About the Clearwater CRA

1. Revitalization and Economic Development: Enhance the economic vitality and attractiveness of Downtown and North Greenwood areas to stimulate business growth and job creation.
   
   
2. Community Engagement and Inclusion: Foster a sense of belonging and active participation among residents, businesses, and stakeholders to ensure that redevelopment efforts reflect community needs and aspirations.
   
   
3. Infrastructure and Public Realm Improvement: Improve the physical environment, including parks, streetscapes, and public spaces, to create safe, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods.
   
   
4. Affordable Housing and Neighborhood Preservation: Increase the availability of affordable housing options and preserve the unique character and history of the Downtown and North Greenwood neighborhoods.
   
   
5. Alignment with City Vision and Mission: Stay in alignment with the City of Clearwater Vision and Mission to foster cohesive redevelopment.
   
   
6. Downtown Development Board: Integrate the Downtown Development Board goals and funding sources with the CRA to maximize Downtown Redevelopment efforts, market the downtown, and fill strategic gaps.
   
   
7. Hyperlocal Economic Development: Focus on existing businesses retention, expansion, and recruitment to fill vacant units. 

1. Revitalization and Economic Development:
   • Increase commercial occupancy rates by 10% within the next twelve months.
   • Facilitate the development of mixed-use properties to diversify the local economy.
   • Attract new businesses and investment through targeted marketing and incentive programs.
2. Community Engagement and Inclusion:
   • Increase resident participation in community events and planning processes by 20%.
   • Establish neighborhood advisory boards to provide input on redevelopment initiatives.
   • Conduct regular outreach efforts to engage underrepresented populations.
3. Infrastructure and Public Realm Improvement:
   • Complete a comprehensive assessment of existing parks and public spaces within twelve months.
   • Implement safety enhancements and placemaking initiatives in high-traffic areas.
   • Secure funding for streetscape improvements and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure projects.
4. Affordable Housing and Neighborhood Preservation:
   • Develop a housing affordability strategy to address the needs of low-income residents.
   • Partner with local developers and nonprofits to increase the supply of affordable housing units.
   • Implement historic preservation incentives to maintain the architectural heritage of the CRAs.

1. Revitalization and Economic Development:
   • Forge public-private partnerships to leverage resources and expertise.
   • Provide community feedback to aid in streamlining permitting processes and provide technical assistance to developers.
   • Host business workshops and networking events to support local entrepreneurs.
2. Community Engagement and Inclusion:
   • Utilize multiple communication channels, including social media, newsletters, and community meetings.
   • Conduct culturally sensitive outreach activities to engage diverse populations.
   • Empower residents through capacity-building workshops and leadership training programs.
3. Infrastructure and Public Realm Improvement:
   • Prioritize projects that enhance walkability, safety, and aesthetics.
   • Collaborate with city departments and external agencies to leverage funding opportunities.
   • Solicit feedback from residents and stakeholders to inform design and implementation.
4. Affordable Housing and Neighborhood Preservation:
   • Identify underutilized properties for affordable housing development through a comprehensive inventory.
   • Advocate for policies that incentivize the preservation of historic buildings and affordable housing units.
   • Provide financial assistance and incentives to homeowners for property rehabilitation and maintenance.

1. Revitalization and Economic Development:
   • Establish a CRA business retention and expansion program to support existing businesses.
   • Conduct in-house market research to identify target industries and investment opportunities.
   • Organize promotional events to showcase local businesses and attractions.
2. Community Engagement and Inclusion:
   • Host quarterly town hall meetings to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders.
   • Launch a community ambassador/ombudsman program to facilitate communication and outreach efforts.
   • Implement online platforms for virtual engagement and participation.
3. Infrastructure and Public Realm Improvement:
   • Pilot tactical urbanism projects to test innovative streetscape designs and temporary interventions.
   • Apply for grant funding to finance capital improvement projects, such as park renovations and streetscape enhancements.
   • Collaborate with local artists and designers to integrate public art into infrastructure projects.
4. Affordable Housing and Neighborhood Preservation:
   • Partner with affordable housing developers to identify suitable sites for new construction and rehabilitation projects.
   • Develop an intake and review process for special funding request from developers.
   • Advocate for inclusionary zoning policies to ensure the provision of affordable units in new residential developments.

1. Prioritize Data-Driven Decision Making: Invest in data collection and analysis tools to monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of redevelopment efforts.
   
   
2. Promote Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Foster collaboration between the CRA Department and other city departments to ensure alignment of goals and resources.
   
   
3. Sustain Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain open lines of communication with residents, businesses, and community organizations to build trust and foster long-term partnerships.
   
   
4. Embrace Innovation and Best Practices: Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in community redevelopment to adapt strategies and approaches accordingly.
   
   
5. Allocate Adequate Resources: Advocate for sufficient funding and staffing resources to support the implementation of the strategic action plan and achieve desired outcomes.

Under Florida law (Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes), when an area experiences “slum and blight” conditions, a local government may establish a CRA as a way to pay for community improvements that would alleviate such conditions. Funding for CRA projects and programs is generated through Tax Increment Financing.

• A CRA plan, also called a Community Redevelopment Plan, is a tool for creating a ‘sense of place’ based on a community's unique natural and cultural assets. A CRA plan outlines a comprehensive strategy for promoting physical revitalization and financial reinvestment to improve economic and social vitality in a defined area. A CRA plan documents existing conditions and trends, community goals, and priorities for expenditures of Tax Increment Financing funds.
  
  
• Florida Statutes specify what must be included in a CRA plan but community conditions, needs, and goals will influence the content and character of the North Greenwood CRA Plan