Subcommittee studies seven urban renewal reform bills
Here's a news item from The Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Urban renewal reform was on the agenda for a subcommittee of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee today, with self-styled watchdogs reiterating their concerns that these economic-development agencies in cities like Boise, Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls aim to expand their power. Seven bills were up for discussion Tuesday, including one to require districts be created by a vote; another pushing for elected urban renewal boards; and a bill pushed by districts themselves as "the first comprehensive reforms" of the 1965 urban renewal law. Dan Gookin, an urban renewal critic from Coeur d'Alene, opposes the comprehensive bill because it's akin to "the fox guarding the hen house." Bobbi Rollins, Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency chairwoman, instead wants lawmakers to kill the other six measures, on grounds they are "micromanaging at the state level." Testimony continues Wednesday; of the seven pending bills, four are sponsored by Rep. Phil Hart, R-Athol.