The City of Lakeland is proud to announce the launch of Restore the Core, a comprehensive initiative aimed at updating the plans for the Dixieland, Downtown, and Midtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) districts. As part of this effort, the Lakeland CRA has contracted with three consultant teams to undertake a gap analysis of the redevelopment plans for each area, with data-driven recommendations to follow extensive community engagement.
The public is invited to participate in the Restore the Core Open House on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the RP Funding Center’s Lake Hollingsworth room. This event marks the kickoff of a robust public engagement series designed to involve residents, business owners, and stakeholders in shaping the future of the city’s core districts.
“Restore the Core is about honoring our history while investing in our future,” said Valerie Vaught, CRA Manager. “The updated plans for Dixieland, Downtown, and Midtown will build on community input and set the stage for long-term, inclusive growth. These areas are where Lakeland began – and where our future potential still lives.”
