What is CRA?
The California Redevelopment Association was established as a not-for-profit organization in 1979. Its name was changed to the California Redevelopment Association Foundation and an affiliated not-for-profit trade association called the California Redevelopment Association was formed in December, 2006. These two affiliated organizations (hereafter referred to as CRA) represent redevelopment agencies and allied firms throughout the state of California in responding to legislative proposals and administrative regulations,
providing member services, conducting training and professional development events, and providing public information regarding redevelopment law and activities. CRA is comprised of over 350 redevelopment agencies. In addition, CRA's associate members include more than 300 private sector companies such as financial institutions, redevelopment consultants, developers, and law firms that are involved in the redevelopment process.
Legislative Advocacy
CRA sponsors, supports, opposes, and monitors redevelopment and related legislation, providing advocacy services in the State Capital.
Professional Development
CRA provides education and networking opportunities for redevelopment practitioners so they can effectively apply California redevelopment law and regulations in reducing blight, promoting economic development, creating jobs, and developing affordable housing in their communities. CRA conducts educational seminars and conferences each year and publishes workbooks and documents regarding various aspects of redevelopment.
Public Education
CRA supports redevelopment agencies in educating the public, members of the press, public officials, and legislators about the benefits and accomplishments of redevelopment and its contributions to livable communities with affordable housing, infrastructure development, jobs creation, and economic viability of cities and counties in California.
Member Services
CRA publishes a monthly Redevelopment Journal, periodic legislative analyses, a membership directory, and other publications. It also conducts regional briefings on current issues and maintains a clearinghouse for information pertaining to redevelopment.
Governance & Funding
Eighteen executive directors or designees from local redevelopment agencies constitute the Board of Directors of CRA. The Board is assisted by an Advisory Board comprised of representatives from private businesses. CRA also has various standing committees of its members. Funding for CRA is primarily through agency and organization membership dues and seminar registration fees.
Professional Development & Public Education Events
CRA’s conferences, seminars and workshops improve the skill sets and knowledge bases of redevelopment practitioners.
Our events offer substantive sessions, networking opportunities, and venues to create public-private partnerships. The following programs are open to all interested persons:
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Annual Conference & Expo
A large convention of local and state officials, organizations and firms to take part in substantive sessions, small group discussions, a trade show, networking, and keynotes that provoke thought, stir to action, develop relationships and renew acquaintances.
Spring
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Introduction to Redevelopment
An educational seminar and survey course on redevelopment.
Spring / Fall
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Redevelopment Institute
One dozen intensive, hands-on classes in small forums.
Late Spring / Summer
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Redevelopment 101 & Financial Reporting Workshops
Summer / Summer
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Affordable Housing Conference
A joint meeting of CRA and the California Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies to address California housing issues and needs.
Fall
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Regional Legislative/Membership Meetings
Held throughout California in the Fall, these meetings provide a forum for information about results of CRA’s legislative efforts and discussion with members to give the Association direction on the needs of local government and private-sector members.
Fall