Overview

The mission of the Fort Lauderdale Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is to positively impact the quality of life in two distinct Community Redevelopment Areas: Northwest-Progresso-Flagler Heights and Central City. The Community Redevelopment Areas established in 1995 and 2012, respectively, are charged with the prevention and elimination of slum and blight.

Our overall goal is to eliminate slum and blight through the implementation of each area’s community redevelopment plan; foster dynamic and vibrant commercial and residential environments and expand economic opportunities. When possible, it is the CRA’s responsibility to leverage resources by partnering with outside organizations whose activities contribute to the overarching mission and goals of the CRA.

To effect 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 community.

 Legal Basis

The CRA’s operations are governed by Chapter 163, Part 3, Florida Statue. Although the CRA is an independent legal entity, the City Commission serves as the Board of Commissioners ("Board"). The Mayor serves as the chair of the Board, the City Manager as the CRA's Executive Director, and the City Attorney serves as the CRA's General Counsel.

Florida Statute Chapter 163 and each area’s Community Redevelopment Plan outline procedures to determine what development, reconstruction and rehabilitation are needed and desirable and necessary. They also define the financial tools, legal authority and citizen participation necessary to successfully implement adopted redevelopment plans.

CRA Board of Commissioners

• Chair, Dean J. Trantalis
• Executive Director, Greg Chavarria
• General Counsel, Thomas J. Ansbro
• John Herbst
• Steven Glassman
• Pamela Beasley-Pittman
• Warren Sturman 

Funding

CRA programs and initiatives are funded by property tax increment. Property tax increment is generated when property values increase within a community redevelopment area. The CRA invests the tax increment revenues in a myriad of programs and projects based upon the goals and objectives of each community redevelopment plan. These programs and projects include business attraction/retention, affordable housing, infrastructure development, community facilities and other endeavors that promote an improved and safer neighborhood environment and restoration of community pride.

Visit the following links to learn more:  

Northwest-Progresso-Flagler Heights Redevelopment Area

Central City Redevelopment Area