HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRA-R-13-0007 Cover MemoSEOPW Board of Commissioners Meeting
January 28, 2013
SOUTHEAST OVERTOWN/PARK WEST
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Board Chair Michelle Spence -Jones
and Members of the CRA Board
Clarence E. Woods, III
Executive Director
Date: January 18, 2013 12-01055
Subject: Resolution Authorizing a Grant to Film Life,
Inc. to Operate the Miami Film Life Center
and Film Institute Job Training Program
References:
Enclosures:
BACKGROUND:
It is recommended that the Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community
Redevelopment Agency ("CRA") approve and adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the issuance of a grant,
in an amount not to exceed $300,000, to Film Life, Inc. to underwrite the costs associated with the operation and
programming of the Miami Film Life Center and Film Institute Job Training Program (the "Institute"). 1
The Institute is an initiative aimed to promote the Southeast Overtown/Park West Redevelopment Area as a
destination for film -related projects and activities. The promotion of the area also serves to highlight local film
industry professionals and talent, and provide employment opportunities for local residents. Film Life, Inc. has
expressed interest in supporting the CRA's redevelopment goals and seeks to the implement the Institute to
provide resources, training programs, and professional networking opportunities to area residents. Film Life,
Inc.'s background is well -suited for this endeavor given that it has been involved in the film -industry for several
years, and Film Life, Inc.'s Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Friday, founded the American Black Film Festival
("ABFF"), which has been showcasing films and providing film -related educational resources in the form of
workshops, panels, and seminars for many years.
Film Life, Inc. seeks to extend ABFF's programming to the area residents in an effort to provide job training skills
related to the film industry, and foster economic opportunities for said residents and local businesses. Film Life,
Inc.'s commitment to furthering the CRA's redevelopments goals is exhibited by its intention to take up a
permanent location for the Institute within the Redevelopment Area. CRA staff and representatives of Film Life,
Inc. have been meeting with representatives of Miami -Dade Public Schools regarding the use of the historic
Chapman House, located on the grounds of Booker T. Washington Senior High School, as a space for the
Institute. Moreover, it is envisioned that the University of Miami's School of Communications will continue to
participate in the Institute and collaborate on future programming.
JUSTIFICATION:
Section 2, Goal 4, at page 11, of the 2009 Southeast Overtown/Park West Redevelopment Plan (the "Plan") lists
the "creati[on of] jobs within the community" as a stated redevelopment goal.
Section 2, Goal 6, at page 11, of the Plan also lists "improving the quality of life for residents," as a stated
redevelopment goal.
FUNDING:
$300,000 from SEOPW Tax Increment Fund, "Other Grants and Aids," Account Code No.
10050.920101.883000.0000.00000.