Commission confirms four DDA nominees amid public concern about developer influence

The West Palm Beach City Commission on July 6 confirmed four mayoral appointees to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) after more than two hours of public comment and a heated debate about board composition and developer influence.

Mayor James asked the commission to confirm the mayor’s nominees and summarized the DDA’s mission to coordinate downtown cleanliness, safety, marketing and public‑realm improvements. The commission first approved Craig Glover’s appointment to a three‑year term ending 07/01/2029; the motion carried 4–1. Later the commission reappointed Daryl K. Houston unanimously and approved Kasia Morsuk unanimously. The nomination of Jordan Ratliff drew the most public attention and passed by a 4–1 vote, with Commissioner Warren recorded as the lone dissenting vote.

Why it mattered: Residents said they want boards that represent downtown taxpayers and neighbors, not concentrated corporate influence. Public speakers repeatedly raised the prospect that multiple DDA seats held by people affiliated with the same developer would create an appearance of unfair influence over how DDA funds and priorities are set.

Public objections and endorsements: Several speakers urged the commission to reject nominees they said would increase one developer’s influence. Amy Triggs told commissioners, “Residents shouldn’t have to guess” who qualifies as a downtown resident, business or property owner and asked for short biographies and clearer public notice ahead of appointments. Alan Levine said adding a second representative with ties to the same developer “creates the appearance that one corporate voice carries more influence than the residents and businesses who make up our community.” Sam Collier described the risk as “regulatory capture,” asking the commission to guard public trust.

At the same time, other residents and some commissioners defended the nominees as qualified and engaged in downtown issues. Michael Branch, a nonprofit housing executive, thanked the commission for investment in mobility and downtown improvements and said he had seen positive results of local partnerships. Claudio Acosta described Jordan Ratliff as responsive to residents and supportive of downtown maintenance and safety efforts.

Commission discussion and responses: Commissioners debated whether employment by a developer is, by itself, disqualifying and whether the DDA’s bylaws or the city’s appointment process should set formal seat quotas. President Peduzzi said he saw no legal bar to the appointments and emphasized that DDA appointees will not decide development approvals. Commissioner Fox clarified differences between the DDA and the Downtown Action Committee, noting, “The DDA does not adopt the master plan” and that the DDA primarily focuses on streetscape, cleanliness and marketing.

Formal outcomes (selected): - Motion to confirm Craig Glover to the DDA (term to 07/01/2029): carried 4–1. - Motion to reappoint Daryl K. Houston to the DDA (term to 07/01/2029): carried unanimously. - Motion to confirm Kasia Morsuk to the DDA (term to 07/01/2029): carried unanimously. - Motion to confirm Jordan Ratliff to the DDA (term to 07/01/2029): carried 4–1 (Commissioner Warren recorded as opposed).

What’s next: Commissioners and staff heard repeated requests to increase transparency in appointment materials and to consider structural changes (bylaw amendments or formal seat definitions) so that boards better reflect a mix of residents, business owners and other downtown stakeholders. Several commissioners said they would pursue improved resident engagement and possible reforms to the appointment process.

Ending note: The DDA confirmations concluded just before the commission moved through the consent calendar and onto subsequent ordinance hearings.