\u201cThe CRA Board helps revitalize commercial areas and neighborhoods, support local businesses, improve public spaces, and encourage economic growth,\u201d the city said in a separate Thursday Facebook post.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to the city\u2019s Planning Commission notice<\/a>, applicants must live within city limits and file annual financial disclosures. Members serve three-year terms, generally limited to two consecutive full terms unless the City Commission approves otherwise.\u00a0<\/p>\n The city encourages applicants with experience in architecture, engineering, real estate, environmental science, urban planning, construction or project management. The Planning Commission reviews proposed developments, zoning changes and comprehensive plan amendments, making recommendations to the City Commission.\u00a0<\/p>\n At a May 20 workshop, city officials discussed the Planning Commission\u2019s future<\/a> following questions about its oversight of development and whether members could be removed. Longtime Chairman William Gusler resigned the following month, disputing suggestions that the advisory board was responsible for the city\u2019s growth-related problems.\u00a0<\/p>\n Gusler\u2019s resignation in June left six members on the seven-member Planning Commission. Robert Ryan subsequently presided over meetings, although the board did not formally elect him chair.\u00a0Eric Mock serves as vice chair. \u00a0<\/p>\n On Sept. 2, the City Commission unanimously adopted two ordinances establishing appointment procedures for the Planning Commission and CRA Board, including application requirements and applicant qualifications. The measures followed earlier discussions<\/a> about standardizing the city\u2019s board appointment processes.\u00a0<\/p>\n For the CRA Board vacancy, applicants must reside in Apopka, with preference given to those who own or operate businesses within the CRA district.\u00a0A resume is required.\u00a0The city also favors candidates with redevelopment experience, including real estate, planning, architecture, engineering, construction or project management, as well as business or community leadership.\u00a0<\/p>\n The CRA Board, chaired by Mayor Nick Nesta, includes the four city commissioners, an Orange County representative and a vacant city-appointed resident seat. The board administers redevelopment funding and oversees projects intended to encourage investment and economic activity within the designated district.\u00a0<\/p>\n Apopka resident John Drago serves as Orange County\u2019s representative on the CRA Board. Chenicqua \u201cNikki\u201d Williams resigned from her city-appointed seat effective Dec. 31, 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n The city\u2019s announcements do not specify how many Planning Commission vacancies are being filled or whether publicly advertising the application process represents a new practice.\u00a0<\/p>\n Residents may apply through the city\u2019s Planning Commission<\/a> and CRA<\/a> webpages. Questions may be directed to the City Clerk\u2019s Office at cityclerk@apopka.net<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Teresa Sargeant has been with The Apopka Chief for over 10 years.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1792463177_793_6.png\")
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