STATUS OF THE DOWNTOWN PROJECT AND THE VOTE ON JUNE 10.

What did the City Commission vote on regarding the Downtown on Tuesday June 10?

The item before the City Commission was whether to choose public financing to construct the new City Hall and parking garage (the Civic Buildings), or stay with the private financing offered by the developer, Roca Point Partners (ROCA).

The vote was 3/3. Three City Commissioners voted for the less expensive public financing. The three other City Commissioners voted against the less expensive option. When it is a 3/3 vote, the item fails to pass. That means that the City will be obligated to stay with the private financing option to pay for the Civic Buildings, but it will cost the City significantly more than public financing would have over the term of the loan.

Why was there a choice between public and private financing?

In 2024, the City evaluated both public and private financing options with the goal of selecting the most fiscally responsible path. Although private financing is generally more costly, it is typical for it to be included as an option in public-private partnerships. It was also included in the original agreement as an option because it provides short-term benefits—such as placing some of the up-front costs on the developer and giving the City flexibility on timing for repayment. Based on current interest rates and fees, however, public financing was considered the more financially sound choice.

When it came to choosing between public and private financing, the decision should have been guided by one key factor: which option would save the City the most money. Although the City is now obligated to proceed with the more expensive private financing, it’s important to clarify that the Downtown project is still moving forward—it has not been canceled or abandoned.

Can that vote be recalled or changed?

Yes, the City Commission could revisit the vote and choose the public financing option. Changing the vote would need to occur before the City signs the legal documents that bind the City to the private loan.

If the vote isn’t revisited and ROCA funds the project, can the City refinance later if a future City Commission feels differently?

Yes. However, although there is usually an option to refinance loans, refinancing is often expensive and can come with substantial fees and penalties. City staff will attempt to work with ROCA to secure the best private financing possible within the parameters of the agreement.

Did the agreement take away all authority from the City Commission?

No, it did not. The agreement does not strip the City Commission of its authority; however, it does establish firm commitments to ensure the City follows through on its partnership obligations.

The Master Development Agreement (MDA) is clear that the City Commission will decide on what City Hall looks like and what City Hall project elements will include. The MDA established the budget cap and only the City Commission can approve any increase to that cap. In contrast, day-to-day operational decisions are delegated to the City Contract Administrator. That ensures that the Project will progress efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays.

If there is a dispute about the day-to-day decisions, the dispute is resolved by a referee. If there is a dispute about whether the City Commission unreasonably withheld its consent or approval of a decision required by the MDA, that dispute goes to mediation.

Developers, especially when considering investment in a blighted area, are generally risk averse. They need assurance the City is fully committed to building the project and they want to know for sure that a city will stand by its agreement to build a project. Similarly, financial institutions or banks will not provide funding unless there is clear evidence that the City is serious about its role in the partnership.

The MDA was designed to provide that certainty. It includes provisions that protect the interests of both parties and ensures that the City cannot simply walk away from its obligations without potentially triggering default or significant financial consequences.

Was the City Commission “boxed in” on this vote and had no choice?

No. Comments about being in a box are not accurate. Looking ahead, the City Commission will face multiple votes required to advance the project. For example, the City Commission as well as the public will be asked to provide input on how to activate the public open space in Downtown, and the City Commission will need to vote on the funding for that public space and infrastructure. Constructive input from the City Commission is imperative. Arbitrary reasons for voting “no” are not constructive and provide no meaningful input for the Project.

Developers are highly unlikely to commit to a 20-year partnership—investing years of planning, resources, coordination and project management—if the City can walk away from the project at any time. To provide stability and confidence for both sides, the City entered into a legally binding agreement with the Master Developer. This ensures long-term commitment and protects the City's interests while fostering private investment.

Why do we need a new City Hall and Garage?

The new City Hall will serve as an anchor for the Downtown providing a major civic presence and sense of security for the public. In addition, the City’s Capital Improvement Plan Manager as well as CBRE, our nation’s leading real estate firm, have confirmed the current City Hall is beyond its useful life and the ongoing issues such as leaks, mold and repairs are worsened due to the poor original construction decades ago. It is anticipated to cost $18 million in repairs and maintenance over 20 years which is throwing good money after bad. In addition, the current building is susceptible to flooding based on its current elevation and was not built to withstand a very strong hurricane.

Additionally, City Hall occupies one of the most valuable pieces of real estate on Atlantic Boulevard, and the City pays no taxes. Moving City Hall to a more suitable location for a non-taxable building means that the prime real estate can be used to generate $1.8 million in new property taxes annually and $32 million in land sales revenue for the City. New tax dollars mean more money for City services and that keeps taxes lower for residents.

Another reason for building a new City Hall is to provide better services to City residents who have to use City Hall. Right now, City services are scattered throughout the City and that is inefficient and costs the City money. Being able to create a “one-stop shop” in a building that houses all City services not only makes City services more easily accessible, but it makes good economic sense too.

What happens next in the Downtown development process?

There will be multiple future votes required by the City Commission to move the project forward. Ongoing City Commission input is vital to the success of the redevelopment, but it’s equally important that decisions be made based on facts and long-term benefits—not arbitrary objections.

Why can’t we just study Downtown more and get more community input?

The vision to create a new Downtown has been in motion for over 20 years. In 2022, the City issued a formal request for proposals, providing decades of background, clear development goals, and detailed information on available land—specifically seeking a Master Developer to bring the vision to life.

In 2024, the City selected ROCA Point Partners (ROCA) as the Master Developer based on their extensive and proven experience. The City is at a very exciting time in its history and is ready to begin construction on the new Downtown.

Extensive studies, real estate analyses, and planning efforts have already been completed. At this point, delaying progress for needless further study, risks continued decline in a highly blighted area—primarily located in the northwest quadrant of Atlantic Boulevard and Dixie Highway. This area faces significant challenges: vacant lots, high crime, limited access to jobs, and underutilized public spaces. These conditions cost all our taxpayers millions of dollars annually instead of generating new tax revenue for the City and leaves the area void of any economic opportunities for residents.

There will still be many opportunities for community involvement as public spaces are designed and developed. But now is the time to act—to create economic opportunity, attract investment, and build the future our residents deserve.

Are there other developers who are interested in building in this area?

The MDA allows ROCA to involve other developers over the next 10–20 years in building the Downtown. There will also be a lot of opportunities for businesses and residents to get involved.

Can the community have input going forward?

Yes! In fact, the City and CRA have received over 100 registrations from individuals and entities interested in opening a business, working in the new Downtown, participating in job training, providing goods or services, or getting involved in some other way! The City will continue to have community meetings to build this database with online registration of interested individuals and entities and will engage with them early on in the process. The City is also committed to ensuring inclusion and ensuring that opportunities are accessible to everyone as the Downtown plans progress.

What is Public/Private Partnership?

A Public/Private Partnership (P3) is a long-term agreement between a government entity and a private developer to work together on complex projects—like building a Downtown—which can take 10 to 20 years to complete. Entering into this kind of partnership means both sides commit to staying the course, sharing responsibilities, and collaborating closely throughout the process.

Because market conditions and community needs may evolve over time, the agreement includes built-in flexibility. The legal document allows for amendments, but only if both the City and the developer mutually agree to the changes.

In this case, the development concept is grounded in two decades of planning and envisions a vibrant, forward-thinking Downtown. It includes urban public spaces, residential and office uses, a hotel, retail, community facilities, parking, and a new City Hall. The City and its selected Master Developer, ROCA, presented the plan to the community, held numerous public meetings, and worked together to finalize a legal agreement in June 2024. This partnership is now guiding the implementation of a transformative vision for the City’s future.

Can the City Commission just vote no and stop the project all together?

In June 2024, the City Commission approved a legally binding agreement with ROCA to serve as the Master Developer for Pompano Beach’s new Downtown. Like any contractual obligation, this agreement carries enforceable terms that remain in effect regardless of changes in elected leadership.

Future City Commissioners cannot unilaterally reverse or disregard the agreement without facing serious legal and costly financial consequences clearly outlined in the contract.

Downtown Boundaries