Commissioners discuss Florida bill that would eliminate community redevelopment agencies

Commissioner Gillespie (on the phone) told fellow commissioners she had read about a Florida measure, Senate Bill 1242, that she said would eliminate community redevelopment agencies (CRAs) across the state and urged awareness and coordinated action to oppose it.

"There's a proposal, senate bill 1242, which would eliminate all CRAs in the state of Florida," Commissioner Gillespie said, adding that she wanted the commission to be aware and consider whom to contact in Tallahassee. She said she had mailed letters to the listed contacts in Tallahassee.

Another commissioner, identified in the record as the Deputy Mayor, responded that he and staff were aware of the bills in both houses and described steps the city could take. He noted historical context that CRAs were originally created with limited lives and that bonding of improvements often extends CRA activity because bonds commonly run 20 to 25 years. The Deputy Mayor referenced the city's connections to the state CRA association: "Our lawyer is the general counsel for the state CRA group, and we have a member of our staff on their board," he said, and recommended working under that group's guidance. He also mentioned Cliff Shepherd (identified as general counsel) and a former staff member, Mark, who serves on the county board as resources to coordinate a response.

The transcript records the exchange and the commissioners' intent to monitor the legislation and coordinate with state CRA leadership and legal counsel; it does not show a formal motion, directed staff assignment or recorded vote in the excerpt provided.