The Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency approved its fiscal year 2025–26 budget and a goals-and-objectives analysis required by Florida Statute 189.0694 at its Sept. 30 meeting.

The board voted unanimously to adopt the budget, which staff presented by subarea and major project. Finance and operations director Gina Clayton told commissioners the largest line item in the subarea budget is allocated to the Northwest neighborhood: about $67.6 million in subarea budgeting, with roughly $45 million of that earmarked for Pompey Park renovations. Staff also identified roughly $21.5 million for West Atlantic Avenue work and about $9.3 million for the Southwest neighborhood for infrastructure and other improvements.

Why it matters: The adopted budget identifies multiyear, capital-intensive projects — particularly Pompey Park and Northwest neighborhood infrastructure — that will shape downtown construction, right-of-way work and potential land acquisitions. Commissioners discussed the possibility of issuing debt (bonds) to advance the Northwest infrastructure program and asked staff to continue cost-estimate and phasing work as construction bids are sought.

Board discussion focused on cost risk and timing. Commissioner Long asked whether the $45 million figure for Pompey Park was still appropriate given rising construction prices; staff said that figure is the board’s current ceiling and that the project will be phased across fiscal years while the city’s construction manager-at-risk finalizes cost estimates and bids. The board also discussed a planned $15 million allowance for northwest neighborhood infrastructure; staff said the CRA was evaluating potential bond financing because of three-year spending timelines.

The board also approved a goals-and-objectives analysis tied to the budget to comply with state statute. Executive Director Renee Jaddison said the analysis will be used to prepare the annual report required for special districts and posted on the CRA website by Dec. 1.

Other financial items discussed included a $12 million acquisition fund and the CRA’s policy on carryforward balances; staff noted carryforward rules limiting multi-year balances were removed from state statute several years ago and that most carryforward dollars are committed to identified projects.

The budget vote was unanimous.