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12/13/2021Monday, December 13, 2021 8:00 AM City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 Main Library - Council Chambers Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Agenda December 13, 2021Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Agenda Citizens wishing to provide comments on an agenda item are encouraged to do so in advance through written comment. The City has established the following options: 1)eComments via Granicus - eComments is integrated with the published meeting agenda. Individuals may review the agenda item details and indicate their position on the item. You will be prompted to set up a user profile to allow you to comment, which will become part of the official public record. The eComment period is open from the time the agenda is published. Comments received during the meeting will become part of the official record, if posted prior to the closing of public comment. The City Clerk will read received comments into the record. 2)Email – Individuals may submit written comments or videos to ClearwaterCRA@myclearwater.com. All comments received by 5 p.m. the day before the meeting (December 12) will become part of the official record. The City Clerk will read received comments into the record. 3)Council Chambers - Additionally, like any other council meeting, the public may provide public comment at the Main Library, Council Chambers, 100 N Osceola Avenue. Due to COVID-19, all speakers desiring to appear in person will be subject to all applicable emergency measures in place to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Speakers who appear in person will be subject to screening for symptoms of COVID-19. Any persons exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted to enter council chambers but will be able to participate through the remote options described above. Individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations to effectively participate in this meeting are asked to contact the City Clerk at (727)562-4092 or rosemarie.call@myclearwater.com in advance. 1. Call To Order 2. Approval of Minutes 2.1 Approve the October 18, 2021 CRA Meeting Minutes as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. 3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda 4. New Business Items 4.1 Approve the proposed 2022 Community Redevelopment Agency Board meeting schedule and adopt Resolution 21-03. 4.2 Ratify and confirm the contract between the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Kokolakis Contracting authorizing an increase to the contract by $52,809 for costs associated with the installation of the America’s Everglades exhibit. 4.3 Report on the 2021-2022 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Strategy. 5. Director's Report Page 2 City of Clearwater Printed on 12/2/2021 December 13, 2021Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Agenda 6. Adjourn Page 3 City of Clearwater Printed on 12/2/2021 Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#20-8597 Agenda Date: 12/13/2021 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1 File Type: MinutesIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency Agenda Number: 2.1 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: Approve the October 18, 2021 CRA Meeting Minutes as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. SUMMARY: APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 12/2/2021 Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 18, 2021 Page 1 City of Clearwater City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 Meeting Minutes Monday, October 18, 2021 8:00 AM Main Library - Council Chambers Community Redevelopment Agency Draft Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 18, 2021 Page 2 City of Clearwater Roll Call Present 5 - Chair Frank Hibbard, Trustee David Allbritton, Trustee Hoyt Hamilton, Trustee Kathleen Beckman, and Trustee Mark Bunker Also Present – Micah Maxwell – Interim City Manager, Michael Delk – Assistant City Manager, Pamela K. Akin – City Attorney, Rosemarie Call – City Clerk, and Amanda Thompson – CRA Executive Director. To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Unapproved 1. Call to Order – Chair Hibbard The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. 2. Approval of Minutes 2.1 Approve the September 13, 2021 CRA Meeting Minutes as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. Trustee Hamilton moved to approve the September 13, 2021 CRA Meeting Minutes as submitted in written summation by the City Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda – None. 4. New Business Items 4.1 Authorize a purchase order to Sparxoo LLC of Tampa, FL for the maintenance of the Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) website in a not-to-exceed amount of $71,200.00 for a two-year term (2022 and 2023) pursuant to City Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(a) Single source and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. In 2016, RFP 54-16, Digital Marketing / Website Development Services for CRA was issued and Sparxoo LLC was the selected vendor to provide these services. Staff requests approval to renew the CRA’s contract with Sparxoo, LLC for the maintenance of its website for an additional two years. The first focus area of the CRA’s strategy is to create and share authentic, positive stories about downtown Clearwater. The website, www.downtownclearwater.com <http://www.downtownclearwater.com>, is an important online platform that is used to promote downtown, provide information Draft Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 18, 2021 Page 3 City of Clearwater on grants, and attract investors. It provides a shared downtown event calendar as well. The total cost of the contract is $71,200.00 over two years. Staff recommends continuing with the Advanced plan which will maintain the enhanced website features, monthly reporting on site performance (speed and security) and search engine optimization. This plan allows for 200 work hours included from the Sparxoo team to build out new features for the site and conduct regular updates for ADA compliance. The website was used heavily in 2020 and 2021 for the restaurant voucher program and virtual art tours. The plan also provides a dedicated account manager from Sparxoo to work directly with the CRA. APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: Funds are available in CRA cost code 3887552-530100-R2002, Community Engagement, to fund this contract. Trustee Allbritton moved to authorize a purchase order to Sparxoo LLC of Tampa, FL for the maintenance of the Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) website in a not-to-exceed amount of $71,200.00 for a two-year term (2022 and 2023) pursuant to City Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(a) Single source and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4.2 Discuss current and future housing redevelopment sites in the Community Redevelopment Area. The purpose of this discussion is to update the CRA Trustees on housing redevelopment projects that are underway and solicit feedback on potential locations for new housing projects and the proposed marketing strategy for the Bluff properties. CRA Executive Director Amanda Thompson provided a PowerPoint presentation. In response to questions, Ms. Thompson said staff does not recommend adjusting the wording to the original RFP. Since urban friendly design can mean many things, a rendering will provide a visual backup to depict the Downtown zoning standards. Staff is hoping to host an in-person bluff properties event for real estate brokers and developers during the first quarter next year. The event will provide attendees an opportunity to see how redevelopment is progressing. Wannemacher Jensen prepared some massing studies that can be brought forward to provide a better understanding. Ms. Thompson said, in 2018, some of the perceptions related to Downtown included that city government had a difficult time focusing on Draft Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 18, 2021 Page 4 City of Clearwater one issue, that city government had a hard time completing what they started, that Downtown was not welcoming, that the Church of Scientology owns or runs a majority of the Downtown properties, and that Downtown was concert-focused. She said staff is preparing a full report of vacant properties for the Trustees in November. The City Attorney said the Trustees may move forward with a referendum after receiving a proposal for development agreement, placing a 30-day advertisement, as required by the CRA statutes, and declaring the property surplus. A new RFP process is not needed. Assistant City Manager Michael Delk said vertical construction on Imagine Clearwater is expected by the first quarter of the new year. It was suggested that construction materials be ordered now to avoid supply chain issues or construction delays. In response to questions, Ms. Thompson said the existing RFP will be posted on the CRA website and outline that the City is still interested in projects that implement the Gold standard, at the minimum. Staff would not recommend using language that is not already in the RFP as is relates to Greenprint 2.0 initiatives. Ms. Thompson said the letters of interest are not formal solicitations for bids and will not be as detailed. The master packet provided with the letters of interest will include Greenprint 2.0, the updated comprehensive plan and other development related information. She said Blue Sky has submitted documentation showing the increased cost for construction materials and has reduced their developer fee. Pinellas County is looking for the City to move first on Blue Sky's proposal. She said Pinellas County requires that the City participates in the project; the more the CRA provides the higher the project will be rated. Economic Development and Housing Assistant Director Chuck Lane said there are HOME, SHIP, and ARPA funds available for the project; the Department can cover the housing funds request. He said HOME ARPA funds may be available if the City funds a small portion of units in the facility for homelessness. Discussion ensued with comments made affordable housing is needed in the area. Concerns were expressed with the cost associated with the Blue Sky affordable housing project. It was requested that staff provide information of the projects located in the CRA and the allocated CRA contributions on a per unit basis. In response to comments, the City Attorney said the CRA has a contract with Blue Sky and cannot invite proposals until the contract expires in March 2022. One individual spoke in support of the Blue Sky project and thanked Council for their continued confidence in the project. The project will bring Draft Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes October 18, 2021 Page 5 City of Clearwater $17.5 million in federal funding to the city and will cover most of the construction and development cost. Due to COVID, the project has experienced sharp increases in material costs. Blue Sky reduced the $5 million gap by borrowing money in the open market and deferring additional developer fees. The project will add vibrancy to Downtown. 5. Director's Report CRA Executive Director Amanda Thompson said the Clyde Butcher Exhibit will be fully open the first or second week in November. The Holiday Extravaganza has 50 businesses signed up for window decorating. This work program will employ local artists to decorate the windows for the holiday season. The Glow Dinner is an outdoor dinner that will feature circus performers and a nighttime market during the first Thursday of December. Staff has planned another voucher program for $30,000 and will be open to any of the businesses in the CRA. The voucher program will be open to all Tampa Bay residents to spend $15 and get reimbursed for $10. She said the Downtown Coordination Summit at the Collaborative Labs was very positive; staff will share a copy of the minutes when available. The group is looking at how to better coordinate the memberships available to downtown businesses and size of special event programming. Assistant City Manager Michael Delk said one of the board members at the Downtown Coordination Summit commented that the property owners were not present. Staff has approached Collaborative Labs to pull in the property owners into the equation with the four represented groups. The CRA is having some success with the traction and downtown businesses. He said peer pressure between the people who are investing in Downtown and operating the businesses relative to the property owners is starting to occur. 6. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 8:58 a.m. Chair Community Redevelopment Agency Attest City Clerk Draft Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#21-9998 Agenda Date: 12/13/2021 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1 File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency Agenda Number: 4.1 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: Approve the proposed 2022 Community Redevelopment Agency Board meeting schedule and adopt Resolution 21-03. SUMMARY: Community Redevelopment Agency staff has prepared the proposed meeting schedule of the City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board for the calendar year 2022. The CRA board meeting will be held monthly in City Council Chambers, 100 N Osceola Avenue. The meeting schedule will be posted on the CRA’s website, with separate meeting notices provided by the City Clerk’s Office and noted on the City’s website prior to each meeting. If there is no action for the board to be considered at a schedule meeting, staff will recommend the meeting be cancelled. Changes to the dates may be required to accommodate needs of board members and/or CRA staff. If there is a need for a special meeting, CRA staff will notify the board and the meeting will be noticed by the City Clerk’s Office as well as on the City’s website. Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 12/2/2021 RESOLUTION NO 21-03 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE CRA 2022 MEETING SCHEDULE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) annual meeting schedule requirements have been clarified and Section 189.015 and Chapter 286, of the Florida Statues require that CRA’s adopt their annual meeting schedule by resolution, now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA: Section 1. Adopt the CRA 2022 Regular Meeting Schedule as outlined on Exhibit A. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 13th day of December 2021. ____________________________ Frank V. Hibbard Chairman Approved as to form: Attest: __________________________ _____________________________ Michael Fuino Rosemarie Call CRA Attorney City Clerk Exhibit A City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency Board 2022 Meeting Schedule 1. Tuesday, January 18, 2022 8:00 a.m. 2. Monday, February 14, 2022 8:00 a.m. 3. Monday, March 14, 2022 8:00 a.m. 4. Monday, May 16, 2022 8:00 a.m. 5. Monday, June 13, 2022 8:00 a.m. 6. Monday, July 18, 2022 8:00 a.m. 7. Monday, August 15, 2022 8:00 a.m. 8. Monday, September 12, 2022 8:00 a.m. 9. Monday, October 17, 2022 8:00 a.m. 10. Monday, November 14, 2022 8:00 a.m. 11. Monday, December 12, 2022 8:00 a.m. This is the regular City of Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board meeting schedule. If possible, meeting announcements, to include cancellations, will be made at least one week in advance of each meeting. Changes to the regular schedule may be required to meet quorum requirements: special meetings may also be required. Unless otherwise noted, meetings will be held in the City Council Chamber, Clearwater Main Library 100 N. Osceola Avenue. Please note that anyone wanting to appeal an official decision made by the CRA Board on any subject at a meeting must have a verbatim record of the meeting that includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is based. If you have any questions, please contact Rosemarie Call at (727) 562-4090 or rosemarie.call@myclearwater.com Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#21-10027 Agenda Date: 12/13/2021 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1 File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency Agenda Number: 4.2 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: Ratify and confirm the contract between the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Kokolakis Contracting authorizing an increase to the contract by $52,809 for costs associated with the installation of the America’s Everglades exhibit. SUMMARY: The purpose of this item is to request approval of a $52,809 increase in the contract with Kokolakis Contracting for work related to the installation of the America’s Everglades exhibit. In May 2021, the CRA Trustees approved a program budget of $500,000 for the purposes of establishing a three-year arts exhibition, gallery space and programming with the Clyde Butcher Gallery featuring the work of internationally renowned photographer Clyde Butcher. The 2018 Downtown Redevelopment Plan (Objective 3F and Policy 15) and the CRA 2021-2022 strategy calls for investment in cultural amenities to provide free, family friendly entertainment options. The CRA solicited quotes from a list of pre-qualified design/build contractors to develop cost estimates to construct a gallery and then to build the gallery. Kokolakis Construction was selected because of their experience with cultural institutions and strong relationships with electrical and drywall subcontractors. After a review of multiple sites in downtown, staff determined that the Clearwater Main Library would be the most effective and financially feasible site to establish the gallery space since it has the lowest buildout costs and existing staffing. We reviewed three vacant commercial spaces in downtown and Kokolakis estimated buildout costs of $215,00 to $325,000. Each space would have required hiring staff to operate the space as well. The initial estimate to construct the gallery space was $97,148. During construction, it was determined that the light levels in the atrium were too high and would damage the artwork. The team resolved this issue by raising the height of the gallery walls and installing vinyl over several windows. This resulted in an increased construction cost of $52,809. The total costs of construction and installation for this exhibit is $149,957. The gallery walls, lights and some of the black vinyl panels will be reused for future exhibits. Including this change order, the CRA has spent approximately $170,000 of the $500,000 program budget to create the gallery, pay exhibition costs, and market the exhibit. APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: Funds are available in capital improvement project 3887552- R2002 Community Engagement as part of the approved program budget. Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 12/2/2021 City of Clearwater Clyde Butcher Downtown Clearwater Gallery Change Proposal November 15, 2021 Page 1 of 2 November 15, 2021 City of Clearwater CRA Amanda Thompson 600 Cleveland Street, Suite 600 Clearwater, FL 33755 RE: Clyde Butcher Gallery – Clearwater Library Location – Change Proposal Dear Ms. Thompson, Thank you for the opportunity to work on this exciting project for the City of Clearwater CRA. Kokolakis is proud to have been part of your team to make this exhibit a reality. The following is a change proposal to include the additional scope that was added during construction per your request. Preconstruction and Design $17,055 Construction $80,093 Total Initial GMP $97,148* ADD: Artwork Installation $ 7,945 ADD: Window Blackout Vinyl & Wall Vinyl $23,700 ADD: QLED 50” Display TV $ 963 ADD: NEW 8’-0” High Drywall Display Walls $16,480 Insurance & Fees $ 3,721 Total Change Proposal $52,809 The Preconstruction and Design portion of the budget includes all preliminary design, Laughing Guava Exhibit Design Services and management services to finalize the scope of work. The final scope of work is as follows, added scope is identified in Blue. 1. Construction duration is assumed to be 4 weeks. 2. Safety, OSHA requirements, trash removal and temporary requirements are included in this estimate. 3. Existing flooring will be protected in work areas as it is existing to remain. 4. New 8’-0” high drywall partitions for artwork display based on Laughing Guava design. City of Clearwater Clyde Butcher Downtown Clearwater Gallery Change Proposal November 15, 2021 Page 2 of 2 5.Patch and paint existing drywall partitions in the existing gallery corridor. Painting of existing bathroom and offices is not included. 6.Black-out window vinyl and vinyl wall graphics per Laughing Guava design. 7.Interior life safety and room signs are included. 8.New 50” QLED Wall Mounted Display TV. 9.Installation of artwork and artwork specialty lighting. Power for specialty lighting was included inthe base electrical price. 10.Plumbing and HVAC (Air Conditioning) work is not included as these items are existing have beendeemed as acceptable to the Owner. 11.Electrical work is included as follows:a.New receptacles for specialty art lighting.b.Add / Upgrade lighting in the existing gallery corridor and main gallery space. LED lighting is included. If you have any question or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We appreciate the opportunity and look forward to a successful project. Sincerely, Jenny Sanchez, DBIA Preconstruction Manager CC: file Spreadsheet ReportPage 1210010_BD_JCS r411/15/2021 5:28 PMCity of ClearwaterClearwater Clyde Butcher GalleryConceptual Estimate Clearwater Library r4 CHANGE PROPOSALProject name210010_BD_JCS r4814 Cleveland StreetClearwaterFL 33755Document210010_BD_JCS r4EstimatorJenny SanchezLabor rate tableStandard LaborEquipment rate tableStd EquipJob size12000 sqftReport formatSorted by 'Sch of Val''Detail' summaryAllocate addons Spreadsheet ReportPage 2210010_BD_JCS r411/15/2021 5:28 PMSch of ValDescriptionTakeoff QuantityLabor AmountMaterial AmountVendor NameSub AmountSub NameEquip AmountOther AmountTotal Cost/UnitTotal Amount09-2900-01Gypsum BoardDrywall Temporary Art Walls - Per Laughing Guava Design230.00lnft--16,480CH&F--71.65/lnft16,48009-2900-01 Gypsum Board16,48016,48010-1400-01SignageVinyl Wall Art & Blackout Window Vinyl1.00slum-23,700JRB Installation--23,700.00/slum23,70010-1400-01 Signage23,70023,70011-5200-01Audio/VisualQLED TV 50"1.00lsum-963--962.99/lsum96311-5200-01 Audio/Visual96396311-6100-01Broadcast, Theater & Stage EquipmentArtwork Exhibit Installation1.00lsum-7,945Laughing Guava--7,945.00/lsum7,94511-6100-01 Broadcast, Theater & Stage Equipment7,9457,945Estimate TotalsDescriptionAmountTotalsLaborMaterial963Subcontract48,125EquipmentOther49,08849,088CM Contingency49,088Insurance: Builder's Risk General Liability Insurance FL Base Rate43543549,523CM Overhead1,584CM Fee1,584Procore Software118Total52,809 Cover Memo City of Clearwater Main Library - Council Chambers 100 N. Osceola Avenue Clearwater, FL 33755 File Number: ID#21-10026 Agenda Date: 12/13/2021 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1 File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency Agenda Number: 4.3 SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION: Report on the 2021-2022 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Strategy. SUMMARY: The purpose of this presentation is to provide an update on the implementation of the 2021-2022 CRA strategy. The goal of this strategy is to improve the perception of downtown among investors and residents through creating and sharing positive, authentic stories about downtown, increasing investor confidence and investing in placemaking. Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 12/2/2021 Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency 2021-2022 Strategy Adopted January 19, 2021 1 | P a g e Creating Sustainable Change in Downtown Revitalizing a downtown is a long term, complex process at the intersection of community engagement, economic development and urban planning. The purpose of a Community Redevelopment Agency area is to restore the functioning of a private market. This is achieved by identifying the barriers to redevelopment and investing public dollars to remove or reduce them resulting in increased private investment. The largest and most persistent barrier to the redevelopment of downtown Clearwater is a negative perception of the downtown. This negative perception limits visitors to downtown and has a dampening effect on investment in downtown. In May 2018, the CRA Trustees adopted a new Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan which outlined a vision and goals to increase the attractiveness of downtown as a place to live, work and play. The redevelopment plan also established an operational framework and a capital improvements budget for the next 5-10 years. The 2018 vision states, “Downtown Clearwater will thrive as the urban core and heart of the City, as the center of business and government, and as an attractive place to live, work, shop and play. A revitalized Downtown will be achieved through quality urban design, continued creation of a high-quality public realm, and a dense and livable pattern which will strengthen the overall health of the City.” The desired outcome of the 2021-2022 strategy is - to change the perceptions held by the public and investors about downtown Clearwater to one that aligns with the 2018 adopted vision. This outcome will be achieved through a series of activities under three primary focus areas and ongoing evaluation of CRA efforts. Current Context Since March 2020, there has been significant changes for the CRA including new trustees, the COVID-19 pandemic, a shift in the design of Imagine Clearwater to emphasize the live performance venue, and a new funding source through Pinellas County for workforce housing. Downtown businesses and City/CRA staff have responded to COVID 19 restrictions with creativity through the temporary closure of the 400- 500 blocks of Cleveland Street and the restaurant voucher program, among other initiatives. The City has provided business assistance through emergency grant funding. Over the next two years, there will be significant construction of public improvements throughout the CRA with Streetscape Phase III/Mercado in the Downtown Gateway and the waterfront redevelopment in the Downtown Core which will impact the accessibility and visibility of current businesses. There could be a referendum on the sale/lease of the bluff properties and the establishment of a conservancy which will need the support of Clearwater voters and donors to be successful. There will be increased County funding for workforce housing developments as well as the continuance of the Opportunity Zone federal tax benefits which could stimulate multi-family housing construction. Physical distancing impacts from COVID-19 will be in place through 2021, limiting in person special events and continuing the need to create new ways of gathering. Anticipating the impact of these factors is at the forefront of our Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency 2021-2022 Strategy Adopted January 19, 2021 2 | P a g e planning for the next two years. We will adapt to ever evolving public health restrictions and market changes. CRA 2020-2022 Strategy The outcome of the 2021-2022 strategy is the same as the 2018 strategy - to shift the perception held by the public and investors about downtown to one that is positive and encourages investment. All the proposed CRA programs, capital improvement projects, and activities are designed to change the perception of downtown to show it is welcoming, arts infused, vibrant, diverse, and sustained by partnerships. The CRA relies on partnerships, through both City departments and external organizations, to bring the adopted vision for downtown to life. Commitment to a work program and funding priorities allows staff to successfully plan for multi-year projects and communicate potential CRA investments to its partners. The work will be contained in three focus areas: 1. Creating and sharing positive, authentic stories about downtown Clearwater 2. Increasing investor confidence 3. Investing in placemaking and placekeeping Each focus area includes a list of objectives and implementation activities that are aligned with the 2018 Downtown Plan and will achieve the desired outcome of shifting perceptions of downtown and the city. Activities are categorized as ongoing, underway or planned as of January 1, 2021 and intended to finish by December 31, 2022. Baseline metrics for each objective will be established in January 2021. Focus Area One: Create and share authentic, positive stories about Downtown Clearwater Objectives: 1.A. Increase the number and diversity of individuals and organizations producing community engagement activities and special events in downtown 1.B. Increase the overall audience size and audience engagement of the CRA’s electronic communications channels 1.C. Establish a resident engagement program to build community-wide support for downtown redevelopment goals and businesses Ongoing o Host Downtown Clearwater website, social media channels and public meetings o Implement an Editorial Strategy with three areas – local business success, vibrant public spaces and the role of the arts in revitalization Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency 2021-2022 Strategy Adopted January 19, 2021 3 | P a g e o Implement 8 Social Media Campaigns - (short film contest, online public art tours, Downtown GIFs etc.) o Provide full time staff dedicated to marketing and public relations Underway o Build local capacity for special events through partnership with Parks and Recreation Co- Sponsorship, event management agreement with Amplify Clearwater and marketing grants from Downtown Development Board o Produce the Holiday Extravaganza event series annually in December o Create a Restaurant Voucher Marketing Campaign Planned o Create a resident engagement strategy (e.g. Downtown Champions program) o Provide marketing technical assistance contracts for businesses in CRA o Conduct “Open for Business” marketing campaigns during Imagine Clearwater and Streetscape construction o Analyze the perception of downtown in the print media and social media through sentiment analysis Focus Area Two: Increase investor confidence Objectives: 2.A. Attract $50 million dollars in private investment 2.B. Approve development agreements for the sale or lease of a minimum of three CRA owned properties 2.C. Build operational capacity of a minimum of three downtown business/community advocacy organizations 2.D. Reduce the number of ground floor, vacant commercial buildings by 10% Ongoing o Staff the Downtown Development Board, which provides grants for special events and business assistance Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency 2021-2022 Strategy Adopted January 19, 2021 4 | P a g e o Provide dedicated staff to assist small businesses in the CRA o Provide CRA grant programs in the areas of façade improvements, housing construction, build out of vacant commercial spaces and other physical improvements to commercial properties o Host a monthly CRA Business “Meet-up” program Underway o Publish a call for Letters of Interest for CRA owned properties o Conduct a targeted marketing and public relations campaign for Opportunity Zone investors o Publish RFPs (3) for CRA owned properties to attract residential, cultural, restaurant and retail uses o Assist in the redevelopment of the Bluff properties as part of Imagine Clearwater o Utilize the parking lot adjacent to The Nolen to support new restaurant/retail uses o Provide Food and Drink grant program implementation Planned o Update the CRA implementation plan as part of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan updates in 2021 o Partner with the Planning Department and Economic Development/Housing Department to construct a “missing middle” housing project o Create a “Welcome to Downtown Clearwater” business toolkit o Design a capacity building program for downtown organizations (Ex. DCMA) to increase their ability to host events, attract tenants and sustain their businesses Focus Area Three: Placemaking and Placekeeping Objectives: 3.A. Complete identified capital improvement projects 3.B. Develop three signature placemaking programs with a focus on children, downtown employees and the intersection of art and technology 3.C. Improve the physical appearance of blighted residential and commercial properties Ongoing o Produce community engagement programs (Ex. Children’s Day) o Fund public art programs (Murals, Art Installations, Augmented Reality etc.) o Provide support for Clearwater Community Garden Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency 2021-2022 Strategy Adopted January 19, 2021 5 | P a g e Underway o Construction of Streetscape Phase III and the Mercado Plaza o Construction of wayfinding signage o Commission design for the Cleveland Street Lighting Project o Provide COVID 19 compliant programming for the temporary closure of Cleveland Street o Host Virtual Art Tours Planned o Design Pinellas Trail improvements o Activate of Station Square o Recruit cultural uses to downtown o Create a comprehensive codes enforcement and rehabilitation program for residential properties