The mission of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is to aggressively pursue redevelopment and revitalization activities within the redevelopment areas in the 1,664 acre Downtown Redevelopment Area. The emphasis is on providing more housing and cultural arts opportunities, improving long-term transportation needs and encouraging retail development, while the Conroy Road and Republic Drive Redevelopment Areas focus on transportation
The mission of the Orlando Downtown Development Board (DDB) is to strengthen the role of Downtown Orlando as the economic, governmental and cultural center of Central Florida. The DDB is responsible for the planning, implementation and administration of the City’s core area redevelopment and development program.
Thomas Chatmon
HRS recruited Thomas Chatmon in 2007. Since joining the City of Orlando as Executive Director of the Downtown Development Board (DDB) and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Thomas Chatmon oversees economic development, retail and business recruitment, marketing and special events programming, and housing development within the downtown CRA area. He has played an integral role in achieving some of downtown Orlando’s premier developments, including Church Street Plaza, Citi Tower, Marriott Orlando Downtown, Amway Center, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Chase Plaza, 55 West, SunRail, and more.
Currently, Thomas serves on the Homeless Services Network Board as Chair and the Canvs/FireSpring Fund/Starter Studio Board. He has served as past chair of the International Downtown Association (IDA) and has served on various community boards including past chair of Nap Ford Community School, MyRegion.org, WMFE Community Advisory Board, and the Central Florida Urban League Board.