Several downtown business owners and residents used the public-comment period at the Oct. 21 City Commission meeting to urge the city to reconsider recent changes to parking policy and to explore ways to drive more event-driven economic activity into Downtown Delray Beach.

Kelly Roach, a downtown business owner, urged the commission to create an affordable, dedicated space downtown for entrepreneurs and events, arguing that one regular event could push substantial revenue to Avenue merchants. "In a single year with just 100 entrepreneurial events, a $25,000,000 deficit could be covered," Roach said, asking the city to designate underused buildings as low-cost event space.

Entrepreneur Tracy Litt cited national event- and convention-spending data and argued Delray could attract meetings and conventions if a suitable low-cost event venue were available downtown. "We are sitting on money that all we need as entrepreneurs with massive reach and networks is a space that we can utilize to drive all of these events and conferences to," Litt said.

Other public speakers focused on parking changes the city recently adopted for surface lots and garages. Mavis Benson, a merchant and downtown stakeholder, said some employees and lower‑income workers may be harmed by new fee structures and asked the commission to consider free or longer-duration parking for the garage and surface lots during the busy season. Laura Simon, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), summarized the DDA board’s recommendations: balance economic impact and beautification priorities, consider venue fee structures and continue public outreach during the tourism season. "We do have a very busy week and weekend," Simon said, noting upcoming events that will test the new parking arrangements.

Why it matters: Downtown parking policy affects merchants’ foot traffic and the wider economy of the Avenue. Several speakers framed their requests as ways to increase local revenue and reduce a city operating deficit while protecting small downtown businesses during peak event seasons.

What’s next: Commissioners acknowledged the volume of public comment and asked staff to provide an update on early outcomes and usage data from the pilot parking program. The commission set a workshop time in mid-November to revisit parking and other downtown operational matters.

Ending: Merchants said they want to keep Downtown Delray Beach competitive with neighboring cities by hosting events and keeping parking accessible for shoppers and lower-wage employees; DDA leaders urged continued dialogue with the city on fees and venue availability.