I am writing as a member of the American Institute of Architects, California Council, an association of nearly 10,000 architects in California, to respectfully request that you support redevelopment funding in California.
As an architect and Californian, I am concerned the effect Governor Brown's proposal would have on redevelopment efforts in our urban and blighted areas. Redevelopment plays a critical and necessary role in shaping urban development, eliminating blight, and improving the livability and economy of many of our communities. The AIA California Council and I strongly recommend that California reform and not eliminate government’s role in redevelopment in order to create the best future for the residents and businesses of California and to assure the most robust state economy for our competitive place in the global economy. Redevelopment assistance is essential for:
Economic development: Redevelopment is often the key to a community's increased economic return as well as the sense of pride that is fostered by projects that typically jump-start a neighborhood's turn-around. In addition, redevelopment is at the core of the $41 billion design and construction economic engine, creating upwards of 300,000 much-needed jobs in California.
Revitalization of California cities: Redevelopment is solely responsible for the successful rebuilding of California’s cities thereby curtailing sprawl and greenfield development which creates an increased financial burden on the state due to expanding infrastructure needs and environmental impacts. Focusing growth in our urban areas also protects valuable farmland.
Affordable housing: California is dependent on Redevelopment to provide housing that is affordable; moderate to low income housing essentially would cease without Redevelopment programs.
Sustainability leadership: Redevelopment is critical to addressing our Public Health needs, and realizing our California goals to green the economy and the environment. These goals are embodied in SB 375 which were enacted for cleaner air to breath, better communities centered around transit, and less dependence on automobiles using ever more expensive fuels.
Community vision: Redevelopment makes sure local revenue remains in local control. Redevelopment has combined economic tools, community benefits, and catalytic projects as no other program has in the history of our state and is the primary tool that local communities have to control their destiny.
