During the City of Pensacola Community Redevelopment Agency meeting on January 13, 2025, a significant concern was raised regarding the lack of public representation in the urban core redevelopment process. A board member highlighted that the redevelopment efforts have not been adequately vetted since their inception in 2020, leaving a large area of the community without proper representation during a critical time of planning and funding.

The discussion centered around the need for merging the East Side, West Side, and Urban Core boards to ensure that there are enough members to form a quorum and actively engage in redevelopment initiatives. Currently, the Urban Core board, which consists of 11 specific positions, struggles to meet the quorum requirement of six members, leading to missed opportunities for community input and oversight.

The board member expressed frustration that the Urban Core board has not convened in two years, despite an ordinance mandating a minimum of four meetings per year. This lack of activity raises concerns about the neglect of community needs and the potential mismanagement of funds allocated for redevelopment.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing these governance issues to ensure that residents are represented and that redevelopment efforts are transparent and effective. The board member called for a reevaluation of the current structure and processes to better serve the community and uphold the responsibilities outlined in the city ordinance.

As the city moves forward, the discussions from this meeting highlight the importance of community involvement in redevelopment decisions, ensuring that all voices are heard and that the needs of residents are prioritized in future planning efforts.