LAUSD Trustees to File Amicus Brief in CRA Lawsuit

The Los Angeles Unified School District's board of trustees await the draft of a brief it will file in the lawsuit on monies from municipal redevelopment agencies--or "CRAs."

On Tuesday, the board voted 4-0-1 , with president Monica Garcia abstaining, to support a motion from LAUSD District 5’s Bennett Kayser to help out with the case.

The matter was settled in a closed session.

Read the text of that motion on pages 1 and 2 of the board agenda here.

Two bills passed by the state legislature and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown earlier this year attempt to redirect monies raised by the CRAs to the state for core services like education and health.

They also aim to make it impossible for CRAs to issue debt, which they often rely on to raise money for projects in blighted areas.

The CRAs are suing in the California Supreme Court to block the laws.

Those who support CRAs argue that  economic development projects ripple through city and county economies and help everyone.

Opponents say they direct state tax dollars away from education, healthcare and other important social services to developers.

The vote makes LAUSD probably the largest school district in the state to show such support  for those defending the lawsuit.

David Holmquist, LAUSD general counsel, is expected to work with outside attorneys on the brief, which may be filed by the end of the month.