Santa Clara University

California's Governor Jerry Brown has declared a "fiscal crisis" in the state, and has proposed  some tough cuts to address the deficit. But cities across the state are rallying to object to a plan to eliminate redevelopment agencies, long considered an economic development tool.

Regardless of what fix the governor and legislature enact, it will not address the long-term problems. In a poll taken by Western City magazine, published by the League of California Cities, respondents were asked "What would you like to see the legislature accomplish this year?"

Not surprisingly, 72 percent of the respondents said they were looking for a long-term vision for the state, one that would address structural problems "without deferring problem items to future years."