CRA proposes roughly $21.1 million combined budget for four redevelopment areas; board accepts proposal for city budget process

Director Hilton Terry summarized the CRA’s proposed combined budget for the coming year, saying the package totals about $21,100,000 and is supported primarily by increment (TIF) revenue, prior‑year surplus and contributions from the city and county. "The combined proposal is approximately $21,100,000," Terry said, noting roughly $15.49 million in new increment revenue and the use of prior‑year funds for projects that cross fiscal years.

Terry walked through highlights by redevelopment area: downtown accounts for the largest share of the combined budget and the staff recommendation would reallocate funds (including funds previously slated for a bridge lighting project) to higher‑priority infrastructure such as undergrounding utilities and a Midtown design. The Cleveland Avenue plan includes a proposed land‑acquisition program and the potential trailhead project; the MLK area budget would add funds to McCollum Hall restoration and MLK landscaping; East Fort Myers is the smallest area in the package.

After discussion about maintenance obligations and project sequencing, the board voted to accept the proposed CRA budget for transmission to the city budget process.