Jesus Niño, Executive Director, Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency

July 2026 — Invest: spoke with Jesus Niño, executive director of the Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency, about the momentum behind downtown redevelopment, the alignment of public and private investment, and Clearwater’s modernizing infrastructure. “Our goal is to create the conditions for long-term, holistic transformation by aligning investment, creating great places, and fostering opportunities that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike. That starts with making sure people understand what Clearwater has become and where it is headed,” Niño said.

What changes over the past year have most impacted the CRA, and in what ways?

I think the biggest changes that have impacted the CRA over the past year have been alignment and momentum. We have done a strong job aligning public and private investment around key redevelopment projects.

There is a significant amount of infrastructure work underway, from streetscapes and block enhancements to transit investments. For example, the new PSTA transit station and the new Clearwater City Hall are both part of this broader effort. We are also partnering on private developments that are bringing new housing, businesses, and activity to downtown.

All of this work is happening simultaneously, and that alignment is creating real momentum, strengthening our sense of place, and helping transform downtown into a more vibrant destination.

What recent developments or projects led by the CRA are having a big impact on the community?

We operate under a clear community redevelopment plan that guides how we approach downtown development, and that vision is actively being implemented.

On the infrastructure side, the city is undertaking improvements along Osceola Avenue to create a safer,  more pedestrian-friendly corridor and better accommodate multiple modes of transportation.

We are also supporting catalytic development projects. The CRA has helped advance projects such as the Bluffs Apartments and the Ballad Hotel through land contribution and investment.

Combined with earlier transformational projects like Coachman Park, these efforts are strengthening downtown’s sense of place, attracting new investment, and creating a more vibrant connected community. 

What key trends are shaping community redevelopment in Clearwater and Tampa Bay?

One of the most important trends is the modernization of infrastructure. We are seeing more integration of smart technology, particularly in transportation and parking. For example, a new parking garage we are developing will function more like a mixed-use building, with commercial space on the ground floor rather than a traditional structure, creating a more active and pedestrian-friendly streetscape.

Another major trend is the increase in residential development in downtown areas. Across the country, cities are focusing on creating environments where people can live, work, and play in one place. We are actively supporting both market-rate and affordable housing to build that kind of vibrancy and strengthen downtown as a destination.

A third key trend is the alignment of public and private investment. That coordination is essential, and it is something we are prioritizing in all of our projects.

What are some of the main challenges facing the CRA today?

One of our biggest challenges is changing perceptions of Clearwater. We are widely known for our world-class beaches, but historically our downtown has faced challenges.

That is changing quickly. We are seeing record-breaking attendance at venues like The BayCare Sound, increasing investment, and growing activity throughout downtown.

The challenge now is making sure the broader market understands what is happening. Investors are starting to recognize the opportunity, but we need to continue telling our story so more people can see Clearwater as a vibrant destination, a hub of opportunity, and a place where investment can create lasting value.

How are you turning those challenges into opportunities?

With increased activity in the downtown comes new complexities, but we are addressing them proactively. One key step has been bringing in a marketing firm to help us better communicate our vision for downtown. We are focused on rebranding, creating a unique downtown identity, and presenting a clear picture of what Clearwater is becoming.

We want to show that Clearwater is evolving into something even stronger, with a vibrant downtown that complements its established identity as a beach destination while emerging as a destination for investment, redevelopment, culture, and year-round activity.

How does the CRA engage with residents, businesses, and stakeholders to ensure redevelopment efforts are inclusive?

For us, the community includes everyone with a stake in downtown, including residents, business owners, investors, visitors, and employees.

We work closely with partners such as the Chamber of Commerce, our communications teams, and other stakeholders to ensure consistent outreach. We hold monthly public meetings, maintain an active presence on social media, and engage directly with businesses and residents through in-person outreach.

Effective communication is essential, and we are continuously refining our strategies to make sure we are reaching everyone involved and helping shape a shared vision for downtown’s future.

How do community redevelopment agencies contribute to the broader economic development of the Tampa Bay region?

Community Redevelopment Agencies, or CRAs, play a critical role across Florida. They are vision-oriented public agencies with strategic redevelopment plans aimed at addressing areas of need, attracting investment, and driving long-term redevelopment.

While some people see CRAs as tools, they are actually organizations with dedicated governance, dedicated trust funds, and a long-term commitment to creating stronger, more vibrant communities. By leveraging partnerships and investment from multiple sources, CRAs amplify their impact and help bring transformative projects to life. In Clearwater, our CRA works in close alignment with the city’s strategic and comprehensive plans, as well as regional initiatives.

Across Tampa Bay and the state, CRAs have been highly effective in transforming downtown areas, creating economic opportunity, strengthening communities, leveraging public and private investment, and improving quality of life, and Clearwater is part of that broader success.

How is the CRA approaching workforce development and talent attraction?

We approach workforce development primarily through partnerships. We collaborate with the city’s economic development and housing department, Pinellas County, and workforce agencies to support talent development.

Our role often focuses on infrastructure and enabling business growth. For example, we help local businesses expand by improving properties, providing land, or supporting redevelopment projects.

These efforts create the conditions for businesses to grow and attract talent, while our partners focus more directly on workforce programs. Our goal is to create a downtown environment that attracts talent, supports business growth, and expands opportunity.

What are your key priorities for the next two to three years?

Our top priority is updating our community redevelopment plan for downtown Clearwater. This plan defines our long-term vision, and it needs to reflect upcoming changes, including the relocation of the county seat, which will create transformational redevelopment opportunities.

We are preparing for approximately 25 acres of land to become available and are working closely with the county to ensure that redevelopment is strategic, vision-driven, and aligned with our goals.

Another priority is strengthening partnerships across both public and private sectors to ensure coordinated progress.

Finally, we are focused on marketing and storytelling. We want to make sure the world understands that downtown Clearwater is evolving and that we are ready for new investment, collaboration, and a generation of opportunity.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I would emphasize the importance of CRAs. They are vision-oriented public agencies with clear plans to improve communities, and they play a key role in creating transformational outcomes, fostering lasting community impact, and turning vision into reality.

We recognize the need to tell our story more effectively. We have achieved a great deal, but we want to ensure that our successes and our vision for the future are clearly communicated.

Our goal is to create the conditions for long-term, holistic transformation, and that starts with making sure people understand what Clearwater has become and where it is headed.