Sonoma Valley Schools Reap the Benefits of Reallocated Redevelopment Money

Nearly $80-Million originally allocated for local Redevelopment Agencies has instead flowed into accounts of public entities in Sonoma County since Gov. Jerry Brown abolished Redevelopment Agencies two years ago.  

In the City of Sonoma over $7.7 million in residual funds were redistributed, according to data from the state Department of Finance published by the Los Angeles News Group. The city got a payment of almost $1 million.  Sonoma Valley schools are the big winners in the redistribution dance, grabbing $3.34 million. 

The end of Redevelopment Agencies was fraught with controversy. Many cities lobbied hard to maintain the agencies because the organizations helped cities draw in new businesses through loans and tax breaks, while supporting existing stores and industry through beautification projects and infrastructure improvements.

Redevelopment agencies financed their activities through a share of the increases in property tax realized over the life of a project area, money that is now being divided among other public entities.

In Sonoma County, K-12 schools saw the largest influx to their coffers, with $34.09 million in funds distributed to school districts in the area. Community colleges received over $5.14 million and the county itself got almost $11.7 million.

Statewide, $4 billion was to redirected cities, counties, schools and special districts when Redevelopment ended. The state Department of Finance released a report earlier this month detailing where the monies had been sent.

Check out the chart to see how money from the former Sonoma Valley redevelopment agency was divided up.