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Lawmaker Repeats Call For CRA Transparency, Accountability

Historic Capitol
Tom Flanigan
/
WFSU News

A Florida lawmaker is once again trying to reform the state’s community redevelopment agencies. The taxpayer-funded programs would have to meet stricter reporting and ethics requirements.

Representative Jake Rayburn of Valrico wants community redevelopment agencies to be more transparent and accountable. Lawmakers designed the programs to combat blight and slums and build affordable housing. Critics argue more regulations are needed to ensure that happens.

Under Rayburn’s bill, CRAs would have to conduct ethics training, open competitive bids, and file annual performance reports. Agencies would have to post project lists and funding plans, as well as changes in property values and vacancy rates.

The bill would also phase out active CRAs by September 2038 or earlier. And the Legislature would approve any new CRAs, instead of local governments.

The bill is largely similar to a House plan that emerged last session, but failed to get traction in the Senate. 

As a Tallahassee native, Kate Payne grew up listening to WFSU. She loves being part of a station that had such an impact on her. Kate is a graduate of the Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts. With a background in documentary and narrative filmmaking, Kate has a broad range of multimedia experience. When she’s not working, you can find her rock climbing, cooking or hanging out with her cat.