Bill would rein in community redevelopment agencies

A measure to overhaul community redevelopment agencies (CRAs), a priority of House Speaker Richard Corcoran, has been filed for the 2018 Legislative Session.

Rep. Jake Raburn, a Lithia Republican, is sponsoring the bill (HB 17).

Lawmakers designed the programs to combat blight and slums and build affordable housing, WFSU explained. Critics argue more regulations are needed to ensure that happens.

Under the 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 have to approve any new CRAs, instead of local governments.

Most recently, the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office sent subpoenas to the city of Tallahassee and the City/County Community Redevelopment Agency over deals that body has made, the Tallahassee Democrat reported. “The subjects of the subpoenas included prominent business people and financial documents and communication with city officials,” it said.

Material also provided by LobbyTools. 

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Updated Thursday — Sen. Tom Lee filed a companion measure in the Senate (SB 432).