Today’s ruling by the California Supreme Court was the worst possible outcome – as it completely eliminates redevelopment agencies and undermines our ability to invest in economically distressed neighborhoods. Today’s decision may also impact the city’s General Fund by more than $15 million a year – requiring additional cuts in our day-to-day budget.
This decision goes against the will of California voters who overwhelmingly passed Prop. 22 last year to protect redevelopment projects, and this decision will allow Sacramento to ransack important local funds in order to temporarily patch the massive budget deficit at the state.
San Diego will lose jobs – and many of our most troubled San Diego neighborhoods will lose out on opportunities for revitalization.
I am asking the Mayor and City Council to convene for a special meeting to determine a response. I also intend to work with officials from across the state on a ballot measure that will restore these important agencies and guarantee that redevelopment funds stay local, where they belong.