2023
YEAR IN REVIEW
A Message from the City Manager
I am thrilled to share the remarkable accomplishments and progress your City has achieved throughout 2023. Boca Raton has continued to thrive, fostering a vibrant coastal community with significant advancements in infrastructure, public services, public safety, mobility and connectivity, environmental sustainability and so much more.
Through collaborative efforts, we've enhanced recreational spaces, implemented innovative urban planning initiatives, and strengthened community engagement programs. As we reflect on the past year, we are committed to building upon these achievements to ensure Boca Raton remains a premier destination to live, work, learn and play. We also recognize the dedication of Leif J. Ahnell, who retired last year after serving 24 years as your City Manager.
Join us. Come to a City Council meeting, serve on a board or committee, volunteer, or apply for a job with us. We are a stronger City with involvement from our community.
George S. Brown
City Manager
your City at work for you!
We are
CITY MANAGER’S Office
HIGHLIGHT
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Award represents a significant financial management achievement by the City and reflects our staff’s commitment to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.
The City’s budget presentation has exceeded nationally recognized guidelines for policy document, financial plan, and communication.
This is the 40th consecutive year the City has been recognized.
ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
- Strategic Planning Sessions
- 44 Years Tree City USA & Growth Award Recipient
- Launch of Public Art Boca Division
- StormReady Certification from the National Weather Service and Hurricane Guide for Community
City Manager’s Office FACTS
- City Clerk’s Office
- Communications & Marketing Division
- Emergency Management
- Human Resources
- Information Technology Division
- Office of Economic Development
- Office of Sustainability
- Office of Management & Budget
- Public Art Boca
- Risk Management
1,400+
communications
sent to public
256
community redevelopment agency, city council,
board & committee meetings
274
employees hired
The City Manager's Office plays a pivotal role in steering the City towards prosperity, innovation, and a high quality of life for its residents. The City Manager is appointed by the City Council, and is the chief administrative officer of the City. The department consists of 108 staff members.
DEVELOPMENT Services
HIGHLIGHT
The City approved the first 30-year building recertification under its Building Recertification Inspection Program. Introduced in 2021, the program helps ensure the safety and integrity of buildings in the City that are 30 years old or greater.
Boca Raton was the first in Palm Beach County to create and adopt this type of program after the tragedy in Surfside, FL.
ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
- New Ordinances to Implement the Live Local Act of 2023; Encourage New Class A Office Space; and Provide the Redevelopment of Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) to Mixed Use
- Streamlined Redevelopment Approval Process for Larger Projects in the CRA
- Efficiency Improvements in Development Review to Reduce Permit Review Times and Number of Community Appearance Board Applications/Meetings; Implementation of Administrative Site Plan Review Process
- Launch of eHUB - Online Planning/Permitting System
Development Services FACTS
- Boca eHub
- Building Permits & Inspections
- Business Tax
- Code Enforcement
- Community Improvement
- Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
- Planning & Zoning
11,291
permits processed
107,871
inspections completed
85
development projects completed
The Development Services Department is known for its commitment to efficient permitting processes and adherence to building codes. The department serves as a key facilitator in ensuring sustainable and well-managed development. The department consists of 123 staff members.
FINANCIAL Services
HIGHLIGHT
The Certificate of Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, representing a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
This is the 42nd consecutive year the City has been recognized.
ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
- Award of Excellence in Public Procurement, Florida Association of Public Procurement Officials (FAPPO)
- Moody's Investors Service "AAA” Rating for the Special Assessment Revenue Bonds
- Purchasing Division’s Meet & Greet Vendor Event
Financial Services FACTS
- Accounting
- Accounts Payable
- Administration
- Alarm Administration
- Compliance
- CRA Financial Administration
- Customer Service
- Parking Services
- Payroll
- Pension Administration
- Purchasing Division
- Treasury
2
major financial awards
37,000+
utility billing customers
Financial Services manages the financial affairs of the City and provides the highest quality fiscal services to the community. The department safeguards the City’s assets, manages revenue collection, debt management, accounting & financial reporting, investments & cash disbursements. The department consists of 67 staff members.
FIRE RESCUE Services
HIGHLIGHT
Fire Rescue Services hosted a multi-jurisdiction hazardous material exercise at its training facility. The event was planned to further train City and regional fire and safety personnel on a potential train derailment in the area and is part of the Department’s ongoing training for emergency services.
ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
- 8th Year as a ISO Class 1 Department
- First Responder Community Expo
Fire Rescue Services FACTS
- Administration
- Community Education & Programs
- Fire & Life Safety
- Logistics & Support
- Operations
- Volunteer Programs
18,045
call responses
8
fire stations
The mission of the Fire Rescue Services Department is to minimize the level of risk to life and property through the delivery of the highest quality emergency and non-emergency services to the community. The department consists of four divisions, eight fire stations, and 258 staff members.
MUNICIPAL Services
HIGHLIGHT
The City was recognized by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) for its multi-jurisdictional beach restoration collaboration.
The project successfully renourished beaches in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach and Hillsboro Beach using the City’s inlet ebb shoal as the sand source. Together, the projects led to cost savings and enhanced inlet navigation.
ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
- Traffic Division Partners with FIU/FAU to Win a Nationwide Transportation Technology Tournament Award
- New Bike Map distributed to the community
- Mobility Week Community Awareness
- Fleet Division Recognized as a Best Public Fleet and 50 Leading Fleets
Municipal Services FACTS
- City Fleet & Fuel Management
- City Facilities Management
- Capital Projects
- Coastal Management
- Construction Inspection
- Engineering
- Sanitation
- Stormwater Management
- Streets & Sidewalks
- Surveying
- Multimodal Mobility & Connectivity
- Traffic & Transportation Management
85.5
million lbs. of garbage collected
10.9
million lbs. of material recycled
600+
miles of roads maintained
Municipal Services is dedicated to providing essential services to enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses within the City. From stormwater utility to waste management and capital projects, the department focuses on sustainable practices and community engagement to ensure a well-maintained and vibrant urban environment. The department consists of 158 staff members.
POLICE Services
HIGHLIGHT
Boca Raton Police Officer Bissoon Saves A Man From Choking
While waiting at a car wash, Boca Raton Police Officer Stephen Bissoon acted quickly and saved a man’s life. A gentleman at the car wash was eating lunch when he started to choke, and ran over to Officer Bissoon, who successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver.
This is just one example of Police Services staff members taking care of the community.
Police Services FACTS
- Public Safety Dispatchers
- Community Engagement Unit
- Road Patrol
- Investigative Services
- Special Services
- Professional Services
- Support Services
47,949
call responses
5 min
emergency
response time
50+
community education visits
The Police Services Department is the City’s law enforcement agency dedicated to the safety and security of the entire community. The department’s highly trained officers and team members use innovative technology, policies, and practices to ensure a safer City, and they strive to build strong connections with residents and businesses. The department consists of 301 staff members.
RECREATION Services
HIGHLIGHT
The Sea Turtle Conservation Team from the City's Gumbo Limbo Nature Center marked a record 1,394 sea turtle nests on Boca Raton beaches this season.
The unprecedented number of nests is a testament to over 50 years of conservation efforts and initiatives in the City that have supported plant, wildlife, and marine life on both the barrier island and mainland.
ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
- Meadows Playground Renovation
- Launch of New Night Market Events
- Groundbreaking for Renovations at Lake Wyman and Rutherford Parks, and the New Observation Tower at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Recreation Services FACTS
- Athletics & Ball Field Maintenance
- Aquatics
- Beautification & Irrigation
- Cemetery & Mausoleum
- Community Centers
- Community Events & Mizner Park Amphitheater
- Golf
- Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
- Library
- Ocean Rescue
- Park Rangers
- Parks & Common Grounds
- Park Projects
- Tennis & Racquet Sports
49
parks
4+ Million
patrons served
16,000+
community programs, events & activities
Boca Raton's Recreation Services is community-focused and strives to create memorable, vibrant and active lifestyle experiences for the City's residents and visitors through an array of programs and facilities, parks, beaches, libraries and community events. The department consists of 600 staff members.
UTILITY Services
HIGHLIGHT
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) recognized the City for its commitment to providing environmentally-sound treatment for wastewater using a sustainable operation and best management practices.
The award honors the City’s Beneficial Biosolids Reuse, its work in community engagement, watershed stewardship and recovery of resources such as water, energy and nutrients.
ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
- Innovative Sustainable Infrastructure Program (iSIP) Progress - $850 million in neighborhood improvements (road, sidewalk, stormwater & water)
- Florida Water “Landmark” Award for the City’s Water Treatment Plant from the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA)
Utility Services FACTS
- Customer Care Team (Billing)
- iSIP and Capital Improvement Projects
- Wastewater
- Water Quality
- Water Conservation Programs
34
million gallons of water treated daily
620
miles of pipes maintained
3.4
billion gallons of
reclaimed water used
The Utility Services Department is dedicated to ensuring the delivery of high-quality water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services to residents and businesses. With a commitment to efficiency and sustainability, the department plays a crucial role in maintaining the City's infrastructure and supporting the well-being of its community. The department consists of 146 staff members.
Boca Raton MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
From left to right: Council Member and CRA Chair Marc Wigder, Council Member Yvette Drucker, Mayor Scott Singer, Deputy Mayor Monica Mayotte, and Council Member Fran Nachlas.
The City of Boca Raton has a Council-Manager form of government. Our Mayor and Council support the City and provide guidance on City policies, enacting ordinances to govern City affairs, including zoning regulations, budget allocations, and public services.
The Mayor and Council represent the interests of Boca Raton's residents and businesses by addressing community concerns, fostering economic growth, and maintaining the overall well-being and prosperity of the city.
Your City at Work for You
201 West Palmetto Park Road | Boca Raton, FL 33432
