CRA staff presented proposed projects for fiscal year 2026 for Panama City’s four CRA districts on July 29 and asked for board feedback ahead of the Sept. 2 budget vote.

Staff summarized preliminary revenue and project allowances by district and proposed a slate of projects: Millville (path connecting Daffin and Waterfront parks, targeted resurfacing, a Bicycle Safety Village, wayfinding signage and exterior commercial grants); St. Andrews (boardwalk funding, Truesdale Park meeting space and streetscape work, with the boardwalking funds partially reserved and possible partner contributions); Downtown North (wayfinding signage, a SPARK program to incentivize development on city parcels, Glenwood community center repairs and sidewalk repairs); and Downtown (digital directories, breezeway planning and McKinsey Park finishes).

Board members discussed priorities by district. In Millville they emphasized resurfacing, opening the Boys & Girls Club facility and targeted infrastructure over immediate streetscape work; several members praised the Bicycle Safety Village concept but wanted tangible neighborhood services prioritized. For St. Andrews members noted the boardwalk and Truesdale Park needs and discussed partnering options. In Downtown North, members suggested prioritizing incentives and land assemblage to encourage private investment and asked for cost details for sidewalk work. For the Downtown district some members supported an artist studio/gallery concept and questioned the cost/placement of digital directories; staff noted the directories could generate advertising revenue to offset costs.

Staff said budget adoption would be on the Sept. 2 CRA meeting agenda and that funds could be reallocated after adoption if the board so chose.