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Commission Keeps CRA Funding, Approves Tentative CRA Budget; Officials Cite Grants and Incentives
Summary
The Lynn Haven commission approved a tentative Community Redevelopment Agency budget and discussed the CRA’s role in attracting matching grants, incentives for businesses and property-improvement programs; staff said losing the CRA would forfeit roughly $668,000 in county funds for fiscal 2026.
Commissioners on Sept. 2 approved the tentative budget for the Lynnhaven Community Redevelopment Agency and discussed whether the agency remains the most effective tool to promote downtown and corridor improvements.
Ben Janke, who presented information about the CRA, told the commission the Lynn Haven CRA was established in February 2003 and noted it has a set sunset date in 2033 under the original plan. He urged the commission to continue using CRA tools to match grants, to finance downtown improvements and to preserve special programs such as business façade grants and home-painting assistance.
During the public hearing, Janke said the CRA provides a fiscal benefit by producing tax increment funds that the city can use for corridor and downtown projects and by leveraging matching grants. He told the commission that county funding tied to the CRA for fiscal 2026 would total $668,000; staff said without a CRA the city would lose access to that amount from the county.
Commissioners and public commenters debated whether the CRA has met its initial goals and whether those goals should be revised. Supporters pointed to small-business matching grants and streetscape opportunities; critics asked whether the added administrative layer is still necessary.
The commission noted the CRA structure does not raise a property owner’s tax burden but reallocates taxes that would otherwise go to the county. Staff recommended extending and using the CRA as a funding source over the next decade to complete planned projects along Florida Avenue, Ohio Avenue and other corridors.
The commission approved the tentative CRA budget in a roll-call vote; staff said final adoption will take place at the required second hearing later in the month.
