the Local Taxpayer, Public Safety and Transportation Protection Act of 2010 has begun submitting to counties over 1.1 million signatures collected to qualify the initiative for the November statewide ballot

Executive Director's Legislative Update - April 23, 2010

As reported on April 22, CRA and the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA LA) have collaborated on amending AB 2531 (Fuentes) to help redevelopment agencies boost job creation as well as help local businesses.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - March 23, 2010

CRA Lawsuit Status CRA's lawsuit against the State of California for attempting to take $2.05 billion from redevelopment agencies was heard February 5 in Sacramento Superior Court. A similar case against the State brought by Los Angeles County was heard at the same time. The Court asked the attorneys to prepare additional briefing material on cases having to do with use of tax increment funds to pay for regular operating expenses of city or county governments. Neither the Attorney General nor CRA's legal team found any significant cases on that issue, and the judge took the case under submission on March 2. The judge has 90 days from that date in which to rule. CRA expects the Court will decide the case in April to give agencies notice whether payments due May 10 will have to be made.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - February 5, 2010

CRA's lawsuit against the State of California for attempting to take $2.05 billion from redevelopment agencies was heard today in Sacramento Superior Court before Judge Lloyd Connelly. A similar and related case against the State brought by Los Angeles County was heard at the same time. The judge rendered no decision.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - January 8, 2010

Today the Governor released his proposed State Budget for FY 2010-11 and called for an emergency legislative session to enact budget changes for the remainder of the current fiscal year. He did not propose any increased takings of redevelopment funds beyond the $1.7 billion this year and $350 million next fiscal year.

2009 Executive Director's Legislative Updates

Executive Director's Legislative Update - December 23, 2009

Today, the coalition of public safety, local government, transportation, business, labor and public transit leaders announced the start of a signature-gathering effort to qualify the Local Taxpayer, Public Safety and Transportation Protection Act for the November 2010 ballot. The formal name of the coalition is Californians to Protect Local Taxpayers and Vital Services, and CRA is a member.

Exec Dir Leg Update Nov. 24, 2009 - SERAF Payment Timeline

A B 26 4x, State legislation enacted this past session to shift $2.05 billion from redevelopment agencies to county Supplemental Revenue Augmentation Funds (SERAF), requires agencies to take certain specified actions in advance of May 10, 2010, the date this fiscal year's payments are due.

Exec Dir Leg Update Nov. 17, 2009 - Amendment to LMIHF & SERAF Payment

On November 12, the Governor signed SB 68 (Steinberg) into law which modifies AB 26 4x by allowing agencies to use accumulated balances in their housing fund (and not just current year set-aside amounts) to make their SERAF payments, should that become necessary. The new law also requires the State Department of Finance to account for deleted properties in project areas when calculating SERAF payments.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - October 21, 2009

On October 20, the League of California Cities filed a ballot initiative with the Attorney General entitled the "Local Taxpayer, Public Safety, and Transportation Protection Act of 2010" that would amend the California Constitution to prevent the State Legislature and Governor from raiding local revenues to address the State's financial problems.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - October 20, 2009

CRA filed its lawsuit in Sacramento Superior Court today challenging the constitutionality of ABX4-26, the State budget trailer bill authorizing the $2.05 billion raid of local redevelopment funds, including $1.7 billion in FY 2009-10 and another $350 million in FY 2010-11.

Joining CRA as named plaintiffs are two redevelopment agencies, the Union City Redevelopment Agency in Alameda County and the Fountain Valley Redevelopment Agency in Orange County, as representatives of all redevelopment agencies in the state. The Court will be asked to certify all redevelopment agencies as a class of plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Executive Director's Legilsative Update - September 15, 2009

The State Legislature failed to pass the clean up bills, AB 182/SB 68 and AB 185/SB 67, CRA reported on last week. The 2009 legislative session ended at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, without the passage of the bills containing clean up language for the $2.05 billion take from redevelopment agencies, AB 26 4X, or the Proposition 1A securitization, AB 15 4X.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - September 9, 2009

Bills Introduced to Clean up Unconstitutional Legislation

During the final week of the regular legislative session, two "gut and amend" bills have surfaced to clean up AB 26 4x, the budget bill that takes $2.05 billion from redevelopment agencies.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - August 11, 2009

Help with CRA Lawsuit As you know, CRA is seeking potential redevelopment agency plaintiffs to join us in our lawsuit against the State for taking $2.05 billion in local property tax funds.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - July 29, 2009

Black Friday - $2.05 Billion Take from Local Redevelopment Agencies

As you are painfully aware, the State Legislature voted last Friday to take $2.05 billion in redevelopment funds: $1.7 billion in FY 2009-10 and $350 million in FY 2010-11. The Governor signed the bill yesterday. 
 

Executive Director's Legislative Update - July 24, 2009

Legislature Approves Redevelopment Heist of $2.05 Billion; Governor Expected to Sign

Today, the State Legislature passed a devastating take of $2.05 billion in redevelopment funds as part of a 30-bill package that allegedly will close most of the State's current budget deficit.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - July 22, 2009

Estimated FY 2009-10 $1.35 Billion Agency Payment Information on CRA Website CRA has prepared an estimate of each redevelopment agency's first-year payment to meet the $1.35 billion ERAF transfer under the proposed $1.7 two-year take from redevelopment agencies.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - July 21, 2009

The Big Five's Budget Deal - Devastating Impact to Redevelopment

The Big Five announced they closed the $26.3 billion budget gap for the State of California and plan to take their package to the State Legislature for a vote on Thursday, July 23.

Legislative Update - July 16, 2009

Catastrophic $1.7 Billion Revelopment Take Still Alive-Act Now Takes and borrowing of local government funds are still being discussed as part of the so-called solution to the State Budget crisis.

Executive Director's Legislative Action Alert - July 9, 2009

LEGISLATURE CONSIDERING $1.35 BILLION REDEVELOPMENT TAKE At this writing, the situation remains fluid in the State Capitol as state legislators and the Governor look for anything to close the State's $26.3 billion budget deficit. (The figure may go higher.)

Executive Director's Legislative Update - July 1, 2009

$350 million from RDA Dies in Late Night Session As the clock ran out on the State's Fiscal Year 2008-09, the State Senate failed to pass SB 80, a trailer bill rewriting the FY 2008-09 redevelopment take.

Senate & Assembly Vote on RDA Take - June 25, 2009

SB 80 - Senate & Assembly Vote on Take of RDA Funds The California State Assembly voted this morning, 54-0, to re-take $350 million of redevelopment funds for the FY 2008-09.

Assembly Roll Call Vote - June 25, 2009

Senate Roll Call Vote - June 25, 2009

Executive Director's Legislative Update - June 18, 2009

Floor Vote Next Week on Three-Year, $1.05 Billion Redevelopment Take Both the Assembly and the Senate are expected to vote next week on a package of budget bills to close the State's estimated...

Executive Director's Legislative Update - June 16, 2009

From Bad to Worse: Three-Year, $1.05 Billion Redevelopment Take Passes Committee! On Monday, June 15, the Budget Conference Committee agreed to include language in a budget trailer bill to take $350 million in redevelopment funds as ERAF shifts for each of three years—the current fiscal year plus fiscal years 2009-10 and 2010-11. The total take from redevelopment agencies would be an astounding $1.05 billion!

Legislative Bill Report - June 15, 2009

The State’s budget crisis projects a $24 billion budget deficit by the end of FY 2009-10. What is more urgent, the State’s expected to run out of cash to pay bills by the end of July. The Legislature’s first deadline to pass a budget bill is midnight June 15. Right now it doesn’t look possible for that deadline to be met.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - June 12, 2009

Redevelopment Funding Is Back On the Table for a Take It's back! The Legislature is once again considering a revamped proposal to take $350 million from redevelopment agencies through an ERAF shift that Department of Finance and legislative staff claim gets around the Court's decision in CRA v. Genest.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - June 5, 2009

Redevelopment Funds Still at Risk Over the last week, the Legislature's 10-member joint Budget Conference Committee heard testimony from the Department of Finance outlining the Governor's latest budget proposals to close a budget deficit of $24.3 billion projected by the end of the next fiscal year, as well as alternative proposals from the Legislative Analyst's Office.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - May 26, 20009

State Appeals Court Decision that Favored Redevelopment Agencies As expected, the State filed notice today it will appeal the recent Sacramento Superior Court decision in CRA v. Genest that found the State had violated the Constitution when it required redevelopment agencies to pay $350 million to ERAF.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - May 15, 2009

Redevelopment is NOT in the Governor's May Revision State Budget Proposal Yesterday, the Governor presented his May Revision to the 2009-10 State Budget, and a take of redevelopment funds is not in the Governor's plan for closing the State's budget deficit. That's it for the good news.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - May 14, 2009

New Amendments to SB 93 Moves CRA to a Support Position Continued discussions this week between CRA and Senator Christine Kehoe have resulted in agreement on a new set of amendments to SB 93 that will remove our opposition to the bill.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - April 14, 2009

We have learned that at least two county auditor-controllers (Ventura and Riverside) have sent letters recently to some of our agency members regarding their Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund (ERAF) payments due on May 10. Those letters contain incorrect or confusing information.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - March 17, 2009

Update on CRA's Lawsuit The hearing on the merits of CRA's lawsuit against the State of California was held on March 13 before Judge Lloyd Connelly in Sacramento Superior Court. No decision was rendered at the conclusion of the hearing, and it is clear that a decision will not be handed down this month.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - March 10, 2009

Action Alert: Send Examples of Public Facilities in Project Areas to CRA In response to a situation in San Diego, Senator Christine Kehoe has authored SB 93, which adds restrictions on spending redevelopment dollars on public facilities inside and outside all redevelopment project areas in the state.

SB 93 Kehoe Amended 5/18

Introduced by Senator Kehoe January 22, 2009

Executive Director's Legislative Update - March 3, 2009

CRA Posts Online Clearinghouse for Information on Federal Economic Stimulus Programs The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (AARA) was signed into law on February 17, 2009 by the President. Its spending and tax provisions totaling $788 billion include several measures that would be of interest to redevelopment agencies and practitioners.

Executive Director's Legislative Update - February 10, 2009

On February 6, Sacramento Superior Court Judge Lloyd Connelly granted CRA’s request to certify all county auditors in counties with redevelopment agencies as a class of defendants in CRA’s lawsuit against the State of California. The hearing on the merits of the lawsuit will be held on March 6 before the same judge.