TAMPA, Fla. — Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) are established to address blighted areas and issues such as poor housing, infrastructure, and inadequate roadways. Following the advancement of House Bill 991 in the House, CRAs could be dissolved within 20 years.

What You Need To Know

  • Following the advancement of House Bill 991 in the House, CRAs could be dissolved within 20 years.

  • Advocates are discussing the potential impact of this legislation on the development of affordable housing. 

  • If passed, 30% of the funds allocated for affordable housing from Tampa’s Community Redevelopment Agencies could be reduced.

  • Members of the State Affairs Committee voted 17-8 for HB 991, but not before more questions were raised about the scope of the bill, which would end all CRAs within 20 years and pause any new projects by Oct. 1.

Advocates are discussing the potential impact of this legislation on affordable housing.

The shortage of affordable housing for low-income renters affects communities throughout Florida, including Tampa.

“Investing in affordable housing reduces long-term public assistance costs,” said Kimberly Overman of The Housing Leadership Council of Tampa Bay, Inc.

The issue was one of the main topics discussed at the Hyde Park‘ Voices of Justice’ Summit. Overman states that community redevelopment agencies fuel investment.

“We have that legislation in order to protect those communities and give them the opportunity to invest in themselves, and Tallahassee is considering killing that legislation,” she said.

If passed, she states that 30% of the funds allocated for affordable housing from Tampa’s Community Redevelopment Agencies could be reduced.

“The CRA was designed to help with slum and blight areas, but what is happening is that they are continuously moving the charter date or the end date of them and paying for a bunch of other stuff,” said Cape Coral State Rep. Mike Giallombardo.

Giallombardo introduced House Bill 991 and says CRAs are not being used for their intended purpose.

Members of the State Affairs Committee voted 17-8 for HB 991, but not before more questions were raised about the scope of the bill, which would end all CRAs within 20 years and pause any new projects by Oct. 1.

Some legislators fear that current projects in development will not get done in time.

“I did hear the affordable housing argument and I'm going to say again, these local governments, how much money the state has provided local governments, not just in projects, but in all these opportunities for affordable housing, which this massive affordable housing bill and all these there are plenty mechanisms that we have in place,” said Giallombardo.

Some lawmakers argue that the bill undermines the abilities of CRAs, which address blight without increasing property taxes.