The Escondido Community Development Commission (CDC) was established in 1984 to assist local governments in eliminating physical, economic, and social blight and to revitalize deteriorated areas. The Escondido CDC was involved in the Civic Center development including a community theater, park and convention facilities. Other activities included providing housing financial assistance to increase and improve the community's supply of low and moderate-income housing.
On December 29, 2011, the California Supreme Court upheld Assembly Bill 1X 26 ("the Bill") that provides for the dissolution of all redevelopment agencies in the State of California. The Bill provides that upon dissolution of a redevelopment agency, either the city or another unit of local government will agree to serve as the "successor agency" to hold the assets until they are distributed to other units of state and local government.
On January 25, 2012, the City Council elected to become the Successor Agency for the former redevelopment agency in accordance with the Bill as part of City Resolution Number 2012-16.