CRA staff presented an informational update Aug. 25 on the agency’s draft budget and capital priorities, including land acquisition, multiple neighborhood and downtown infrastructure projects and funding rollovers to the next fiscal year.

Why it matters: The CRA budget directs local investment in downtown connectivity, public spaces and targeted property acquisition aimed at removing blight and supporting redevelopment in the defined CRA district.

Staff described capital priorities that appear in the draft: a $477,000 allocation for land acquisition intended to help assemble parcels for redevelopment; infrastructure and capital projects labeled “Eighth Street and outside neighborhood improvements” that tie the backyard renovation, alley enhancements and sidewalks to the Clock Plaza renovation; and park and entrance signage that the city has put out for bid with bids due Sept. 19 but that staff expect to spend after Oct. 1 and therefore roll into next year’s budget. The Sixth Avenue alleyway enhancement was described as part of the backyard project, intended to better connect parking areas, the library and Fifth Avenue via safer pedestrian access.

Staff emphasized the CRA’s statutory duty to address slum and blight within the defined district and said unspent project allocations would be carried forward if construction starts or bids cannot be executed before the new fiscal year. The CRA also reviewed the timing for specific items: Clock Plaza design scope was included in the packet; park signage bids are due Sept. 19; bid and contract timing likely means contracts will be executed after Oct. 1, so staff anticipated rolling those capital allocations into FY26.

Next steps: Staff said they will return with a formal resolution to the city council recommending budget approval; no motion was required at the CRA informational presentation. Projects with pending bids will return to the board and council for contract approval when staff can show executed bids and scopes.

Provenance: CRA budget presentation and discussion at Aug. 25 CRA meeting.