POINT OF VIEW: Learn truth about CRAs, what they mean to communities

Michael O’Rourke Palm Beach Post Dec. 29, 2017 Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) have recently drawn increased attention following proposals in the Florida Legislature seeking to enact crippling limitations on these organizations. With CRAs under heavy scrutiny, it’s difficult to distinguish reality from the misinformation being spread. Here’s the truth about CRAs: CRAs exist to serve…

Editorial: Tallahassee takes reckless aim at community redevelopment agencies in another broadside on home rule

Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board Orlando Sentinel Dec. 27, 2017 For almost half a century, a Florida law has entrusted county and city governments to set aside a share of local property tax revenues for urban redevelopment. Now this authority, like other powers of home rule in Florida, is in Tallahassee’s cross hairs. Some state legislators…

Redevelopment plans work

LTE: Michael English Tampa Bay Times Dec. 25, 2017 The 2018 Florida legislative session is almost upon us, bringing with it the introduction of two bills attacking community redevelopment agencies, or CRAs. The proposed legislation would enact crippling limitations in an attempt to impede the creation of new CRAs and phase out existing programs all…

Don’t stop the progress of community redevelopment agencies

Michael Simon Sun Sentinel Dec. 20, 2017 With increased buzz surrounding Florida’s community redevelopment agencies (CRAs), there has been a considerable amount of misinformation going around. It’s time to sift through the untruths and share the facts about CRAs. CRAs are created by local governments to revitalize targeted areas that have been neglected or forgotten.…

FRA head strikes back: ‘Redevelopment is about the people’

Florida Politics Nov. 17, 2017 With the House of Representatives now trying to take out community redevelopment agencies (CRAs), the head of the Florida Redevelopment Association is fighting back. “Community redevelopment agencies breathe new life into communities that have been neglected or forgotten, and their impact goes far beyond the buildings and roads they help develop,” said Carol…

Art Africa blooms in Overtown

Historic Overtown will serve again as a cultural hub for the African Diaspora, with the seventh annual Art Africa. Organizers hope that the seventh time — which represents completion — means the event will continue to create change through arts and culture. Art Africa Miami Arts Fair explores how Black Arts respond to the assaults…