A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the CRA’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The approved budget includes key allocations: $500,000 for property purchases to further CRA objectives, $800,000 for road improvements, $500,000 for park enhancements, and $300,000 for sidewalk improvements. Additionally, $100,000 will be set aside for residential and business grants. A new position, the CRA Coordinator and Resiliency Coordinator, will be added to oversee these initiatives.

The City Manager presented a PowerPoint highlighting the CRA’s mission and the financial breakdown. The mission statement emphasized the CRA’s vision to create a lively, well-connected waterfront community. The presentation noted that the CRA boundaries might be reduced to focus resources more effectively, which would lower the financial burden on the general fund.

The meeting also touched upon the importance of branding and wayfinding within the city. There was a consensus on the need for better signage to guide residents and visitors to important locations like the waterfront and key businesses. The City Manager suggested that a portion of the budget could be used for these initiatives, which would enhance the community’s navigability and appeal.