CRA Meeting | August 3, 2026

The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) held a meeting on August 3, 2026, to present and discuss the draft fiscal year 2026-2027 budget for its two districts: Northwood Pleasant City Broadway and Downtown City Center. The meeting included detailed presentations on budget allocations across various target areas, with significant emphasis on community policing innovations funded by the CRA, including new technology acquisitions for the police department such as tactical drones and AI-enhanced CCTV systems. The CRA also reviewed ongoing and upcoming capital improvement projects, affordable housing initiatives, and infrastructure enhancements. Additionally, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) presented its work plan and budget, highlighting clean and safe initiatives, business development, and public realm improvements. The meeting concluded with the approval of a resolution amending the agreement related to the second convention center hotel project, which involves a tax exemption amendment for a parcel of land to be acquired by Palm Beach County. The project is expected to bring significant economic benefits, including increased hotel rooms to support convention center expansion, though some commissioners expressed concerns about the indefinite loss of property tax revenue and advocated for negotiated long-term benefits for the city. The resolution passed with a 4-2 vote. The meeting also included approval of the consent calendar and various budget discussions, with no other procurement contracts or RFPs explicitly mentioned.