Frequently Asked CRA Questions

Answers to FAQs regarding CRAs can be found here.

  • What is a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)?

    A CRA is an independent taxing district set up by the County for the purpose of improving a specific geographic area, increasing the tax base and encouraging both public and private improvements.

  • What is a CRA Redevelopment Plan?

    The Redevelopment Plan sets the goals and objectives of the plan, generally to improve community and economic conditions. The redevelopment plan is based on addressing the identified community concerns and setting future redevelopment goals.

  • Does redevelopment cause any adverse conditions?

    Redevelopment actually reduces crime since there are many people on the street
    walking and socializing in a successful urban environment. Every pedestrian becomes
    a citizen on patrol, watching out for his or her neighbors. CRA funds can be used to
    implement community policing and crime prevention programs.
     

    If a CRA is successful in its redevelopment efforts, traffic may increase. However,
    increased traffic should not always be considered to be only negative. A successful
    CRA area will address the entire urban environment, including better pedestrian
    walkways, transit and even parks.

  • Will my taxes rise as a result of creating a CRA?

    No. A CRA does not levy taxes. It receives the increment of increase (if any) from rising
    property values in the years after the redevelopment plan is adopted. In this case, any
    increment collected in 2003 - above what was collected in 2002. These funds are then
    required to be spent to implement the redevelopment plan.
     

  • Will property values be affected by the creation of a CRA?

    Historically, it has been shown that property values have risen in successful CRA
    districts because of increased public and private investment.

  • Why create a CRA?

    A CRA is a very useful tool for the County to use to make changes in an area of need.
    A CRA can have a great impact in attracting new private capital and new building
    projects to the area. By creating a CRA, the County sends an important message to
    current property owners and residents, that it will invest both time and money in
    improving the area.