February 21, 2018
Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) Up Again in the House
Oppose CRA Amendment to HB 883!
On Thursday, February 22, the
House Government Accountability Committee
will consider
HB 883
(
Ingoglia
)
– a six page bill which originally related to Community Development Districts.
An
amendment
has been filed to the bill that includes the CRA language the FLC opposes that was originally filed in HB 17.
This is a 193 page amendment that would re-title the bill “An Act Relating to Local Government.” This creates a vehicle to include the original CRA bill and any other legislation affecting cities and counties.
Please contact members of the House Government Accountability Committee and urge them to Oppose the Amendment to HB 883.
The amendment for HB 883 would increase audit, ethics, reporting and accountability measures for community redevelopment agencies.
This is the same language that passed the House of Representatives the first week of session.
Of specific concern to cities, the amendment outlines a process by which CRAs can be phased out, unless reauthorized by a super majority vote of the body that created the CRA. Additionally, the amendment prohibits the creation of a new CRA unless authorized by a special act of the Legislature.
Message to Representatives
Oppose language that would prohibit the creation of any new CRA.
- CRA’s were established to encourage new investment and job creation in urban areas that were blighted as a result of substantial growth moving away from the urban core.
Oppose language that phases out existing CRAs by the year 2038, unless the CRA board votes to retain the CRA by a supermajority vote.
- The state should be wary of attempts to phase out CRAs, particularly if the debate is over the merits of revitalizing blighted areas. CRAs have demonstrated that they dramatically improve the economic and social outcomes within the targeted CRA areas. These outcomes benefit the cities, counties and, most importantly, the taxpayers.
Message to Senators
Stop the House from making government inaccessible, less transparent and less accountable to the people!
Talking Points
- The League supports legislation to improve municipalities’ use of CRAs to effectively carry out redevelopment and community revitalization.
- My city’s CRA is our community’s best tool for improving infrastructure, maximizing local resources and making long-lasting positive changes.
- This redevelopment tool is used by both Florida counties and cities of all sizes, from Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville, to Hernando County, Madison and Apalachicola.
- This financing system is successful because it provides specific public services without increasing or levying any new taxes. No state money is involved. This is local tax dollars being put to work locally.
Please contact Representatives on the House Government Accountability Committee and urge them to Oppose the Amendment to HB 883.