By Mary Hladky
Annual Boca Raton “State of the City” speeches typically are modest affairs, taking place in venues such as the Downtown Library or at Chamber of Commerce breakfasts.
But Mayor Scott Singer morphed this year’s event into an April 10 “community celebration” at the Mizner Park Amphitheater with live music by Remix, food trucks offering seafood, barbecue and churros, a water station and a bar.
Employees from every city department staffed tables facing the stage, providing residents with information on their most recent initiatives, answering questions and giving them the chance to take surveys on how they want to see East Palmetto Park Road improved and what should be included in a public art master plan.
And plenty of swag was available, including city-branded lanyards, stress balls and plastic sunglasses.
But the main event was Singer’s 14-minute speech, a high-energy recitation of Boca Raton’s strengths and accomplishments and an exhortation to do even better.
“I am elated to tell you tonight that the state of our city is stronger than ever,” he said. “Still, we must, and we will, grow even stronger to reach that ideal of what our city can be.”
He hit on all the city’s favorite talking points — its low crime and property tax rates, strong financial position, high-quality services, rising property values and vibrant cultural offerings.
“We have a thriving economy,” he said, noting that Boca Raton has the most corporate headquarters of any city in Palm Beach County.
The Brightline station, opened in late 2022, is measuring up to the hype, he said.
“Our downtown Brightline station saw far more ridership than expected in its first full year and it continues to be a game-changer,” Singer said.
To capitalize on that, the city is working to create a transit-oriented development zoning district immediately west of the station that is intended to usher in redevelopment of the area. That “may soon be the cool side of the tracks,” he said.
Singer acknowledged that Boca Raton faces challenges, citing complacency and correcting old perceptions of the city.
“We do not yet stand out to everyone moving a business or a family to Florida as the pinnacle of destinations,” he said.
People must be convinced that Boca Raton offers “small-town charm, big-city opportunity and unmatched quality of life,” Singer said.
“We must quell outdated and false perceptions — a sleepy town, a challenging business environment, a community resistant to change,” he said. “We are none of those things.
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