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Bradenton CRA board weighs risks of proposed constitutional amendment that could limit redevelopment spending
Summary
Board members and staff discussed a pending constitutional amendment on the November ballot that staff said could restrict local spending starting Jan. 1, 2027; staff recommended a city‑CRA workshop, ARGIS analysis and legal review to assess impacts on CRA projects and policies.
Bradenton CRA staff used the June 10 meeting to flag legal and fiscal uncertainty around an unnamed constitutional amendment on the November ballot that could impose new restrictions on local government spending, potentially taking effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Dr. Burton told the board he and other local attorneys and associations (including contacts at the Florida Redevelopment Association) are uncertain how the amendment would affect CRA programs and revenue flows. He recommended organizing a joint workshop with city officials and the Economic Development Council and hiring a consultant to run an ARGIS analysis of likely revenue impacts and CRA maps.
Dr. Burton said some program areas could be limited or excluded depending on how courts or implementing rules interpret the amendment. He noted that while policing programs may be covered by the amendment’s language, items such as parks and recreation may not be, and that infrastructure tied to housing (for example, fire suppression within a building) might be treated differently than funding for housing itself. He warned the board to prioritize projects that cannot be pursued after the amendment’s effective date and to be prepared for potential litigation.
Scott (staff/attorney) said statewide bodies are forming committees to assess the amendment’s impact on CRAs and that legal outcomes could take time. The board instructed staff to continue work on projects while developing policy guidance and to return to the board with more detailed analysis and recommended next steps.
Next steps: staff will seek a workshop with the city and EDC, commission an ARGIS analysis, coordinate with legal counsel and monitor statewide legal developments.
