Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Boca Raton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues with critical priority
Protection of City-Owned Lands (Save Boca Initiative)
A proposed Charter amendment would require a citywide referendum before any city or CRA parcel over half an acre could be sold, leased, or otherwise taken out of public ownership. Council is considering changes to fold CRA land in and to update the ballot language.
Police Services Complex Planning
The city is gearing up to ask voters to approve a bond of up to $125 million for a new police headquarters downtown, plus an emergency communications center and evidence storage. Council picked the simplest ballot language (Option 4) and a resolution could come October 27. Residents mostly supported it but want the location clearly defined before the vote.
Downtown Civic Area and Memorial Park Master Plan
Phase one of the downtown Memorial Park master plan has begun, with a big community outreach push and a public engagement presentation planned for the October 27 meeting.
Residential Height and Three-Story Mega-Home Regulations
Neighbors on Cocoanut Road say the city is wrongly allowing habitable third floors above the 25-foot height limit in single-family districts, based on a 2009 roof-design amendment. Council directed the city attorney to review the interpretation and explore a lawful pause on approvals, possibly by October 27.
$125M police headquarters bond referendum
The council is asking voters on March 9, 2027 to approve up to $125 million in bonds for a new police headquarters, downsized from last year's failed $175 million ask. The ballot language promises a downtown police presence but leaves the site and design for later — which some residents say is a trust problem.
Equitable Youth Sports Facilities
Parents, coaches, and nonprofit leaders strongly advocated for the construction of a multi-sport indoor field house to accommodate youth basketball, volleyball, and special needs sports programs that face severe space shortages.
Downtown Zoning Overhaul & Development Regulations
The city is advancing major land use changes, DDRI amendments, and a new Downtown Zoning District to facilitate transit-oriented development around the Brightline station and Government Center. Residents raised concerns about traffic, lack of infrastructure planning, and the timing of votes ahead of elections.
Property Tax Reform and Revenue Impacts
Residents raised concerns that the statewide property-tax amendment on the ballot could squeeze city revenue for police and fire services, and asked whether a special assessment might follow. The CFO and city attorney provided context; no city action was taken.