What Is the CRA?
The mission of the City of Clearwater’s Community Redevelopment Agency is to promote Downtown Clearwater’s ongoing neighborhood revitalization through programs and initiatives that strengthen and stimulate our local economy and environment.
WHAT IS THE CRA?
The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) refers to a public entity created by a city or county to implement the community redevelopment activities outlined under the Florida Community Redevelopment Act of 1969 codified as Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes and provides a vehicle whereby local communities may form a CRA, and further create a redevelopment trust fund for financing improvements within a predetermined redevelopment target area. The CRA was established by the local government, and functions within that local government. In Clearwater, the City Council members serve as the CRA board members.
The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a dependent taxing district established by City government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the tax base, creating and retaining employment opportunities, and encouraging public and private investments in the CRA. This departmental budget is for the City staff that administers the operations of the CRA.
- Downtown Redevelopment Plan
- Downtown Clearwater Website
- Downtown Gateway District
- 2020-2022 CRA Strategy Powerpoint Presentation
The Community Redevelopment Area’s current size is 488 acres. The boundaries include Court-Chestnut Streets to the South, Drew-Jones Streets to the North, Clearwater Harbor to the West and Highland Avenue to the East.
GOALS
Partnership
Improving the central city economy by leveraging public-private partnerships and creating residential and commercial stability.
Revitalization
Revitalization, rehabilitation and stabilization of commercial buildings, lots and residential neighborhoods to accommodate new commercial, office and residential projects and expand existing businesses.
Quality of Life
Serve the daily needs of area residents; provide appropriate parking, accommodate modern retail and personal services, alleviate deteriorating and non-complying signs, infrastructure and buildings, develop a financial assistance program, demolish unsafe structures, increase residential units, ensure safety and provide recreational opportunity.
Documents
Budgets
Interlocal Agreements
Annual Reports
Opportunities
Highlights
MURAL PROGRAM
Explore the results of the first large-scale mural project in Downtown Clearwater, part of the CRA’s mission to infuse downtown with art!
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FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Through the Façade Improvement Program, the CRA seeks to help property owners and tenants improve the attractiveness of buildings in the downtown business district.
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DREAMS OF DALI
The City of Clearwater’s Community Redevelopment Agency presents the Dalí Museum’s Dreams of Dalí Virtual Reality (VR) Experience at Second Century Studios.
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List of Events
CRA Monthly Meetup: January Office Hours
Questions about your business in downtown? Come connect with the city of Clearwater’s Community Redevelopment Agency! On the last Thursday of each month, the CRA has scheduled time to meet with local businesses, property owners, and residents in Downtown Clearwater. We’ve moved to an office hour format in October and November 2020, so please select an available time to speak with the CRA’s Business Administrator, Howard Smith, via the Calendly app here, or select a time below. Powered by Calendly