Submitted By: Roberto Ellis
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Presentation By: Aubrey Hale
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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Framework for administrative decisions relating to the Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency grant programs
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
On June 9, 2026, at the Ocala City Council Work Session, staff proposed implementing a new approval mechanism to expedite certain CRA grant processing. The proposed decision process would allow administrative action for CRA grants provided the following criteria are met:
o The total project cost results in a grant award of $10,000 (per application) or less; or
o The applicant chooses to expedite the application and accepts a maximum grant of $10,000. Applicants must waive any additional grant funds for which they would have qualified.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The proposed framework builds upon the success of the CRA grant programs by adding an administrative approval option to expedite certain defined grant applications. Further, providing an administrative decision option will expedite the processing of qualifying applications, reducing processing time for applicants and enhancing the grant program's attractiveness and viability.
This framework aligns with the best practices for operational excellence established in the City of Ocala Code of Ordinances, Sec. 106-78 - Management of redevelopment trust fund by community redevelopment agency.
• The City Manager or designee is limited to approving a cumulative total of $50,000 in grants for each CRA subarea during the fiscal year.
o The proposed limit within each subarea aligns with the City of Ocala fiscal and governance policies.
• The City Manager or designee may consider both residential and commercial property improvement grants within the funding limit.
• This process is expected to provide an administrative decision within 10 business days, from application to an administrative decision.
• This process helps safeguard projects at risk due to scheduling constraints and supports continued revitalization efforts.
• Appeal procedures are written in the framework if the applicant or the public wishes to challenge a decision made at the administrative level.
Staff recommends approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget will remain unchanged; staff will monitor administratively approved applications to ensure that funding limits are not exceeded.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
This framework will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny