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About the Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency

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 reinvestment, and support long-term economic growth within the designated redevelopment district.

Operating under Florida Statutes Chapter 163, Part III, the CRA uses Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to reinvest growth in property tax revenue back into the community. This means as property values increase within the CRA district, those incremental dollars are dedicated to improving infrastructure, supporting businesses, enhancing public spaces, and strengthening neighborhoods.

The CRA does not create new taxes. It reinvests local growth back into local progress.

Our Mission

The Bartow CRA is committed to:

  • Eliminating and preventing blight within the redevelopment area

  • Encouraging private investment and business expansion

  • Improving streetscapes, sidewalks, lighting, and public infrastructure

  • Supporting housing stability and residential revitalization

  • Enhancing the overall appearance and economic vitality of downtown Bartow

Our goal is simple: create a redevelopment district where businesses thrive, residents feel proud, and investment continues to grow.

Legal Foundation & Mission

The Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was established in 1990 pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 163, Part III, also known as the Community Redevelopment Act.

The CRA was created following a formal finding of slum and blight conditions within the designated redevelopment area. Under state law, the agency is authorized to implement redevelopment strategies and utilize Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to address those conditions.

Why the CRA Was Established

The Bartow CRA was established to address conditions including:

  • Deteriorating infrastructure

  • Underutilized and vacant properties

  • Declining commercial corridors

  • Aging housing stock

  • Limited private reinvestment

The goal was not short-term cosmetic improvement — but long-term community transformation.

Through strategic planning and public-private partnerships, the CRA works to:

  • Improve public infrastructure

  • Encourage business expansion

  • Support housing revitalization

  • Enhance downtown walkability and aesthetics

  • Increase property values and economic activity

CRA Boundary Map

The Bartow CRA operates within a legally defined geographic boundary adopted by ordinance.

Interactive Map

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Visitors can:

  • Search property addresses

  • Confirm eligibility for grant programs

  • View redevelopment zoning overlays

Downloadable Maps

  • CRA Boundary Map (PDF)

  • Parcel-Level Boundary Map (PDF)

  • Zoning Overlay Map (PDF)

If you are unsure whether your property is located within the CRA district, please contact the CRA office for confirmation.

Bartow History & Redevelopment Timeline

Bartow has a rich history rooted in agriculture, commerce, and civic leadership. The CRA plays an important role in preserving that heritage while preparing the district for future growth.

Historical Timeline

Pre-1990
Economic shifts and aging infrastructure contributed to blight conditions in key commercial areas.

1990
Bartow CRA established following formal blight study and redevelopment findings.

2000s
Infrastructure upgrades and façade programs begin revitalizing downtown corridors.

2010s
Expansion of commercial incentives and residential rehabilitation initiatives.

Recent Years
Strategic redevelopment plan updates and data-driven investment initiatives.

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Historical CRA Work

Since its establishment, the Bartow CRA has completed numerous projects aimed at revitalizing the district and strengthening economic stability.

Past Project Highlights

  • Streetscape improvements

  • Sidewalk and lighting upgrades

  • Commercial façade renovations

  • Residential rehabilitation support

  • Public space enhancements

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Impact Metrics

  • Total private investment leveraged: $X

  • Total CRA investment deployed: $X

  • Properties improved: X+

  • Jobs supported or created: X

  • Infrastructure projects completed: X

These projects demonstrate how strategic reinvestment multiplies long-term impact.

Reports & Public Documents

The Bartow CRA is committed to transparency and public accountability. The following documents are available for review and download.

Annual Reports

Comprehensive summaries of yearly financial performance, completed projects, and strategic accomplishments.

  • FY 2024 Annual Report (PDF)

  • FY 2023 Annual Report (PDF)

  • FY 2022 Annual Report (PDF)

Community Redevelopment Plans

The official redevelopment plan outlines long-term strategies, policy direction, and implementation tools.

  • Adopted CRA Redevelopment Plan (PDF)

  • Plan Amendments (PDF)

  • Strategic Plan Updates (PDF)

Standards & Performance Reports

Documents detailing performance benchmarks, compliance requirements, and accountability metrics.

  • Annual Standards & Performance Report (PDF)

  • TIF Revenue Summary

  • Financial Statements

Other Research & Supporting Documents

Additional studies, analyses, and planning resources that guide redevelopment decisions.

  • Blight Study

  • Economic Impact Analysis

  • Infrastructure Assessment Reports

  • Housing Studies

Looking Ahead

The Bartow CRA continues to evolve alongside the community it serves. Through strategic investment, responsible stewardship of public funds, and collaboration with residents and business owners, the CRA remains focused on long-term revitalization and sustainable growth.

For questions regarding the CRA boundary, redevelopment plans, or available incentives, please contact the CRA office.