Subject:
Title
Discussion re: Dissolution of Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRA’s)
End
Fiscal Impact:
CRAs divert millions annually from the County’s general fund and other taxing authorities.
Reclaiming these funds will:
• Allow for immediate reinvestment in fire-rescue.
• Improve response times and reduce risk to life and property.
• Increase countywide equality by reallocating funds previously confined to narrow geographic zones.
Dept/Office:
District 1
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board direct staff to prepare a report for each Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in Brevard County identifying whether the Board of County Commissioners may dissolve the CRA or eliminate or reduce County Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for such CRA. For each CRA subject to dissolution or elimination or reduction in TIF funding, it is requested that the Board direct staff to prepare a Statement of Legislative Intent authorizing the advertisement of a public hearing to consider an ordinance dissolving the CRA, or eliminating or reducing TIF funding to the CRA, as appropriate.
End
Summary Explanation and Background:
CRAs were originally established to combat blight and stimulate redevelopment in targeted areas. While some CRAs have contributed to localized economic improvements, many have long outlived their original mission, operating without updated redevelopment plans or measurable return on investment.
In contrast, Brevard County Fire Rescue faces increasing demands, including:
• Rising call volumes due to population growth.
• Low staffing and aging infrastructure.
• Extended response times in some underserved regions.
The commissioners began the task of dissolving and reappropriating special funding with the dissolution of the North Brevard Economic Development Zone on May 20th, 2025. It is imperative to prioritize the life-saving services of our fire departments over continued discretionary spending in districts that have already benefitted from decades of CRA investments.
Proposal Objectives
1. Terminate all active CRAs in Brevard County through legal sunset provisions or legislative action.
2. Redirect the annual revenues currently allocated to CRAs to the Brevard County Fire Rescue
Department.
Legal and Administrative Considerations
• A phased approach can be implemented to honor existing contractual obligations.
• Oversight of redirected funds will be administered by the County Commission in consultation with county management and fire rescue leadership.
Public Benefit
• Increased public safety and resilience
• More equitable use of taxpayer dollars
• Transparent funding aligned with essential county services
• Restored trust in local government prioritization
By retiring outdated CRAs and redirecting those funds to our fire department, Brevard County commissioners affirm our commitment to protecting all residents.
Clerk to the Board Instructions: