This item is presented to the Board of County Commissioners to consider authorizing County staff to explore creation of a Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) for the American Beach neighborhood on the south end of Amelia Island. Residents and property owners in American Beach are interested in identifying ways to protect the history of the community and identify opportunities for improvements in the community. Water and sewer infrastructure has been of particular interest, and the American Beach Property Owners Association has been in discussion with the County about also looking into loan programs through the State for such infrastructure. A CRA is another possible tool to utilize in helping fund improvements to the neighborhood, but also work on historic preservation efforts in the community. PEO staff has met with the Property Owners and Friends of American Beach board members to discuss a variety of planning options, of which a CRA is one. Many of the suggested community planning tools could be incorporated into a CRA planning effort. This is a strategy to consider also in part because the County does not have a local historic preservation program. A CRA has previously been explored, about twenty years ago, but was not completed. Work from that prior effort could be utilized in helping move forward. Working through the CRA process would require substantial community input and outreach in order to ensure it is a community-driven effort. A first step would be completion of a Finding of Necessity, which would cost approximately $15,000. PEO staff will be present to share a presentation on CRA basics and information on past efforts.