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Charter Review Board flags "slum districts" language for research tied to federal grant rules
Summary
Board members asked staff to research replacing the charter phrase "clearance of slum districts" with less stigmatizing language and to confirm any effect on federal CDBG eligibility or compliance with Florida statutes.
At its Oct. 2, 2025 meeting the City of Opa-locka Charter Review Board discussed proposed wording changes to Section 2.5 of the city charter that currently uses the phrase “clearance of slum districts.” A board member read the provision for the record and suggested replacing the phrase with language such as “improve areas of the city that need rehabilitation of blight areas.”
Several members and staff noted that the phrase has been used in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program documents and that changing the charter text could have implications for federal grant eligibility. One staff member said, “To the Department of Housing and Urban Development when they get out give out community… the community development block grants… they use those words to describe an area.” The city attorney and clerk recommended researching the issue further to reconcile federal definitions, Florida Statutes and local terminology.
The board asked the clerk and city attorney to examine the legal definitions and grant-language implications and to return with recommendations at the next meeting. The board did not vote on any charter changes during the Oct. 2 session.
Ending
Members agreed the wording merits review to reduce stigma while ensuring the city preserves eligibility for federal programs; staff will report back with legal research and suggested language at the next meeting.
