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Consultants present draft 2026 CRA plan framework to Palatka board
Summary
Consultants from GAI/GI presented a draft update to Palatka's Community Redevelopment Agency plan on Aug. 5, proposing streamlined goals, TIF projections to 2042, and five strategic 'big move' priorities; commissioners pressed for clearer maps, validated data and an implementation timetable.
Consultants from GAI/GI reviewed a draft update to the City of Palatka Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) plan at a workshop on Aug. 5, 2026, asking the board for feedback on a vision and implementation framework intended to guide investments through the CRA's sunset in 2042. Claudia Ray, representing the consulting team, said the presentation would cover background, a summary of the 2021 plan, parcel mapping and an initial framework for the 2026 update.
"My full name is Claudia Ray, and I'm with GI Consultants," Ray said as she opened the presentation and outlined the sections the consultant intended to present to the board. The consulting team described three Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts and proposed streamlining the plan's 22 goals into broader buckets to make tracking and annual budgeting easier.
The consultant proposed five guiding principles—protect, position, prosper, plan and prepare—and five strategic buckets for action: capitalize on regional assets; invest in public realm and infrastructure; strengthen downtown; preserve historic neighborhoods and housing; and retool for redevelopment. Ray said the team will deliver the final framework and an accompanying spreadsheet to help staff track annual priorities and CIP alignment.
Commissioners asked for more detail on accountability and implementation. As Tom Kohler, a consultant who described his background as a long-time CRA director, put it: "At least, generally, you'll know that. Now what I've recommended with other, directors, that are coming on board is your agenda every month or how often you needs to tie back to the plan." He urged that yearly work plans and budget alignment be used to show progress and keep priorities funded.
The workshop concluded with a brief procedural motion to adjourn; the transcript records a verbal motion but does not record a second or a roll-call vote. The consultant team said they aim to finish a draft plan before the Thanksgiving 2026 holiday and will provide digital map files (Esri story maps) and the draft document for board review.
