City News Blog: Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Launches "Restore the Core" Redevelopment Plan Updates - Open House Event on November 6 Kicks Off Public Engagement for CRA Districts
LAKELAND, FL (October 22, 2025) | The City of Lakeland is proud to announce the launch of Restore the Core, a comprehensive initiative aimed at updating the plans for the Dixieland, Downtown, and Midtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) districts. As part of this effort, the Lakeland CRA has contracted with three consultant teams to undertake a gap analysis of the redevelopment plans for each area, with data-driven recommendations to follow extensive community engagement.
The public is invited to participate in the Restore the Core Open House on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the RP Funding Center’s Lake Hollingsworth room. This event marks the kickoff of a robust public engagement series designed to involve residents, business owners, and stakeholders in shaping the future of the city’s core districts.
“Restore the Core is about honoring our history while investing in our future,” said Valerie Vaught, CRA Manager. “The updated plans for Dixieland, Downtown, and Midtown will build on community input and set the stage for long-term, inclusive growth. These areas are where Lakeland began – and where our future potential still lives.”
Key Redevelopment Priorities Under "Restore the Core":
- Support for Local Business and Economic Growth
- Improved Streetscapes, Green Spaces, and Walkability
- Expanded Housing Options Through Mixed-Use and Infill Development
- Historic Preservation and Cultural District Enhancement
- Safer, More Connected Transportation Networks
At the Open House, attendees will be able to:
- Learn about Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency
- Engage with City, CRA staff and consultant teams
- Share ideas through interactive displays
- Learn how to stay involved throughout the plan update process
Event Details:
Restore the Core – CRA Open House
• Thursday, November 6, 2025
• 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• RP Funding Center: Lake Hollingsworth Room (closest to Entrance 2)
701 W Lime St., Lakeland, FL 33815
• Free & open to the public
The event is the first in a series of public engagement opportunities continuing through Spring 2026, including pop-ups, surveys, focus groups, and booth setups at community events.
Can’t make it in person? Visit restorethecorelkld.com for more information and provide feedback online. For questions regarding this event, please contact Valerie Vaught, Manager of the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency.
Contact
Jamin Smith
Digital Content Creator
City of Lakeland
863-834-6394
SocialMedia@lakelandgov
About Lakeland
The City of Lakeland was incorporated in January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population fast approaching 130,000 Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for over 30 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State in 1889.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Citizens are also invited to follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat and Nextdoor. Citizens can find the City of Lakeland on these social media platforms by searching lakelandgov.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please explore LakelandGov.net.
Citizens are also invited to follow the City on social media.