Downtown and Vine Street CRA budgets approved; city signs holiday‑lighting contract

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board approved the Vine Street CRA budget and the Downtown Kissimmee CRA budget for fiscal year 2025–26, and the commission authorized a holiday‑lighting contract renewal with We Hang Christmas Lights.

Samaya Singleton, area manager, summarized planned Vine Street CRA expenditures including Kmart site redevelopment support, demolition funding, mural partnerships with Osceola Arts, landscaping and Columbia Avenue design work. The Vine Street budget resolution was adopted by the CRA board without public comment.

The Downtown CRA budget resolution was also adopted; staff noted funding for the Beaumont redevelopment continuation, a medical office project stage, mural program contributions, alleyway improvements and contributions to partner projects. Commissioners then approved a $72,905.50 contract with We Hang Christmas Lights to design, install, maintain and remove downtown holiday lighting: Downtown CRA will cover $47,910.50, Parks and Recreation $10,000 and Development Services $14,995.

Staff said the holiday‑lighting work would complement planned winter programming and business engagement; a separate consultant contract would pursue broader business participation and event programming.