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Government Finance and Operations
For more information, contact Jean Kinney Hurst at 916/327-7500, ext. 515, or jhurst@counties.org or Geoffrey Neill at 916/327-7500, ext. 567, or gneill@counties.org.
Redevelopment
CSAC Seeks County Comments on Proposed Redevelopment Bills
A number of legislative measures have been introduced to add specific activities to the definition of “redevelopment”: AB 2043, by Assembly Member Alberto Torrico; AB 2050, by Assembly Member Paul Fong; AB 2531, by Assembly Member Felipe Fuentes; and AB 2759, by Assembly Member Brian Nestande. CSAC is seeking county feedback on these measures to inform our positions.
AB 2043 (Torrico), as introduced on February 17, 2010, would authorize the use of redevelopment funds to issue loans to reduce the mortgage balance of a borrower that has received a mortgage modification under the federal Home Affordable Modification Program and has a mortgage payment that exceeds 31 percent of gross income. Loans are capped at $75,000.
AB 2050 (Fong), as introduced February 18, 2010, would authorize redevelopment funds to be used to finance facilities or capital equipment that falls in the category of “green technology” (without definition), as well as the development or rehabilitation of property that will be used for commercial purposes.
AB 2531 (Fuentes), as introduced February 19, 2010, would authorize the use of redevelopment funds for activities that support the provision of employment opportunities and expand the scope of those activities. Such activities would include the construction, retrofit, lease, or use of facilities for industrial or manufacturing uses and the provision or replacement of machinery and equipment in those facilities, provided that such efforts are intended to retain or expand jobs, or that such activities were to accomplish a number of environmental goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the use of clean energy, and increase energy and water efficiency. Other activities would also qualify to be funded with redevelopment funds, including: job training and placement, financial assistance to businesses, and assisting public agencies or nonprofits with establishing and maintaining a small business incubator in a project area.
AB 2531 is sponsored by the City of Los Angeles.
AB 2759 (Nestande), as introduced February 19, 2010, would authorize redevelopment agencies in a region to pool a portion of their low and moderate income housing funds for purposes of improving, preserving, or increasing emergency shelters for homeless persons or households. Each participating agency would be allowed to claim a portion of the credit for the housing units created, even if the units are located outside of their individual redevelopment project areas.
AB 2759 is sponsored by the City of La Quinta.
Generally, CSAC is concerned about the expanded use of redevelopment beyond the elimination of physical blight. Because redevelopment is funded with a portion of county property taxes, counties want to ensure the highest possible use for such funds under the existing statutory and constitutional construct. While we can appreciate the laudable intent of such proposals, authorizing the use of redevelopment funds to finance them may not be an appropriate policy choice. We are very interested to hear county feedback on these bills. Please contact Jean Kinney Hurst at jhurst@counties.org with your thoughts.
Elections
AB 1717 (de Leon) – Support
As Introduced on February 2, 2010
AB 1717, by Assembly Member Kevin de Leon, would authorize local elections officials to develop procedures that would allow voters to opt out of receiving sample ballots and other ballot materials by mail and instead view them on the Internet. CSAC believes that such a measure is consistent with modern use of the Internet and has the potential to offer considerable cost savings in the administration of elections.
The Assembly Elections and Redistricting Committee will hear AB 1717 on Tuesday, April 6.
AB 1671 (Jeffries) – Support
As Amended on March 10, 2010
AB 1671, by Assembly Member Kevin Jeffries, would authorize a county board of supervisors to appoint to a vacancy on the board or call a special election within 90 days of the vacancy. If the board of supervisors fails to appoint or call a special election, the Governor then has 30 days to fill the vacancy. CSAC recognizes the difficulty boards of supervisors face when a vacancy occurs and supports efforts to facilitate filling that vacancy in short order.
AB 1671 will be heard by the Assembly Local Government Committee on April 7.
Local Finance
AB 2113 (Evans) – Support
As Introduced on February 18, 2010
AB 2113, by Assembly Member Noreen Evans, would authorize a county board of supervisors to place an income tax or vehicle license fee before the voters. CSAC supports this measure, as it offers important tools to counties to address local fiscal needs with voter approval.
AB 2113 is scheduled to be heard in the Assembly Local Government Committee on April 7.
PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION
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