Community Redevelopment Agency

What exactly is a Community Redevelopment Agency?

CRAs Are An Investment in Your Community

Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) revitalize neglected areas by addressing physical blight through local leadership and a publicly vetted redevelopment plan. CRAs do not use state or federal funds; instead, they rely on future property value increases—called “increment” funding. These steady transformations are guided by the community’s input through the CRA plan, budget, and hearings.

The redevelopment plan is developed by the community and implemented accordingly. CRAs are tailored to meet local needs for revitalization, with several annual reports and independent audits required by state law.

Key Benefits of Redevelopment:

• Enhances private projects with public dollars to provide much-needed affordable housing and economic opportunities
• Increases business opportunities for residents, merchants, and investors
• Fosters community unity and enhances culture and entertainment
• Reduces crime rates
• Transforms streetscapes and improves communities
• Creates affordable housing and homeownership opportunities
• Preserves and showcases the area’s history and cultural heritage
• Provides clean, safe environments through stormwater system redevelopment
• Supports parks and recreation facilities for all residents
• Promotes sustainable, “green” practices through reuse and recycling

CRAs are a wise investment, helping ensure the long-term vitality of communities. Floridians recognize the importance of CRAs in preserving local identity and fostering community growth.

About Us

Creation of CRA

The Community Redevelopment Agency was created by the Umatilla City Council pursuant to Florida Statute 163 through adoption of Ordinance 1980-B on April 1, 1980.

Establishment of Community Redevelopment Trust Fund

The Community Redevelopment Trust Fund was created by the Umatilla City Council pursuant to Florida Statute 163.87 through adoption of Ordinance 1997-A on February 4, 1997.

The trust fund will be effective for thrity (30) years and will sunset on September 30, 2026.

CRA Advisory Board and Board

The Board of the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Umatilla is comprised of the five (5) elected City Council members. The function of the Board is to vote on recommendations for funding of CRA projects which have been evaluated and forwarded by the CRA Advisory Board. Terms of appointment are for four years.   

The Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board is comprised of the five (5) City Council members and two (2) at large members appointed by the City Council. The function of the Advisory Board is to review applications for city and commercial projects and make recommendations to the Community Redevelopment Board. There is currently a vacancy on the CRA Advisory Board. For application information please contact Misti Lambert,  CRA Coordinator and Programs and Compliance Manager.

Meetings of the CRA Board and Advisory Board are held in the Sunshine and are duly noticed. The public is encouraged to attend. Meetings are called when there are applications to review and are generally held on a Tuesday night in conjunction, but separately, from a City Council meeting.

Public Purpose

The public purpose of the Community Redevelopment Agency is to rehabilitate, conserve, or redevelop areas that are found to be in slum or blight conditions. The City of Umatilla designated a specific area and later expanded the boundary. Links to the Maps showing the CRA boundary and subdistricts can be found on this page under "Additional Links",  

Financing of CRA

The CRA is funded through Tax Increment Financing. The dollar value of all real property in the CRA area was determined on a fixed date, generally the date of establishment of the CRA. Taxing authorities such as the County and Water Authority, collect taxes generated by properties using the base year and forward any revenues from increases in property value to the CRA Agency as "Increment Funding".

Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Umatilla is October 1st through September 30th.