Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer scored airtime after the Democratic mayoral primary in New York. Screen grab provided
By Mary Hladky
As soon as democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York on June 24, Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer sprang into action.
Mamdani’s campaign promises included free city buses and child care, a rent freeze, government-run grocery stores, and hikes in the minimum wage and the corporate tax rate, all likely not to sit well with many business leaders.
So, Singer scored interviews with conservative outlets including Fox News, Fox Business, Newsmax and the New York Post to talk up the benefits of relocating to Boca Raton.
“FL Mayor Offers Escape from a Mamdani-led NYC” and “FL Mayor Offers Sanctuary for NYC Capitalists,” proclaimed two of the television station chyrons.
Singer, whose final term as mayor ends in March and who reportedly is considering a run for Congress, capped the media blitz with an advertisement in Times Square showcasing the city’s virtues and urging businesses to “Join Us.”
The city staff-created ad, 56 feet wide and 29 feet high, will be in place through Sept. 30. The regular cost would have been nearly $210,000, but the city got a discounted rate of $70,000,
“We took to Times Square to remind decision-makers that there’s a smarter place to grow,” Singer wrote on Facebook. “For businesses in NYC and beyond looking to thrive in a business-friendly, lifestyle-rich environment, Boca Raton stands out as the clear choice.”
He directed those wanting to know more about what the city offers to NYtoBoca.com, a new website created by the city’s Office of Economic Development.
Singer always has been an enthusiastic Boca Raton booster who promotes the city’s advantages to the business community. What’s different this time is the overtly political edge to his message after Mamdani’s primary win.
But his underlying pitch to business is unchanged. Boca Raton is a good place to do business. It is headquarters to more than 40 publicly traded corporations, three universities, has relocation and business incentives and a low tax rate.
As a place to live, it has five miles of coastline, 49 parks, great public and private schools and quality city services and public safety.
In a July 14 email to residents, Singer noted the “positive national media coverage” of the city that he had generated.
“The timing couldn’t be better because our contrast to ideas in the New York City mayoral primary helped Boca Raton’s story catch fire,” he wrote.
“So, if we are able to capture a few more corporate headquarters to add to our more than 40 publicly traded companies, we can enhance our business base and quality of life for all residents.”
So far, though, no businesses have made the leap.
Asked if they had, Singer instead cited positive media coverage that he said is valued at more than $3 million and that received 86 million views in just two weeks.
“Our marketing campaign generated, in just a few weeks, nearly two thousand website visits and a four-fold increase in visits to our city’s business development website,” he wrote to The Coastal Star. “We hope to attract a steady business growth that will continue to add to our success.”
The city’s economic development director, Jessica Del Vecchio, said no business yet has said it will come to Boca Raton as a result of the recent city efforts, but she also noted the increased attention her office is getting since the billboard went up in Times Square.
“There is a lot of uncertainty going on (in New York City). We thought now is a good time to market to people who might be considering a move,” she said.
City residents responding to Singer’s social media posts are divided on his actions. He drew praise, but also criticism from people who say Boca should not try to attract any new residents.
“Booo! It’s already overcrowded and getting worse with each new project,” said one.
“We’re full! Stop it,” said another, while a third said, “No thank you. Boca is better off without any influx of NYers.”
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