Governor Brown Proposes Shuttering of “Hundreds” of Redevelopment Agencies
Well our new Governor is already out of the gate, hinting this week at his plans to reshape state government. According to the Sacramento Bee, Brown’s basic plan would be to shift many state government responsibilities to local authorities. Included in the still-vague proposal is a potential move to eliminate “hundreds” of local redevelopment agencies, and shifting the tax revenue they receive to counties and schools. Considering that there are around 397 active redevelopment agencies in the state, this potential move could vastly reshape California’s planning and development landscape. This is definitely one issue to watch.
You can find the Sacramento Bee’s report here:
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/01/05/3299751/jerry-brown-pitches-a-shift-to.html
New Historic Preservation Commissioner Nominated
Richard Johns, a San Francisco attorney, was recently nominated by the Mayor to Seat 4 on the Historic Preservation Commission. If confirmed by the Board of Supervisors, Mr. Johns would replace James Buckley on the Commission.
Proposition J, the measure that created the Historic Preservation Commission, requires that the commissioner filling Seat 4 on the commission must be a historian with specialized training or experience in North American or Bay Area history. Mr. Johns has had a long and diverse career, obtaining his bachelor’s degree in English from UC Santa Barbara in 1968 and his law degree from Hastings College of Law in 1971. His recent involvement in public and community service includes serving as president of the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society and the Mayor’s Task Force on the San Francisco Mint. Mr. Johns’ legal career has included providing legal services to Bay Area businesses and restaurants and representing developers and property owners in their real estate matters. Currently, Mr. Johns is serving as Chairman of the Liquidation Oversight Committee in the bankruptcy proceedings of Coudert Brothers, the oldest international law firm in America.
Mr. Johns’ nomination was before the Board of Supervisors Rules Committee last Monday, but was delayed after being caught up in the brouhaha over the interim Mayor pick this week. If recommended for approval by the Rules Committee, the full Board of Supervisors would need to confirm his appointment.
The issues discussed in this update are not intended to be legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is established with the recipient. Readers should consult with legal counsel before relying on any of the information contained herein. Reuben & Junius, LLP is a full service real estate law firm. We specialize in land use, development and entitlement law. We also provide a wide range of transactional services, including leasing, acquisitions and sales, formation of limited liability companies and other entities, lending/workout assistance, subdivision and condominium work.
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