California's Dissolution of Its Redevelopment Agencies Lands Back in Court

On May 22, 2012, a coalition of California cities filed a writ of mandate against the State of California challenging the way the State has directed redevelopment agencies to wind up their operations. The Los Angeles Times has a nice story on the case here. The writ also provides a nice history of California's landmark decision to eliminate its redevelopment agencies as well as the cities' grievances with the winding up process. The writ is available at the court's online docketing system here, entering Case No. 2012-80001154.

All the fighting over money reminds me of the old Woodie Guthrie lyrics: "California is a garden of Eden, a paradise to live in or see; / But believe it or not, you won't find it so hot / If you ain't got the do re mi."

Stephen R. Miller