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In 1949, the United States enacted the Housing Act to address the decline in urban housing. Fast forward to 1969 and the Florida Redevelopment Act was passed so local governments throughout the state could create community redevelopment agencies and address slum and blight. During the first episode of 2021, the Redevelopment Works podcast takes a deep dive into the past, present and future of Florida’s redevelopment efforts. Join FRA’s executive director, Amber Hughes and guest speaker, Ryan Matthews as they examine the history of redevelopment, how it has changed our landscape and how it shapes our future. About the Speaker: Ryan Matthews of Peebles, Smith & Matthews, has extensive experience in local, state and federal government advocacy. He previously served as the associate legislative director for the Florida League of Cities and focuses his practice on general utilities (electric/water/wastewater), environmental, transportation, telecommunications, growth management and local government representation.

COVID-19 has disrupted all industries including redevelopment practice in Florida. During this episode, we explore how Coronavirus has impacted Florida’s redevelopment efforts and its professionals. FRA’s executive director, Amber Hughes and guest speaker, Kelley Klepper discuss the challenges we have faced as well as opportunities to help adequately prepare for the future of redevelopment. https://redevelopment.net/ About the Speaker: Kelley Klepper, AICP, is a Vice President with Kimley-Horn, where he has worked for the last 15 years providing land use planning, development, and redevelopment services to both private sector and public sector clients. His 28 years of experience includes serving as the Planning Director/Director of Development Services for the City of Georgetown, Kentucky prior to joining Kimley-Horn. Kelley has a Master’s Degree in Geography/Urban & Regional Planning, is a certified land use planner, and sits on a variety of local and state boards. Kelley’s background includes significant experience in community redevelopment, comprehensive planning, zoning, small area plans/land use studies, community assessments, consensus building and community outreach, and the development of land use/zoning codes including form-based codes. A native of northeast Tennessee, Kelley has worked in or provided planning related services to communities in Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. His work has been recognized by the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association and the Florida Planning and Zoning Association. He has been a guest speaker at local, regional, state, and national conferences where he has addressed a variety of issues related to land use and development/redevelopment.

As of October 1, 2019, CRAs in Florida must follow the procurement policies of creating local government. During this episode of the Redevelopment Works podcast we will take a deep dive into purchasing rules and regulations as well as how new statutes align with the other requirements already applicable to CRAs. Clifford B. Shepard practices and mediates extensively in the areas of government law, employment, defense, real estate, construction law, complex commercial litigation and community association law. He is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in City, County and Local Government Law. https://redevelopment.net/

The legal process in Chapter 163, Part III for disposal of property is unclear at best. The language can be read several ways, and there is important guidance missing in any Florida statutes. City and CRA attorneys have come up with suggested language to help, but it has not been adopted by the legislature. What can local government attorneys do in the meantime? We are seeking knowledge by attorneys who have successfully completed the disposal process in a CRA. We also will hear from those who have tried or completed the disposal process and have suggestions based on real challenges. About the Speaker: David Tolces represents public and private clients in governmental and real estate matters, including property redevelopment, wireless communication facilities, sign code issues, environmental matters, financing of workforce and affordable housing, landlord/tenant relations, and land use and zoning matters. As a Florida Bar Board Certified lawyer in City, County and Local Government Law, David specializes in representing Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) and public housing authorities. He currently serves as General Counsel for the Lake Worth Beach CRA and the Margate CRA. David also serves as General Counsel for the Broward County Housing Authority, the Deerfield Beach Housing Authority, the Dania Beach Housing Authority, and the Housing Authority of the City of Pompano Beach. https://redevelopment.net