Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

City of Winter ParkDepartmentsManagement & BudgetCommunity Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

Our History

Established in 1994, expanded in 1999, and further expanded in 2024, the CRA is in the heart of Winter Park. The CRA receives and invests tax increment financing (TIF) revenues from both the city and county’s share of taxes for the area it encompasses. These revenues are then leveraged by the CRA to carry out its mission of community service and economic growth.

Since it was established, the agency has played an integral role in the revitalization of the downtown area and surrounding community. The CRA was established with the purpose of creating a vibrant, high-quality environment for residents and businesses. Initially encompassing the central business district and historic Westside community of Winter Park, in 1999 the CRA expanded its boundaries to include the U.S. Highway 17-92 corridor.

The 2024 expansion added +/- 142 acres and takes in a transitioning, former industrial area along the West Fairbanks Avenue corridor, west of US Hwy 17-92.   The West Fairbanks Avenue Expansion area contains 307 parcels, composing 142 +/- acres, and is generally bounded by the West Fairbanks Avenue corridor to the north, Interstate 4 to the west and Minnesota Avenue to the south.
Today, the CRA encompasses 15% of the land area, has approximately 10% of the residential population, and over 50% of all businesses within the City of Winter Park.  Additionally, in 1994, the CRA’s taxable value of all properties was $194 million. Under the stewardship of the CRA boards, its taxable value for fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, has grown to more than $1.3 billion.

Mission

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.

Governing

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.

Eight Winter Park Mayors have been engaged in the CRA since its inception:

Mayor Sheila DeCiccio2024-present
Mayor Phil Anderson2021-2024
Mayor Steven Leary2015-2021
Mayor Kenneth Bradley2009-2015
Mayor David Strong2006-2009
Mayor Kip Marchman2003-2006
Mayor Roland “Terry” Hotard2000-2003
Mayor Joseph Terranova1997-2000
Mayor Gary Brewer1993-1997

 

Community Redevelopment Advisory Board

  • The Community Redevelopment Advisory Board is made up of a variety of community members, appointed by the Mayor and Commission.
  • Membership requirements:  Four members shall be either residents or business owners within the CRA district and appointed by each City Commissioner. Three members at large, which may or may not be residents or business owners within the CRA, are appointed by the Mayor.
  • The board makes recommendations to the Community Redevelopment Agency on issues affecting the implementation of the CRA Plan. Recommendations include, but not limited to, programs, activities, funding, land use, design regulations and applications.
  • Regular meetings for the Advisory Board are on the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Commission Chambers.

Access meeting agendas
Access meeting minutes
Access meeting minutes prior to October 2021

Annual Reports

Annual Reports

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 Annual Financial Reports are generated by the web-based application The Reporting Solution (TRS).

Funding

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.

Budget

Helpful Links

Featured Videos

Elevate Your Business, Enrich Our Community: Matching Grant Program

Impact and Community Partnership

Contact Information

Mailing Address & Website

https://cityofwinterpark.org/cra

401 South Park Avenue
Winter Park, Florida 32789

Kyle Dudgeon

Assistant Division Director

407-599-3217

Anne Sallee

CRA/Economic Development Coordinator

407-599-3225

Related Information

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

Our Vision

Winter Park is the city of arts and culture, cherishing its traditional scale and charm while building a healthy and sustainable future for all generations.