Community Redevelopment Agency
The CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) department serves the city in several forms such as communications, public relations, marketing, and project coordination in relation to Airport, Main Street and Southside Community Redevelopment Areas. They are responsible for coordinating education, information, and awareness to internal and external stakeholders for the City of Avon Park. The CRA department administers and manages projects in support of short-range plans, goals, and objectives per the approved redevelopment plans.
Government has a variety of techniques to improve or stabilize declining areas. The City of Avon Park has used the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to address many of the City’s issues. The CRA is funded through tax increment funding from the County and City and uses the increase in property values, not new taxes, to improve or participate in funding activities that directly benefit the redevelopment area.
To cultivate positive redevelopment, the CRA:
- Orchestrates orderly and progressive business development initiatives;
- Facilitates infrastructure and other public improvements to stimulate private investment;
- Encourages the creation of affordable housing
- Produces events and seminars that foster economic development and build a sense of community.
CRAs work for Florida communities. When a CRA uses tools to reinvest and guide future redevelopment, it creates opportunities for other partners to join in the community’s revitalization. The result is a more vibrant, healthy, and engaged community for everyone. The CRA develops and implements strategic community redevelopment plans to expand economic opportunities and foster dynamic commercial and residential environments. The agency also leverages resources and establishes partnerships with organizations to further its mission and improve neighborhood quality of life.
The CRA serves the community through grants, events and business development. The CRA department is responsible for all CRA Façade Grants, Demolition Grants, and Event Grant applications from initiation to conclusion.
~Creating a better tomorrow~
