FRA EXCLUSIVE: Can Local Government Snatch CRA Funds for Community Policing?
Cities and counties often look at the pros and cons of providing community policing services using Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funding.
Chapter 163, Part III specifically allows this, with the caveat that the funds from the CRA trust fund must be expended for purposes in the CRA geographic boundaries only, and as outlined according to a publicly developed redevelopment plan. In terms of services that are now provided by the city, a good rule of thumb is not to supplant what is being done now, but to provide added benefits or services using CRA dollars. This should ideally be measurable.
IF the redevelopment plan does not at this time…