Description
The State Redevelopment and Reemployment Records consist of 29 cubic feet of material reflecting the activity of the Commission
in the areas of research and fact finding, providing assistance to local leaders, and solving problems dealing with various
social, economic, and planning issues. The records cover the years 1934-1948.
Background
The State Reconstruction and Reemployment Commission was established in August, 1943 by the California Legislature (Statutes,
1943, Chapter 631, p. 2250) to prevent postwar problems of reconversion as had occurred following the end of WWI. At the same
time the State Planning Board (Statutes, 1935, Chapter 331, p. 1153) was abolished and its facilities passed to the State
Reconstruction and Reemployment Commission. The California Legislature directed the State Reconstruction and Reemployment
Commission to study California's natural and economic resources for the purpose of creating and implementing plans allowing
for a smooth readjustment of workers, industry, and commerce at the conclusion of WWII. While the State Reconstruction and
Reemployment Commission was clearly responsible for planning functions as the successor to the State Planning Board, the State
Legislature wanted the Commission to diligently focus on the employment problems which could have become severe as the war
effort came to an end. In September, 1947, the State Reconstruction and Reemployment Commission was replaced by the Office
of Planning and Research (Statutes, 1947, Chapter 1408, p. 2967), which in turn was to expire ninety-one days after the adjournment
of the 1949 Regular Session of the Legislature. The State Redevelopment Agency (Statutes, 1947, Chapter 1515, p. 3141) was
established to aid in community planning and development, and like the Office of Planning and Research, grew out of the State
Reconstruction and Reemployment Commission to become a separate agency. In many cases major officers were the same in the
later agencies.
Restrictions
For permission to reproduce or publish, please consult California State Archives staff. Permission for reproduction or publication
is given on behalf of the California State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Sacramento as the owner of the physical
items. The researcher assumes all responsibility for possible infringement that may arise from reproduction or publication
of materials from the California State Archives collections.