By Lookout Staff

February 9, 2012 -- Redevelopment agencies across the Sate were dissolved February 1, but a key question remains -- "Where is the Money Going?"

On February 23, Santa Monica College's Public Policy Institute will tackle that question during a panel and audience discussion on "The End of Redevelopment?" The event will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the college's Bundy Campus, 3171 S. Bundy Drive, Room 123.

"The possible demise of redevelopment projects in California's cities and counties and the redirection of billions of tax dollars generated by past projects has brought the word 'redevelopment' front and center and represents a tectonic shift in public policy," institute officials said.

The speakers will be State Assembly member Julia Brownley of Santa Monica, chair of the Assembly Education Committee; Clifford Graves, general manager of economic development for the City of Carson; and Murray O. Kane, senior principal with Kane, Ballmer & Berkman.

Former State Sen. Sheila Kuehl, the institute's founding director, will host the panel discussion, which will "explain the beginnings of redevelopment and its funding, uses to which it has been put, Gov. Brown's decision to discontinue it, and evaluations of what should happen next," officials said.

An audience participation session will follow the discussion.

The ongoing mission of the institute is to engage the community in analyzing issues of public policy, especially those that affect local jurisdictions like cities and counties, and to provide forums such as this for civic engagement.

The event is free but seating is limited and reservations are required. To RSVP, email ppi.rsvp@smc.edu. For questions, call (310) 434-3429.

For more information about the institute and its activities, call (310) 434-3429 or email Kuehl.website@gmail.com.