In response to the State's current budget status, there
are indications in the California Legislature that a
budget package could be voted on in the next few
days. There are also strong indications that a take of
at least $200 million in redevelopment funds will be
part of the package. It is unclear whether the take will
be one-time or ongoing. Loss of such funds would
make it more difficult for the City of Whittier to move
forward with current & future redevelopment projects.
Business owners and community members who
believe in building a better Whittier through
redevelopment projects should consider contacting
their California State legislators to stop any proposals
to take local government revenues. Note: it is not
enough for legislators to state they do not support
takes of redevelopment funds; they must also make it
clear to legislative leaders they will not support a
budget that harms local government, including
redevelopment.
Redevelopment investments act as a significant driver
in the California economy, and Whittier is no
exception. Movement on redevelopment projects like
the Uptown Specific Plan and the Alpha Beta site carry
great revenue-producing potential. Considering the
current state of the national economy, cutting local
funding for revenue-producing projects may leave
Whittier several steps behind its goals for area
growth.
Redevelopment agencies use their resources for vital
community infrastructure, revitalization, and housing
projects. Redevelopment investments also promote
transit-oriented development and green building that
reduce vehicle miles traveled and consumption of
natural resources, all of which reduces global
warming.
Furthermore, siezing redevelopment funds is against
the law. Article XVI, Section 16 of the California
Constitution specifies that redevelopment tax
increment must go to redevelopment agencies.
In addition to your communications with
legislators, summarize your points in a brief letter to
the Governor and fax it to his office at (916) 445-4633.
Find your Senator! Visit
http://www.senate.ca.gov.
Find your Assembly
representative! Visit http://www.assembly.ca.gov.
