City Looks Toward Future Without Redevelopment

The state pulled the plug on redevelopment agencies this month and, at Tuesday's city council meeting, Watsonville leaders will consider what's next for the community.

Redevelopment agencies are special tax districts within cities that, for years, have funded new business growth, infrastructure and aesthetic improvements. In 2011, Gov. Jerry Brown proposed eliminating the agencies so that tax money could be funneled into the state budget. His proposal became official last week.

Tuesday, the Watsonville City Council will be asked to elect itself the successor agency for Redevelopment, .

In Watsonville, , from small facade improvements with individual businesses to contributing to the state-of-the-art library, courthouse and city hall that opened in downtown in 2008.

"The Watsonville Redevelopment Agency has accomplished great things for the city of Watsonville in economic development, job creation and housing for working families," Mayor Eduardo Montesino said in a statement earlier this month. "Our community is a much better place today because of the accomplishments of our Redevelopment Agency.”

Montesino added that he hoped to find a way to reestablish the Redevelopment Agency in the future.

Also on Tuesday's city council is a second look at abatement of .

The city council meets at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers, fourth floor of 275 Main St., Watsonville.