Community Investment Areas 

Header CIA CRA

The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency, CRA is a public entity that finances the redevelopment in predefined areas of the city.

A Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a dependent taxing district established by local government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the tax base, and encouraging public and private investments in the redevelopment area. It’s designed to encourage property development to overcome urban blight. Check out the various programs available to non-profit and private developers, first-time home buyers, and seniors over 60 years old.   

Developer Incentive Programs

Maximizing resources to provide opportunity to citizens


Impact fees including water and sewer will be waived to qualified non-profit and private developers interested in building attainable homes in the city’s core improvement area.

The Developer Incentive Program requires developers to sell homes to buyers at or below 120% area median income.

Since the program stared in 2021, 28 attainable homes have been built. 

CRA building home
(2) CRA Photo banner

Attainable Housing Program & Down Payment Assistance 

Connecting people with quality affordable homes

Down payment assistance is available to qualified first-time home buyers interested in purchasing a newly constructed home within the City's Northwest Neighborhood. 

City staff partners with private and non-profit housing developers to build attainable homes.

Homebuyers interested in qualifying for the attainable housing down payment assistance program are encouraged to contact the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency at (863) 678-4182.

Qualifications

  • Must be a first-time homebuyer (cannot have owned a home in the last 3 years).
  • Complete a Homebuyer Education Class by a HUD approved agency.
  • Credit worthiness. Must qualify to obtain a loan commitment for a first mortgage with a fixed interest rate.
  • Household income must be at or below 120% Area Median Income (AMI). HUD Home Income Limits
  • Additional resources for questions: Hands of Central Florida at (863) 682-1025, or visit: Hands of Central Florida
(2) CRA Photo banner

Legacy Rehabilitation Program

Helping seniors with home improvements 

The Legacy Housing Rehabilitation Program is designed to help eligible homeowners 60 and older, living in the northwest neighborhood with various services, such as roof repairs, exterior painting, light construction and lawn cleanup.

Since the program started in 2021, more than 35 homes have been improved. 

Seniors interested in service may complete an application. Click here

Applications may also be submitted by standard mail to CRA Coordinator at 201 W. Central Ave. Lake Wales, FL 33859, or by email to obates@lakewalesfl.gov.

Qualifications

  • Must be 60 years of age or older.
  • Must be occupying a self-owned home in the City's historic Northwest Neighborhood.