To preserve and improve the residential viability and livability of the neighborhoods within the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) area by encouraging and initiating activities which empower residents to effect change and to enhance and improve the commercial areas of the CRA by encouraging and implementing activities that promote economic growth.
The CRA’s projects and programs are outlined in adopted redevelopment and strategic plans. Those plans are guided by volunteer advisory boards that make recommendations to the CA Board. This board is comprised of the Winter Park City Commission and a representative appointed from Orange County.
The redevelopment projects and community programs are coordinated by CRA staff and implemented by partners including city departments, Orange County, the Florida Department of Transportation, local non-profits and community groups including private citizens.
Seven Winter Park Mayors have been engaged in the CRA since its inception:
| Mayor Gary Brewer | 1993-1997 |
| Mayor Joseph Terranova | 1997-2000 |
| Mayor Roland “Terry” Hotard | 2000-2003 |
| Mayor Kip Marchman | 2003-2006 |
| Mayor David Strong | 2006-2009 |
| Mayor Kenneth Bradley | 2009-2015 |
| Mayor Steven Leary | 2015-2018 |
- CRA Board
The CRA Board meets after the City Commission meetings quarterly or on an as needed basis.
- Community Redevelopment Advisory Board
Regular meetings of the Advisory Board are on the fourth Thursday of every month, beginning at 1 p.m. in Commission Chambers.
- Completing the Street: Denning Drive (5/12/2016)
- Completing the Street: Denning Drive (6/7/2016)
Annual Reports
- CRA Annual Report Fiscal Year 2020
- CRA Annual Report Fiscal Year 2019
- CRA Annual Report Fiscal Year 2018
- CRA Annual Report Fiscal Year 2017
For a printed copy, please call 407-599-3217 or visit the Economic Development/CRA office located in City Hall West Wing at 401 S. Park Ave.
Annual Financial Reports
The City of Winter Park CRA is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Tax increment funds are derived from ad valorem property taxes. The CRA is not a taxing authority nor does it set millage rates or assess property. Tax increment funds come through existing taxing entities including the City of Winter Park and Orange County but not including the library, school district or the water management district. The method of determining the amount of funding the CRA receives each fiscal year (October 1 – September 30) is described below.
When the CRA was created in 1991 the assessed value of the area was set as the base year tax base. Thereafter, the taxes from additional increases in property values are dedicated to the redevelopment agency. In each subsequent year, the Orange County Property Appraiser determines the taxable value of the area. The difference between the taxable value of the base year and the current year is calculated. This is referred to as the “increment”. The increment is multiplied by the millage rate of each contributing taxing entity. The taxing entity remits 95 percent of that amount of money to the CRA Trust Fund.
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