CRA board asks staff to study permitting support and grant-tier options for applicants without upfront capital

The Tampa CRA board voted May 8 to instruct staff to examine two operational changes: (1) whether CRA funds can be used to provide permitting support in CRA districts to reduce permit backlogs, and (2) whether the grant program can create special categories or tiers for applicants who lack capital to start projects and therefore cannot meet current match requirements.

Board member Carlson proposed a motion to ask CRA staff to consult with city permitting staff and return with a report by July 24 on the feasibility of using CRA resources to support permitting in CRA districts. The motion carried on a voice vote.

Separately, the board directed staff to consult with the community and review grant rules to determine whether a special category should exist for businesses or residents that cannot self-fund initial costs and to return with recommendations on July 24. CRA staff described the current standard as primarily a 50/50 matching grant and said applicants typically must demonstrate financing in place; staff also noted that the CRA has sometimes issued letters of award that applicants use to obtain further financing.

Board members emphasized they were not pre-committing funding but wanted staff to present potential models, risk assessments and the business model for administering any new tiers. "We want more information," said one board member who supported the motion while urging careful program design to avoid crowding staff with ad hoc requests.

Staff confirmed they will gather input from community stakeholders and report back at the July meeting with options, including potential tiers or underwriting approaches, and whether CRA funds could temporarily underwrite permitting-related staffing in CRA districts to clear backlog.