Bradenton Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Meeting, October 28, 2026

The Bradenton Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board met on October 28, 2026. Staff described a partnership between the CRA and Housing and Community Development that combines funding to help homeowners qualify for home-repair grants, including for metal roofs and impact windows and doors. The departments reported completing about four projects with more than $50,000 in grant funds during the fiscal year; reimbursements return to program income for future projects. Staff also shared recognition the partnership received at a Florida Redevelopment Association conference.

The main spending item was a request for up to $300,000 from the historic preservation grant program for rehabilitation of a downtown historic building into retail and office space. The request exceeds the program’s usual $150,000 limit and would be paid in two $150,000 installments after project completion, a certificate of occupancy, and an appraisal. The board unanimously approved a motion to table the request until its November 18 meeting while the city reviews and seeks to resolve a parking agreement issue; no grant award was made. Staff also reported that GTE building demolition remediation was estimated at $45,000–$55,000, with demolition permits applied for. A recommendation to consider limiting applicants to three or four open grants was raised for possible discussion at the next meeting.