Redevelopment Helps Fund EDA

Sonora, CA – The City of Sonora is facing some uncertainty regarding Governor Jerry Brown’s proposal to phase out redevelopment agencies to help balance the budget.

The City of Sonora is expected to lose anywhere from $200-225K in redevelopment funding, if Brown’s proposal is approved. $60K is currently used to fund the city’s portion of the Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority. The City shares the cost of operating the EDA with Tuolumne County.  

“At this point we’re still unsure what the Governor’s actions will mean to the city,” says City Administrator Tim Miller. “But if we do lose that money, it would have a significant impact.”

Miller says the City of Sonora will be forced to shift money from other funding sources in order to keep services like the Economic Development Authority. The state funding also benefits redevelopment programs carried out through the Community Development Department.

Governor Brown feels that redevelopment agencies are a luxury that the state cannot afford in the current budget times. California’s deficit is estimated to be $25 billion.