Since 2009, California legislators have passed laws to make it easier to build new football stadiums in the San Gabriel Valley, San Diego, and downtown Los Angeles, and basketball arenas in Sacramento and San Francisco.
Only one, a basketball arena in Sacramento, actually went forward. None of the football stadiums lawmakers targeted since 2009 were built, though a stadium to be shared by the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers is now under construction in Inglewood, near Los Angeles. That stadium did not require state legislation, as a strategy that involved collecting signatures from residents supporting the project proved to be successful.
State lawmakers action did provide the Sacramento Kings with shortcuts in defending environmental lawsuits against their downtown arena project. The legislation limited a judgeās ability to halt construction unless there were serious health and safety risks.
California lawmakers, pointedly, did not authorize state funds to build stadiums in contrast to the Nevada Legislatureās pledge of $750 million, a record public subsidy, to build a new stadium to attract the Oakland Raiders. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg called Nevada lawmakersā decision āhighway robbery,ā according to theĀ Los Angeles Times. Sacramento did spend some city funds to get the Sacramento Kings arena built, though. One legislator told theĀ TimesĀ that spending public money on private sports arenas is bad policy.
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
Best AEC Firms of 2011/12
Later this year, we will launch Best AEC Firms 2012. Weāre looking for firms that create truly positive workplaces for their AEC professionals and support staff. Keep an eye on this page for entry information. +