|
A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
During the past year, the City of Boca Raton has taken many steps to enhance the quality of life within our community and move our City forward. We have improved our services; made our neighborhoods more livable; enhanced our workforce, mobility, and education; and kept taxes low.
This is all thanks to the hard work by City employees, residents, community partners and businesses that make Boca Raton the best place to live, work, learn, play and grow.
I am pleased to present the 2023 Boca Raton State of the City video that highlights just some of our community's key projects, major accomplishments and a look forward into the future. The state of our City is stronger than ever as we are experiencing an energy and excitement that we can translate into actions and lasting results in years to come.
I invite you to an in-person Town Hall meeting on March 2 to hear more about the state of your City, ask questions and engage with your neighbors. I look forward to seeing you there.
Town Hall with Mayor Scott Singer
Thursday, March 2 | 7pm - 8pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)
Spanish River Library, 1501 NW Spanish River Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33431
| |
Learn more about the initiatives featured in the video.
Read the highlights below and navigate to the
City's website for more information.
| | | |
|
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
A couple of major milestones completed in 2022 were achieved through strong partnerships within the community. Brightline opened its new station and parking garage steps away from everything in Downtown Boca. The rail service connects visitors and commuters to all the City has to offer and residents to neighboring cities. As part of the Brightline station opening, the City enhanced NW 1st Ave and NW 2nd Street.
The Community Redevelopment Agency and the City Council approved a 94-year land lease for a performing arts center, The Center for Arts & Innovation (TCAI). TCAI’s proposed plans for the site include a performing arts venue and event space, with the intent of providing a facility for local and other dance, theater, music and cultural organizations, as well as corporate, student and private functions. Plans also call for a remodel of the amphitheater, complete with a canopy.
Blue Lake Elementary School opened its doors to an additional 1,200 new student seats to meet the demands of younger families. The City's A-rated public schools, nationally ranked private schools and four colleges reflect Boca Raton's commitment to providing life-long learning options ranging from early childhood to graduate and medical school.
| |
|
CITY BUDGET & TAXES
For the tenth year in a row, the City had no increase in the property tax rate, and city bonds continue as Triple-A rated. Boca Raton still has one of the lowest tax rates of any full-service city in Florida, while providing lower service costs than other cities. Learn more about the FY22-23 Budget and Your Taxes Explained.
| |
PUBLIC SAFETY
The safety and well-being of residents is the City's top priority. Our dedicated Police Services and Fire Rescue Departments, hire the best and the brightest individuals who are dedicated to keep the City and all those who live here safe. With close to 65,000 calls responded to in the past year, our professionals are consistently recognized for their hard work to the community.
| |
|
MOBILITY
The City aims to create a connected, safe and comfortable bicycle and pedestrian mobility network to promote a safe, healthy and active lifestyle. There are many ongoing and completed projects that are part of Boca Raton's mobility strategy for bicycle and pedestrian transportation. The recently adopted Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all.
| |
|
STREAMLINING INITIATIVES
The City continues to implement streamlining initiatives that makes doing business in Boca more efficient. New this year, our Development Services Department launched Boca eHub, an online planning and permitting system that provides a centralized location to apply for permits, plans, business licenses, request inspections, pay invoices, search public records - all in one place.
| |
|
WATERFRONT MASTER PLAN
Waterfront living and recreation are unique hallmarks of Boca Raton. Miles of oceanfront beaches and parks, as well as additional park properties along the intracoastal and adjoining canals and waterways bring enjoyment to residents and visitors alike.
As part of the City's Waterfront Master Plan, the Wildflower Park and Silver Palm Park sites re-opened to the community. The multi-million-dollar, newly renovated, passive parks front the Intracoastal Waterway near the Downtown district. Amenities include an interactive water feature, picnic seating, newly renovated boat ramp and dock, and so much more.
| |
INFRASTRUCTURE
The City uses innovative and proactive measures to improve critical underground and above ground infrastructure throughout the community. Through programs such as the Innovative Sustainable Infrastructure Program (iSIP), and other road and municipal projects, the City continues to improve the overall quality of life for residents and businesses. In the past year, some completed projects include:
- 1,400 new energy efficient streetlight fixtures
- 11 newly installed rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) along A1A
- 10 miles of newly paved roads
- Opening of two waterfront parks with new amenities
| |
SUSTAINABILITY
The City continues to be a leader in community sustainability and environmental stewardship at the local, state and even the national level. Boca Raton is committed to conserving energy, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas production, conserving water resources, preserving environmentally sensitive lands, protecting native wildlife and providing educational programs. Sustainability continues to be a significant part of many City projects and programs.
| |
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
The City prides itself on its rich history and vibrant culture. Home to a world-class art museum, performing arts venues, cultural festivals and more, residents and visitors can explore the many public art initiatives and projects that help the local culture thrive.
| |
SPECIAL EVENTS
Each year, the City hosts more than 50 events to bring the community together and provide a sense of place and pride. From Fourth of July and holiday celebrations, to Food Truck Fridays and Summer in the City, Boca Raton hosts a variety fun activities and events for everyone.
|
|
BOCA'S HISTORY
Boca Raton is a community where history and innovation come together. Influenced by the notable architect, Addison Mizner, Boca Raton was built around an elegant Mediterranean Revival style that later grew into a vibrant city full of art and culture. With so much to explore, we invite our residents to visit the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum to take a deep dive into our history to understand how the beautiful City of Boca Raton became what it is today.
| |
We look forward to continuing to serve you in 2023! | |
|
City of Boca Raton
201 West Palmetto Park Road
Boca Raton, FL 33432
(561) 393-7700
| |
| | | |
