Dana O'Connor
Key Points
- The city of Apopka is accepting applications for vacancies on its Planning Commission and Community Redevelopment Agency Board, with a Nov. 6 deadline for both boards.
- The CRA Board, chaired by Mayor Nick Nesta, guides redevelopment efforts intended to improve commercial areas, neighborhoods and economic opportunities.
- Planning Commission applicants must live within Apopka city limits. Relevant professional experience is preferred, and appointed members must file annual financial disclosures.
The city of Apopka is accepting applications for vacancies on its Planning Commission and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board, with a Nov. 6 deadline for both.
“The Planning Commission plays an important role in guiding the city’s growth and development and helping shape the future of the community,” the city said in a Thursday Facebook announcement.
The city also announced Thursday that it is seeking applicants for a vacant resident position on the CRA Board.
“The CRA Board helps revitalize commercial areas and neighborhoods, support local businesses, improve public spaces, and encourage economic growth,” the city said in a separate Thursday Facebook post.
According to the city’s Planning Commission notice, 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.
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.
At a May 20 workshop, city officials discussed the Planning Commission’s future 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’s growth-related problems.
Gusler’s 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. Eric Mock serves as vice chair.
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 about standardizing the city’s board appointment processes.
For the CRA Board vacancy, applicants must reside in Apopka, with preference given to those who own or operate businesses within the CRA district. A resume is required. The city also favors candidates with redevelopment experience, including real estate, planning, architecture, engineering, construction or project management, as well as business or community leadership.
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.
Apopka resident John Drago serves as Orange County’s representative on the CRA Board. Chenicqua “Nikki” Williams resigned from her city-appointed seat effective Dec. 31, 2025.
The city’s announcements do not specify how many Planning Commission vacancies are being filled or whether publicly advertising the application process represents a new practice.
Residents may apply through the city’s Planning Commission and CRA webpages. Questions may be directed to the City Clerk’s Office at cityclerk@apopka.net.