TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: July 15, 2025
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DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) REVIEW PROCESS AND INVOLVEMENT
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Receive an update on the process of coordination with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
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Background:
In recent years, the passage of several state laws governing time frames for development review and quasi-judicial hearings necessitated an examination of City processes. New state laws also limit the issuance of “new” review comments once the review process has started. Many past protocols are simply no longer feasible.
Following the example of the West Palm Beach DDA, whose charter mirrors the Delray Beach DDA charter, a formal presentation of each downtown project at a DDA meeting is no longer required prior to consideration by a city board. The DDA still has plenty of opportunities to offer input and recommendations. Written comments can be sent directly to the project planner to include in agenda packages and DDA staff can offer support via comment at the Site Plan Review and Appearance Board, Historic Preservation Board, Planning and Zoning Board, or City Commission meetings.
By having the DDA interact in a more nimble fashion directly with the applicants and fold into the City’s formal process (instead of adding to it), applications are anticipated to move up to a month faster through the approval process.
Section 2.6.4 of the City’s Land Development Regulations (LDR) requires the City provide to the DDA “Notice of all development applications within its geographic limits.” The CRA has the same requirement and receives monthly notice informing the CRA staff of new development applications submitted within the boundary. A copy of the July notice sent to the DDA is attached.
Pursuant to LDR Article 8.2.2 (E)(3), the DDA can, “Recommend to the City Commission and to Downtown businesspersons and residen...
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