Investing in Downtown. Strengthening Neighborhoods. Building Bartow’s Future.
The Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was established in 1990 by the City of Bartow to eliminate blight, encourage private reinvestment, and support long-term economic growth within the legally designated redevelopment district.
Operating under Florida Statutes Chapter 163, Part III, the Community Redevelopment Act, the Bartow CRA uses Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to reinvest property tax growth back into the community. As property values rise within the CRA district, the incremental tax revenue generated is directed back into district improvements rather than flowing into the general fund.
This means CRA investments in infrastructure, business support, and neighborhood improvements are funded by the growth the CRA itself helps create, not by new taxes.
The mission of the Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in Bartow Florida, is to eliminate blight within the designated CRA district and promote redevelopment by encouraging investment that improves neighborhoods and drives economic growth while preserving the community’s history. The agency works through public-private partnerships and targeted improvements to public infrastructure to rehabilitate and revitalize the area within the redevelopment boundaries.
Support acquisition and development of CRA-owned assets to remove blight, increase taxable value, and enable strategic redevelopment. Includes capital projects and opportunistic site control, all aligned to the Work Plan’s property acquisition and construction goals.
Encourage business retention, attraction, and property improvements to reduce vacancies and improve the commercial environment, aligned with business assistance goals.
Support stable, attractive housing stock through fee assistance, down payment support, rehabilitation, and new housing initiatives.
Improve public infrastructure to support walkability, connectivity, and safety, complementing city capital projects. Includes Smart City features for technology-enabled public spaces
The Bartow CRA was established in 1990 pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 163, Part III, the Community Redevelopment Act. The agency was created following a formal finding of slum and blight conditions within the designated redevelopment area, as required by state law.
Under the Act, the CRA is authorized to develop and implement redevelopment strategies, utilize Tax Increment Financing, and take other lawful actions to address blight and stimulate community reinvestment.
The Bartow CRA was established to address documented conditions including:
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
C. Howard Smith serves as Executive Director of the Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency, where he leads efforts to strengthen downtown Bartow and the surrounding district through strategic investment, community programming, and public-private partnerships.
Smith brings a broad background in community development and urban revitalization to the role. Before joining the Bartow CRA in 2023, he served as a Community Coordinator with the City of Tampa’s Department of Development and Growth Management, with prior leadership positions at the City of Clearwater, Home Builders Institute, and AMIKids Tampa.
Since taking the helm of the Bartow CRA, Smith has overseen a period of significant growth and investment, expanding the district’s footprint, strengthening its financial position, and guiding a long-range strategic plan for downtown’s continued revitalization.
Cheryl Baksh serves as CRA Coordinator for the Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency, where she manages grant and incentive programs and serves as the primary point of contact for property owners and businesses investing in the district.
Baksh previously served as a CRA Specialist with the City of Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency, leading business development programming and affordable housing initiatives. She holds the Registered Professional credential from the Florida Redevelopment Association, the highest certification awarded by the FRA.
The Bartow CRA operates within a legally defined geographic boundary adopted by city ordinance. Only properties located within this boundary are eligible for CRA grant programs and incentives.
Unsure whether your property falls within the CRA district? Contact our office and we will confirm eligibility at no cost.
Bartow has a rich history rooted in agriculture, commerce, and civic leadership. The CRA plays an important role in honoring that heritage while actively preparing the district for sustainable future growth.
Bartow’s historic downtown experienced declining investment, aging infrastructure, and increasing signs of urban blight, leading to formal documentation of deteriorating conditions within the district.
The Bartow City Commission established the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) following a Findings of Necessity study to remedy slum and blight in the community.
First wave of infrastructure upgrades and commercial façade programs begin visibly revitalizing downtown corridors.
Expansion of commercial incentive programs, launch of residential rehabilitation assistance, and growth of public-private partnerships.
The Bartow CRA is committed to transparency and public accountability. All major planning documents, financial reports, and performance data are available for public review and download.
The Bartow CRA continues to evolve alongside the community it serves. Through disciplined investment, responsible stewardship of public funds, and genuine collaboration with residents and business owners, the CRA remains focused on long-term neighborhood revitalization and sustainable economic growth.
For questions about the CRA boundary, available programs, redevelopment plans, or how to get involved, contact our office. We are here to help.
