Downtown Investment Authority’s CRA Plan 101

For those that want to be a part of the planning process for the future of Downtown Jacksonville, 2013 presents great opportunity. Before the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) can help significantly advance the revitalization dreams everyone desires, a Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) plan must be developed and the effort is now underway.

A CRA plan is a plan that addresses the unique needs of a targeted area and in the Jacksonville's case, the targeted area is downtown. Typically, these plans include the overall goals for redevelopment, as well as identifying the types of projects planned for the area. Examples of traditional projects include: streetscapes and roadway improvements, building renovations, new building construction, flood control initiatives, water and sewer improvements, parking lots and garages, neighborhood parks, sidewalks and street tree plantings. CRA plans can also include redevelopment incentives such as grants and loans for such things as facade improvements, sprinkler system upgrades, signs, and structural improvements. Despite not being a "brick and mortar" project, this may be the most significant issue this year in determining the future of downtown Jacksonville.

Here is a brief summary and presentation explaining the CRA plan process and why one must be created for downtown Jacksonville.

Brief Summary