C.R.I.A.
Community Revitalization Investment Authority (C.R.I.A.)
Investing in the Future of Old Town Victorville
For Victorville to be its strongest, all of our neighborhoods must thrive. That is why the revitalization of Old Town Victorville remains a key City priority.
To support that effort, the City has established a Community Revitalization Investment Authority, or C.R.I.A., focused on Old Town and other eligible areas. A C.R.I.A. is a state-authorized tool that helps local agencies invest in revitalization, infrastructure, and affordable housing in communities that meet certain economic and physical conditions.
This is not a new tax. Instead, C.R.I.A. funding comes from future growth in property tax revenue within the designated project area. As properties are improved and new development occurs, taxable property values may increase. A participating public agency may choose to dedicate a share of that growth, known as tax increment, to be reinvested back into the CRIA area.
The City is currently encouraging the County of San Bernardino to join the C.R.I.A. as a participating taxing entity. If established with tax increment participation, this tool can help support reinvestment in Old Town, encourage housing development, and strengthen the area’s long-term economic vitality.
Background
In 2020, the City of Victorville began the process of forming a Community Revitalization Investment Authority in the Old Town Victorville area.
Under California Government Code Sections 62001(d) and 62001(e), a C.R.I.A. may be established in areas that meet specific criteria, including disadvantaged
communities and areas experiencing conditions such as lower household incomes, higher unemployment, higher crime rates, deteriorated infrastructure, and deteriorated structures.
In 2021, Senate Bill 780 (SB 780) expanded the flexibility of C.R.I.A. law by allowing local agencies to include additional parcels suitable for housing development, including sites identified in a certified Housing Element and parcels zoned for transit-priority projects.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 62003, the C.R.I.A. Board is responsible for adopting a Community Revitalization and Investment Plan that identifies project areas and provides for the receipt and use of tax increment funds generated within those areas.
The Victorville C.R.I.A. Plan is intended to support implementation of the Old Town Specific Plan and advance economic revitalization and affordable housing opportunities within the C.R.I.A. area.
What is C.R.I.A.?
A Community Revitalization Investment Authority is a public agency authorized under California law to help revitalize disadvantaged communities and support affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and economic development within a defined area.
California created C.R.I.A.s in 2015 through Assembly Bill 2 (AB 2) as one of the few remaining tools available to local governments after the dissolution of redevelopment agencies.
Why did Victorville create a C.R.I.A.?
Old Town Victorville is an important historic and economic area of the community. The City created the C.R.I.A. to provide a path for long-term reinvestment in Old Town and other qualifying areas.
After redevelopment was dissolved in 2012, C.R.I.A.s became one of the few available tools local governments can use to support revitalization and affordable housing efforts.
The C.R.I.A. is intended to help:
· Encourage revitalization and private investment.
· Support affordable housing development.
· Improve public infrastructure.
· Assist with rehabilitation of aging properties.
· Strengthen the overall economic health of the area.
How does funding work?
The C.R.I.A. does not create a new tax or increase existing tax rates.
Instead, funding may come from the growth in property tax revenues generated within the C.R.I.A. area over time. As development occurs and property values rise, the resulting increase in tax revenue may be allocated to the C.R.I.A. by participating taxing entities and then used only for eligible improvements within the project area.
At this time, the City and County have not yet pledged all or a portion of their tax increment. Participation by eligible taxing entities is necessary for the C.R.I.A. to receive tax increment revenue.
How can C.R.I.A. funds be used?
C.R.I.A. funds may be used for infrastructure, affordable housing, acquisition, rehabilitation, retrofit programs, and business support within the project area.
If tax increment revenue becomes available, C.R.I.A. funds may be used for eligible activities such as:
· Public infrastructure improvements.
· Affordable housing development.
· Property acquisition.
· Building rehabilitation and retrofit programs.
· Loans or grants to property owners and tenants.
· Business assistance and economic development efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Old Town qualify?
The Old Town area meets state eligibility criteria based on measures such as income levels, unemployment, crime, and physical conditions within the area.
Does the C.R.I.A. create a new tax?
No. A C.R.I.A. does not impose a new tax. It may receive a share of future growth in property tax revenue generated within the project area, if participating taxing entities choose to contribute that increment.
How does the C.R.I.A. benefit the community?
The C.R.I.A. creates a potential funding source for projects that improve infrastructure, support housing, strengthen businesses, and revitalize the area over time.
What are the benefits to the County?
As properties improve and values increase, the tax base can grow. Revitalization may also reduce demand for certain public services over time.
Who serves on the C.R.I.A. Board?
The Board includes three Council Members and two community representatives who live in Victorville and either reside or work within the Authority Plan Area.
Contact
For questions regarding the Community Revitalization Investment Authority, please contact:
Phone: (760) 955-5032
Email: opportunities@victorvilleca.gov