Allouez approves creation of Community Development Authority

ALLOUEZ – The Allouez Village Board unanimously approved the creation of a Community Development Authority (CDA) at its May 20 meeting.

In a memo to the board, Allouez Director of Planning and Community Development Trevor Fuller outlined the many benefits a CDA would provide to the village, including “planning, coordinating and implementing community redevelopment, housing initiatives and economic development activities.”

Additionally, the CDA would have the authority to engage in activities such as property acquisition, site preparation and planning; be eligible to apply for and administer state and federal funding; serve as a vehicle to encourage collaboration between the village and private developers; and provide structure and momentum to create diverse housing options and attract new businesses to the village.

The CDA will be its own entity, but coordinate closely with village leadership and consist of seven members — two members of the village board and five citizen members appointed by the board.

“This is very exciting,” said Village President Jim Rafter. “We have a vision for the village and this CDA will allow us to do even more of what we want. I’m very excited about this.”