Community Redevelopment Agency

OUR MISSION

The mission of the CRA is to bring about the economic revitalization of an established target area. To create a re-investment environment that attracts private investors into the area. To promote improvements within the redevelopment area through renovation and restoration of buildings, as well as to encourage new construction. To acquire the funding necessary to make the infrastructure improvements necessary to attract investment dollars and improve the assessed taxable value of district properties. To assist the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Merchants in their efforts to market the downtown businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CRA?

A Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a dependent taxing district established by local government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the tax base, and encouraging public and private investments in the redevelopment area. Please see Florida Statutes Chapter 163, Part III for more information on CRAs.

When was the Sebring CRA created?

The Sebring CRA was created in 1983 by the City of Sebring City Council to aid in eliminating blight in the City and guide the City in its redevelopment efforts.

What is the purpose of the CRA?

The purpose of the CRA is to revitalize the physical environment and the economy of the Community Redevelopment Area. The CRA’s activities are designed to solve the underlying problems of slum and blighted conditions through planning, redevelopment, historic preservation, economic development and affordable housing so that the tax base can be protected and enhanced by these mutually supportive activities.

How does the CRA determine the redevelopment projects?

The CRA’s Redevelopment Master Plan is a document that is approved by the City and the County at the time that each CRA district is created. The Redevelopment Master Plan outlines the goals and objectives for the district, and more importantly, outlines specific programs and capital improvements designed to reach those goals. The CRA board then determines what projects are undertaken to achieve our redevelopment goals and objectives within the targeted area.

How are the CRA’s redevelopment projects funded?

The CRA is primarily funded through tax increment revenues. Properties located in the CRA district do NOT pay any additional property taxes, rather, a portion of the annual City and County taxes collected in the redevelopment area is transferred to the CRA for redevelopment activities. The greater the increase in taxable property values over the CRA’s base year (1983), the larger the incremental increase in revenues transferred to the CRA. Other sources of funding for redevelopment activities include grants, the sale or lease of property, and the issuance of taxable and nontaxable bonds.

What are the boundaries of the CRA?

The Sebring CRA encompasses 650 acres in the heart of including the Historic District in the heart of Downtown Sebring. See below for a map of the CRA’s district boundaries.

How do I know if my property is eligible for CRA funding assistance?

The CRA is limited to the ability to provide funding assistance only for properties within the boundaries of the district, due to the fact that these are the properties that contribute to the tax revenue financing made available to the CRA for reinvestment efforts. See the CRA district map below to see if your property is eligible for assistance.

How can the CRA help me?

CRAs are created to assist local governments in pursuing redevelopment in targeted areas that are characterized by blight and disinvestment. By establishing a CRA, local governments are given a financial and planning mechanism by which to redevelop areas where private market forces aren’t working. The CRA also provides funding assistance to encourage investment in residential and commercial properties within the district. For more information on the funding assistance offered by the CRA click here.

What is the governance structure of the CRA?

The Sebring CRA is governed by a (7) member commission that is comprised of community members that live or work in the City of Sebring, and the commissioners are appointed by the City of Sebring City Council.