Consultant presents market analysis for Bradenton CRA districts; recommends housing stability, workforce and retail strategies

Randy Iovone, a market consultant and member of the Palmetto CRA advisory committee, presented a three‑district market analysis to the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Bradenton, saying the study shows distinct demographic and housing patterns across the downtown, Central and Tamiami Trail CRAs and offering program recommendations to reduce displacement and build household assets.

Iovone told the board the downtown CRA “has the highest median income and wealth index,” while the Central CRA shows “concentrated poverty and lower asset accumulation,” and the Tamiami Trail CRA “has a high share of households earning under $35,000” and elevated unemployment. He gave several specific figures from his presentation, including that 53% of households in the Central CRA have less than $15,000 in net worth and that…