Mission Statement

The mission of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is to revitalize the Community Redevelopment Area and to provide an economic stimulus such that the future value of property within the Community Redevelopment Area is optimized.

Services, Functions and Activities

The City created the CRA in 1994 following Hurricane Andrew under the powers granted by the Legislature. Its goal is to combat neighborhood deterioration and eliminate economic blight in the designated Community Redevelopment Area. The work program for the Agency is defined in the Community Redevelopment Plan. In this Plan, comprehensive strategies were formulated to promote community development in various neighborhoods within the Community Redevelopment Area. This strategy provides for a series of activities over the 30-year life span of the Agency that should be catalysts for the revitalization of the area into a prosperous and vital part of the City.

GOALS AND MEASUREMENTS
Organizational Performance

Have a valid, working compliant CRA Plan.

• Amend the 1994 CRA Plan:
  1. Update the plan to change the focus from hurricane recovery towards revitalization of the Community Redevelopment Area over the remaining sixteen-year life of the Agency.
  2. Process the Plan for internal review and CRA Board approval.
  3. Present the Plan to Miami Dade County for final approval by September 30, 2009.

Obtain funding support from outside agencies.

• Research and apply for a minimum of four (4) grants to support CRA projects:

1. For applications, prepare proposed grant budget and identify grant match if applicable. Gather letters of support and request City Council/CRA Board support by resolution.
2. For grant awards, Process grant award contract for signature(s). Set up a Submit Sundries Grant Request form to Finance/set up CRA financial accounts. Track and report on grant activities as grantor requires and update file records.
3. Closeout grant on time and within budget.

Growth and Economic Development

• Construct two (2) parking lots in the downtown area.
  1. Have the bid documents completed within 120 days of October 1st.
  2. Issue contractors a Notice to Proceed within 180 days of October 1st.
  3. Complete construction by September 30, 2011.
• Negotiate the disposition of CRA properties available for redevelopment.
  1. Determine what properties are most beneficial to redevelopment plans, create a prioritized list and post on the city website for public review.
  2. Negotiate with potential buyers via a bid process.
• Facilitate Commercial Façade Grants
  1. Identify businesses in the area in need of a makeover or façade improvements.
  2. Process application within thirty (30) days period.
  3. Ensure that construction be completed by September 30, 2011.

Quality of Life

• Designate two historic sites as City Landmarks and/or list in the National Register of Historic Places.
  1. Research locations eligible for local and national designation and seek   property owner support.
  2. Work with the Historic Preservation Board on local designation nominations and with the State Bureau of Historic Preservation on National Register nominations.
  3. Notify the community of the process through public notices and correspondence.
  4. Oversee maintenance of landmark properties by processing required   Certificates of Appropriateness with property owners and working with other city departments to protect properties.

Improve community neighborhoods.

• Facilitate Residential Emergency Repair and Façade Improvement Grants to increase property value.
  1. Process application within thirty (30) days period.
  2. Ensure that construction be completed by September 30, 2011.

CRA Plan

CRA Area Map

CRA Budget for Fiscal Year 2010-2011

2009 CRA Annual Report

2010 CRA Annual Report

2011 CRA Annual Report

CRA Grants Application

• CRA Residential Facade Grant
• CRA Residential Emergency Grant
• CRA Landscape Grant
• CRA Commercial Enhancements Policies 2011 Summary
• CRA Commercial Enhancements Policies 2011
• CRA Commercial Enhancements Application
• CRA Non-Profit Organization Grant Application