What is a CRA?

Founded in 1988, the CRA is a dependent special district of New Port Richey created to redevelop a formally designated area known as the "Community Redevelopment Area" pursuant to an adopted Community Redevelopment Plan (the "Plan") and state law. The CRA is governed by a Board of Directors (the "CRA Board"), which is composed of the City's Mayor and City Council members sitting in separate capacities. The CRA is staffed by an Executive Director, who is the City Manager serving in a separate capacity, and the Economic Development Director. The primary funding source for the Agency's implementation of the Community Redevelopment Plan is tax increment revenue. 

Tax Increment Financing

It is expected that the CRA will continue to be a driver of the community's prosperity, of what is next, and of what could be through its sunset date of September 30, 2049. Until then, the CRA will collaborate with all stakeholders on the path of continuous improvement to bring the Community Redevelopment Plan and its stated vision to life. 

What is a CRA Plan?

The Community Redevelopment Agency is responsible for developing and implementing a Community Redevelopment Plan that addresses the unique needs of a community redevelopment area. The plan includes overall goals for redevelopment and identifies programs and projects planned for the area.

Redevelopment strategies and critical tasks are included in the plan that will enable the City to stimulate and encourage economic development, provide increased public amenities and sufficiently manage redevelopment within the CRA in order to realize the City's vision and long-term community goals.

The redevelopment plan can be updated to meet the changing needs of a community. The most recent CRA update was in 2019 and can be viewed at Community Redevelopment Agency (C.R.A.)(PDF, 10MB).

What can a CRA do?

  • Capital improvements and public infrastructure projects, including streets, utilities, parks, playgrounds, and other public improvements. 
  • Provide grants and incentives for building renovations and redevelopment. 
  • Planning work. 
  • The acquisition and disposal of real property. 
  • The development of affordable housing for residents of the area. 
  • The development of community policing innovations. 
  • And more.

What can't a CRA do?

  • Construction or expansion of administrative buildings for public bodies or police and fire buildings, unless each taxing authority agrees to such method of financing for the construction or expansion, or unless the construction or expansion is contemplated as part of a community policing innovation. 
  • Capital projects that were supposed to be paid for by the city or county as part of their adopted capital improvements program (within the preceding 3-year period). 
  • General government operating expenses unrelated to the planning and carrying out of a community redevelopment plan. 

Who is the CRA?

The City of New Port Richey's City Council serves as the Community Redevelopment Agency's Board of Directors. The members for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 are as follows:

CRA Board of Directors/City Council Members:

  • Chopper Davis, Chairman, Mayor
  • Matt Murphy, Board Member, Councilman
  • Peter Altman, Board Member, Councilman
  • Kelly Mothershead, Board Member, Deputy Mayor
  • Bertell Butler IV, Board Member, Councilman 

City of New Port Richey Staff:

  • Debbie L. Manns, Executive Director, City Manager
  • Tim Driscoll, City Attorney

Other Departments:

  • Robert Kochen, Police Chief 
  • Robert Rivera, Public Works Director
  • Crystal Dunn, Finance Director
  • Christopher Finch, Fire Chief
  • Andre Julien, Parks and Recreation Director
  • Andrea Figart, Library Director
  • Judy Meyers, City Clerk

Consultant Team: 

Stantec Consulting Services 

  • Keith Greminger
  • Jared Beck
  • Matt Lewis
  • Shelby Fuente

 

The CRA Board of Directors work in collaboration with residents, property owners, businesses, and other community organizations to promote redevelopment within the CRA District. Priorities include economic development, public safety, beautification and infrastructure improvements, downtown marketing and historic preservation.

 

 

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