Welcome to the Orange City redevelopment page. This is an exciting time for the City as we lay the groundwork for the redevelopment and revitalization of Volusia Avenue and the surrounding neighborhoods.

The City has been working to create of Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) to assist in the redevelopment. The goal is to implement the vision for the City which was created through dialogue between the residents of Orange City, business leaders, community stakeholders and the City Council. Initial visioning began in April 2011 and has continued during a series of workshops and charettes held in the summer of 2012. Out of the dialogue with the community, the Community Redevelopment Plan was drafted to promote redevelopment and economic growth within the City while maintaining the small town charm for which Orange City is so well known.

View: City of Orange City - Community Redevelopment Plan (PDF)
Revised: September 26th 2012

View: Community Redevelopment Area - An Overview (PDF)

CRA Frequently Asked Questions
Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs) are a commonly used redevelopment tool. There are currently over 140 CRAs in the State of Florida. Following are brief answers to common questions regarding CRAs.

Why create a CRA?
CRA's are created to assist local governments in pursuing redevelopment in targeted areas that are characterized by blight and disinvestment. By establishing a CRA, the local governments are given a financial and planning mechanism by which to redevelop areas where private market forces aren't working.

How are CRAs Created?
Under Florida law (Chapter 163, Part III), local governments are able to designate areas as Community Redevelopment Areas when certain conditions exist. Examples include: the presence of substandard or inadequate structures, a shortage of affordable housing, and inadequate infrastructure.

What is a Community Redevelopment Agency?
The activities and programs offered within a Community Redevelopment Area are administered by the Community Redevelopment Agency. A five- to seven-member CRA "Board" is created by the local government, which directs the Agency.

What is a Community Redevelopment Plan?
The Community Redevelopment Agency is responsible for developing and implementing a Community Redevelopment Plan that addresses the unique needs of each targeted area (CRA). The plan includes the overall goals for redevelopment in the area, as well as identifying the types of programs and projects planned for the area.

What is Tax Increment Financing?
After approval of a community redevelopment plan, a redevelopment trust fund is established for the CRA. Revenue deposited to this fund results from the incremental growth in taxable value within the area subsequent to establishment of the CRA. All funds received from a tax increment financing area must be used for specific redevelopment purposes within that area.

Is a CRA a Tax?
No. A CRA does not levy taxes, it redistributes property tax payments that are already made to the City and County. It keeps a certain portion of the taxes within the CRA to be reinvested in specific redevelopment activities.