Since its inception in 1952, The Charleston Urban Renewal Authority (CURA) has strived to aid in redevelopment and contribute to the vitality of the City of Charleston. Working with residents, businesses, and city leaders, CURA provides financial and administrative assistance to support redevelopment activities throughout the city. These include land assembly, parks, recruitment and sale of land for the development of private business sites, streetscape improvements, retail space leasing, improvement grants and neighborhood revitalization. CURA's mission includes new investment stimulation within its renewal areas — a significant new development that is compatible with the character and goals of the surrounding renewal area. Projects that meet this test are welcome.

Community Renewal Plans are approved by the Board of Commissioners and City Council and are area-specific with a specified term (lifespan of plan). Currently, there are three active renewal plans – Downtown, Near East End, Near West Side Districts; East End and West Side.

Governed by nine commissioners appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council, CURA holds regular meetings at 9 am on the second Wednesday of each month and special meetings at the call of the chairman. Major past projects of CURA are the Charleston Town Center and Marriott Hotel land assembly; Capitol Market; building demolition, Clay Center funding and numerous facades renovations.