With the dissolution of California Redevelopment Agencies in 2011, those looking to spur economic development have struggled to find alternative tools that create investment in communities where such investments don't flow naturally.
Senate Bill 628, passed in the fall, created Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts—intended to fill the "hole" that dissolution left. Since EIFDs are still brand new, none have yet been implemented, although many local governments have taken initial steps.
To unpack the law's complexities, its applications, and its potential impact on revitalization efforts across the state, The Planning Report spoke with two experts on the legislation: Fred Silva, Senior Fiscal Policy Advisor at California Forward, and Mark Pisano, USC Price professor and former Southern California Association of Governments executive director. They delve into the specific mechanisms of EIFDs, explaining the tool’s scope, structure, and powers.
Silva clarifies that EIFDs actually improve upon the old model, in his view: "After the repeal of redevelopment, the tool of capturing growth in the property tax was basically eliminated. The choice facing the Economic Summit was: 'Should we just put that Redevelopment Authority back, and not allow it to have access to the schools’ property tax?' The answer was 'no'—it should have broader authority."
FULL STORY: A New Tool for Urban Economic Development: EIFDs Demystified
'Economic Development 2.0': California’s Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts
Since the dissolution of California's redevelopment agencies, the state has been fine-tuning a new and improved economic development tool: Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts.
Funding Revitalization in the Post-Redevelopment Era
A Los Angeles City Councilmember discusses his instructive quest to cobble together funding for the revitalization of his district after the termination of community redevelopment agencies.
Two L.A. River Experts On Funding, Governance, and Gehry
Los Angeles made progress toward revitalizing the L.A. River when the preferred restoration plan won an important approval. But the project also saw a jump in price and a change in cost-share, leaving some wondering where the money will come from.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service