Hollywood CRA adopts fiscal 2026 budgets for Beach and Downtown as TIF funding shifts to city

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — The City of Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency approved fiscal year 2026 budgets for its Beach and Downtown redevelopment districts at a public hearing Sept. 25 at City Hall, adopting a Beach CRA budget of about $107 million and a downtown operating budget of $3 million as the districts transition out of standalone TIF status.

The vote finalizes capital and operating plans that rely on existing carry‑forward funds, a county payment schedule and the city’s tax revenue equivalents. The Beach CRA budget lists roughly $68.3 million for capital projects and a $38.8 million operating budget; the downtown budget is funded largely by a $3 million annual county payment for five years and carry‑forward reserves just under $20 million.

Assistant City Manager Adam Reichback, presenting the budgets, said the downtown district will begin receiving an annual $3 million county payment for five years under the interlocal agreement and that those funds “may only be utilized by the downtown CRA for purposes or projects that would otherwise be permitted uses under section 163.387(6) of the Florida Statutes.” He also reported the Beach district’s taxable value at about $4.8 billion, a 3.78% increase from the prior year, which produced roughly $55 million in tax increment funding and a net Beach TIF revenue after refunds of about $40.8 million.

Why it matters: the approved plans set funding for resiliency and utility projects on the beach, ongoing maintenance and public safety services and a slate of downtown capital work while the CRA position count is reduced and many functions move into the city’s budget. Board members sought assurances that maintenance, community policing and beach safety services would continue at current levels as the funding mechanism shifts back into the general fund.

Key budget details and projects - Beach CRA: total budget about $107 million; capital projects roughly $68.3 million (undergrounding phases, complete streets on State Road A1A, street‑raising resiliency projects, pump station costs including FDOT participation, Charneau Park renovations and dune restoration); operating budget about $38.8 million with $12.3 million in enhanced services (listed in the presentation as about $7.9 million for community policing and $4.4 million for beach safety). The presentation also noted $955,000 in FY26 for additional valves and basin remediation and the recent installation of WayPro valves at several street ends. - Downtown CRA: FY26 operating budget $3 million (largely the 10% personnel allocation still charged to the CRA and ongoing programs such as the Sun Shuttle circuit, mural program and property improvement program); carry‑forward just under $20 million to be used for one‑time downtown capital projects (Tyler Street sidewalk repairs, alleyway drainage repaving, Harrison Street streetscape under construction at $6.5 million, Arts Park splash pad at $1.2 million, Hollywood Beach Golf Course Clubhouse remaining payout of $4.8 million, and other streetscape and wayfinding projects). Several downtown projects were noted as reliant on future MPO or funding agreements.

Staffing and administrative changes The presentation said 15 filled CRA positions transferred to the city during FY25 (12 to beach maintenance, one to procurement, two to development services), and one position is shared 50/50 between the city and the CRA. For FY26 the CRA proposed eliminating the vacant executive director position and four part‑time roles, leaving three full‑time CRA positions (deputy director, senior project manager, executive assistant) and two part‑time roles (senior project manager and engineering inspector).

Board discussion and public input Board members asked for clarity on how dollars that previously flowed to district TIFs will be distributed after sunset and whether the city will preserve the enhanced levels of service for tourism‑intensive areas. Board member Shuham sought “assurances on the record” that enhanced services paid by the CRA would continue after the transition; the presentation and subsequent remarks from city officials committed to maintaining those service levels “at that level, if not better.” Board member Biederman and others requested more detailed breakout information showing how the amounts returning to the general fund will be allocated among maintenance, operating and capital needs across the city.

Members also raised programmatic concerns including mural maintenance downtown and equipment procurement questions (a separate equipment line item was confirmed for a vac truck). Peter Hernando, participating virtually, asked whether maintenance allotments would remain dedicated to the improved areas or be spread citywide; staff said CRA‑funded services and many projects have been rolled into the city’s operating budget and that detailed line‑item breakouts can be provided.

Actions taken The CRA unanimously approved a resolution adopting the Beach CRA fiscal 2026 budget, a resolution adopting the Downtown CRA fiscal 2026 budget, and a resolution establishing the number and type of authorized CRA positions for FY26. The board also approved a motion confirming virtual participation for a board member earlier in the meeting.

What's next Board members asked staff to provide further detail on the post‑sunset allocation of funds and to map where returned TIF equivalents will appear in the city budget. Several capital projects listed in the budgets remain contingent on outside funding agreements (FDOT, MPO) or follow‑on design and permitting steps. The board adjourned after the unanimous votes.

Ending All motions carried unanimously. The CRA meeting was adjourned after formal adoption of the fiscal 2026 budgets and the positions authorization resolution.