March 2012 is CRA Awareness Month
How much do you know about the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency? Chances are you’ve seen a lot of the CRA’s work without even realizing it. That’s why the agency is beginning a new community outreach campaign that kicks off with CRA Awareness Month in March.
The CRA’s mission is to foster and directly assist in redevelopment activities in the CRA District, to eliminate blight, create a sustainable downtown and encourage economic growth, ultimately improving the quality of life throughout the entire city. During CRA Awareness Month, community stakeholders will have a chance to learn more about exactly how the agency does this.
“We’re involved in many different projects and initiatives, but our role isn’t always obvious,” said Elizabeth Burrows, CRA Marketing and Grants Manager. “CRA Awareness Month is about us being more accessible to the community so that we can become more visible.”
Since its creation in 1985, the CRA has worked to improve the physical environment and local economy throughout its District, which covers nearly 20% of the total city area. The agency has been instrumental in the beautification of the downtown and surrounding residential neighborhoods, investing millions of dollars in sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, pocket parks, and other improvements.
In addition to beautification and infrastructure improvement projects, the CRA also promotes economic development and job creation with several grant and incentive programs. Throughout the years, small businesses from restaurants to retail shops have received assistance from the CRA. More recently adopted programs are even helping to attract new hotels and Class A office space to the downtown.
In March, residents, businesses and other community stakeholders will have several opportunities to interact with CRA board and staff members in person at formal presentations and in more informal settings. A schedule of events will be published on the CRA website at www.delraycra.org.
“We want to grab everyone’s attention with some special events during Awareness Month, but this is really just the beginning,” Burrows said. “We want to let our residents know that we’re here for them for the long term.”
For more information, visit www.delraycra.org or call the CRA office at (561) 276-8640.