Delray Beach DDA approves audit, opposes state CRA bill and urges city to rethink Swinton–Atlantic redesign

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority on March 10 accepted a clean audit for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2024, voted to oppose state legislation that would curtail community redevelopment authorities, and asked staff to send a formal recommendation to the city on a proposed redesign of the Atlantic Avenue–Swinton Avenue intersection.

The audit, presented by Scott Montgomery, the DDA's outside auditor, carried an unqualified opinion. Montgomery said the financial statements “present fairly, in all material respects,” the authority’s financial position and that auditors found no material weaknesses in internal control. The board moved and unanimously approved acceptance of the audited financial statements.

The vote on a state bill targeting CRAs — referenced in the meeting as Senate Bill 1242 and related House proposals — was more contentious. Chamber and business leaders had warned the board earlier about proposed legislation that would restrict CRA activity. After brief discussion the DDA voted to join the city and the CRA in opposing the measure; the motion passed 5–1. The board instructed…