By Madeline Janis
Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy
Finally, there is some potential good news on the horizon for affordable housing, job creation, and environmental advocates in California. Just this afternoon, the State Senate approved SB 1156 (Steinberg), a bill that will allow cities and counties to create Sustainable Communities Investment Authorities to promote high road economic development in targeted areas. If approved by the state assembly and signed by the governor, SB 1156 will create a much more transparent and sustainable version of redevelopment agencies and give cities and counties a new tool to create desperately needed affordable housing, good jobs and a healthy environment. The legislation also specifically protects schools and fire districts from having any funds diverted for redevelopment purposes.