Ten ways Agency membership in the California Redevelopment Association can benefit you each day!
1. You will have legislative representation at the State Capitol.
Your membership will protect and enhance the redevelopment process through effective and professional legislative representation.
2. You will be up–to–date on all redevelopment legislation through the Executive Director’s Reports and Legislative Bill Reports.
You will stay informed and up-to-date on all adopted or pending legislation and goings on in the State Capitol by the Executive Directors Reports and through the CRA Legislative Bill Report. These reports give you an analysis of the how legislation will affect you. It makes you part of the legislative process, rather than a spectator.
3. You’ll have opportunities to sharpen your skills and make contacts at CRA seminars & workshops.
Throughout the year, CRA holds upwards of 30 seminars, workshops and conferences in strategic locations in both northern and southern California. The week-long Redevelopment Institute includes many thought-provoking, hands-on, intensive, small forum workshops for in-depth study of relevant topics. The Annual Conference & Expo is not only an educational event, but also a powerful means for members to network with colleagues.
4. You will get state-of-the-art information through CRA’s Redevelopment magazine.
Through the Journal, you will gain real-life insights and understanding of important redevelopment issues and trends. Many articles are written by members who share their experiences on redevelopment projects which can assist your efforts.
5. You will benefit from CRA’s Grass Roots Organizing Campaign.
This January we launched our grassroots education campaign to redefine and reposition redevelopment agencies. The theme of this campaign – “Redevelopment. Building Better Communities” – encapsulates the message we want to communicate. As redevelopment professionals, we all know the important contributions we deliver to our state, to the economy, to working families, to infrastructure, and to the social well-being of every community. Unfortunately, many of our good works get lost because we simply
haven’t organized to “tell our story.” Through this organized grassroots education campaign, we are helping local redevelopment officials and our supporters become better informed advocates in support of redevelopment – with internal audiences, the media, state legislators and other opinion leaders. We are putting a “face” on redevelopment and demonstrating that we are the catalyst that makes many important economic and community investment projects possible. To be successful in this campaign we need
the participation of all agencies, including yours.
6. You will save money through membership discounts when buying publications, attending seminars and workshops, and on advertising.
The constantly expanding catalog of CRA publications is available to our members at discount rates. You will also appreciate membership discounts up to 30 percent on all CRA seminars and workshops. You may also place employment and RFP/RFQ ads in Redevelopment magazine at discounted rates. If your staff members need quality redevelopment education and materials, your CRA membership will save your agency money. Your CRA membership gets you valuable services and saves you money.
7. You’ll be able to tap into the resource library chock full of information about redevelopment programs, documents and deals.
The resources CRA has gathered are available to you, as a member, at no charge. Various items of great interest include: RFPs and RFQs, Housing Reports, Financial Reports, DDAs, OPAs, etc. Just by one quick phone call, the information will be rushed to your fingertips.
8. Your agency will be highlighted in the Redevelopment Directory.
You will be listed in the CRA Directory. The Directory lists key information on the 350 Agency members and 290 allied private firms. You will have the names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of other redevelopment professionals readily available. You will be able to learn about redevelopment agency projects and programs, and the services, products and accomplishments of associate member firms and organizations.
9. You will be able to take part in the CRA Award of Excellence Program.
The CRA Award of Excellence Program gives members the opportunity to highlight their community redevelopment programs. It provides recognition and allows members to share redevelopment excellence with the rest of the redevelopment agencies throughout the state. This program supports the CRA’s mission of public education and will highlight your efforts when you are selected for this statewide recognition.
10. You will be able to get answers to redevelopment questions.
The CRA is here to help you with technical questions. CRA staff will find quick answers to your redevelopment questions and put you in contact with other redevelopment practitioners who can help.