The Community Development Authority (CDA) is a separate political body that was created for the purpose of carrying out housing and redevelopment programs and projects. The resolution creating the CDA authorizes the authority to act as the city's agent in planning and carrying out community development programs and activities.
These programs and activities must be approved by the mayor and City Council under the Federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. The CDA is authorized to act as an agent for all development programs except the development of the city's Comprehensive Plan, which is overseen by the Plan Commission.