New Neighborhood and Community Services director emphasizes enforcement, outreach and code clarity

Jerry Pryor, the City of Delray Beach's new Neighborhood and Community Services director, introduced himself at the Feb. 10 DDA meeting and described his priorities: community engagement, clearer education materials for merchants, stronger coordination between code enforcement and development services, and improved nighttime coverage.

Pryor said he brings 26 years of municipal experience from Fort Lauderdale across neighborhood services, code enforcement, downtown programs, housing and community development. He said one of his early observations was that educational door-hanger brochures distributed to businesses were well received. "If you like it, yes. And if you don't like it, no," he joked in response to a compliment about door hangers, while noting his team would revise materials based on feedback.

Why it matters: Board members raised late-night compliance issues such as neon signs, handwritten window advertising and businesses operating after hours. Pryor acknowledged a single code officer currently covers the DDA district late at night (Thursday through Sunday) and said staff would evaluate whether additional nighttime coverage or scheduling changes are feasible in coordination with city administration.

Pryor also said his role includes building consistency across code enforcement, housing and clean-and-safe programs and serving as a community liaison for merchants and residents seeking help understanding municipal code. He offered to perform business walk-throughs and coordinate joint tours with DDA members and staff.

Ending: Pryor left business cards and agreed to coordinate follow-up neighborhood walk-throughs with DDA staff and members. He also plans to review a-frame sign rules and other priority items the board identified.