AIA/LA opposes Redevelopment funding cuts in California Budget

July 22, 2009

 

Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass

Assembly District #47

California State Capitol

Sacramento, CA 95814

 

Tel: (916) 319-2047 Fax: 916-319-2147

 

Dear Assembly Speaker Bass:

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA/LA), we are writing to express opposition to the proposed budget under consideration by the California Legislature.  AIA/LA is acutely aware of the budget and economic challenge that exists. However, we cannot support a budget which delays economic investment and job recovery in our cities and California. In particular, by cutting $1.7 billion from statewide community redevelopment funds the budget as proposed will severely delay economic growth, revenue growth, and the leveraging of local dollars into new projects and jobs. 

 

Redevelopment projects are vital to the recovery of the Los Angeles region. By siphoning $72 million from the Los Angeles' redevelopment budget, the State will preclude hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment, forgo the creation of thousands of design and construction related jobs, and exacerbate an 11.4% unemployment rate. Additionally, given that redevelopment projects encompass blighted areas, the burden of these cuts fall disproportionately on under-served Los Angeles communities including Crenshaw, South Los Angeles, the Eastside, and the Northeast San Fernando Valley. This is just not fair nor reasonable.

 

Architects know there is no easy solution to this crisis. Architects know that all will have to accept cuts and sacrifice. But, it seems penny-wise and pound-foolish to cut the very funds that in both the short-term and long-term create revenue streams for local, county, and state government.

 

With a sense of confidence in California's bright future we ask you to consider a broader range of revenue enhancements and to eliminate from the budget reductions to what are in essence investments in our collective economic and environmental futures.

 

Should you or your legislative assistants have questions please do not hesitate to contact Will Wright, Director of Government & Public Affairs for AIA Los Angeles via phone at 213.639.0777.

 

Very truly yours,

 

John E. Kaliski, AIA

President

AIA Los Angeles