Community Redevelopment Authority

The Community Redevelopment Authority, Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce, Hastings Economic Development Corporation, and the City of Hastings have partnered with Marvin Planning Consultants to conduct a housing needs assessment to determine both present and future housing needs during the next five years. 

Several incentives are available through the Community Redevelopment Authority to assist small businesses and developers within the Central Business District boundaries and other redevelopment areas.

REVOLVING LOAN FUND

The CRA's Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is used to assist businesses and developers by providing low-interest loans for business start-ups, business expansion, building rehabilitation, and other designated uses.

TAX INCREMENT FINANCING

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is primarily designed to finance the public costs associated with a private development project.  Property tax increases resulting from new development are targeted to repay the public investment required by a project.  TIF projects may be commercial, residential, industrial, or mixed-use. The following is a non-exclusive list of expenses that the CRA may allow as TIF-eligible expenses.     

  • Acquisition and site preparation of redevelopment sites including demolition, grading, special foundations, environmental remediation and related work prior to construction of the project.

  • Public Improvements associated with a redevelopment project including the design and construction of public streets, utilities, parks, public parking and enhancements to structures that exceed the minimum standards to prevent the reoccurrence of substandard and blighted conditions.

  • Repair or rehabilitation of structures within the redevelopment project area.

  • Architectural and engineering service fees related to the project as well as the municipality attorney’s fees and other required fees related to the TIF administration.

FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The purpose of the Facade Grant Program is to restore, improve or create historic architectural features for facades of commercial buildings anywhere within the downtown Central Business District.  Applicants may be awarded up to $15,000 for facades, storefronts, and awnings or up to $1,000 for signage with a matching dollar-for-dollar expenditure by the owner/tenant.

The Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) was established by the Hastings City Council in March of 1987 and is charged with the conservation and rehabilitation of substandard or blighted areas within the City.  The Authority is a five-member board appointed to serve by the Mayor and City Council and may exercise all of the power and authority granted by State Statutes.  The CRA meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Chamber Development Center located at 301 S. Burlington.  Current Authority members are:

Authority Members Year Appointed Term Expires
Dick Hysell, Chairman  11/01/2022  11/01/2027 
Kaleena Fong 10/08/2018 11/01/2024
Dan Schwartzkopf 11/01/2023 11/01/2028 
Becky Sullivan 04/11/2022 11/01/2027
Rick Klamm  01/25/2015 11/01/2025 

The Authority utilizes several development tools to assist developers with commercial, industrial, or residential projects within the fifteen redevelopment areas it serves.  Projects applying for CRA assistance must qualify by meeting certain criteria.

  • The project must be located within an existing redevelopment area or an area eligible for a designation of blight as set forth by State Statute.
  • The project must be located within a redevelopment area prior to the preparation of a Redevelopment Plan.
  • The project must further the objectives of the City's Redevelopment Plan for the area as well as the City's Comprehensive Plan.

Over the past three decades, CRA projects have added over $135,000,000 in new valuation to the community and assisted with the construction of over 500 affordable housing units.

TO SEE ALL 16 redevelopment areas - CLICK HERE

Blight & Substandard Study - Area #1
Blight & Substandard Study - Area #2
Blight & Substandard Study - Area #3
Blight & Substandard Study - Area #4
Blight & Substandard Study - Area #5
Blight & Substandard Study - Area #6
Blight & Substandard Study - Area #7
Blight & Substandard Study - Area #8
Blight & Substandard Study - Area #9, #10 & #11
Blight & Substandard Study - Area #12 & #13
Blight & Substandard Study - Area #14
Blight & Substandard Study - Area #15
Blight & Substandard Study - Area #16