Page 8 - Annual Report Template

ECONOMIC VITALITY

The Downtown Development Authority leads efforts of economic vitality within the downtown and
the fostering of a positive business-friendly district and an exceptional place to live.

“As a business owner, I could not put a dollar value on what the DDA does

for us. Putting our name out there, bringing us customers...”

–Ma v i s Be n so n

Atlantic Crossing Construction Progress The DDA Team and Board attended
the annual International Downtown
GROWTH Association Virtual three-day
conference, which brought over 800
This year was one of transition and uncertainty professionals together to benefit from
due to the pandemic and the ripple effect it the combined wisdom within the IDA
had on our economy. Our efforts focused on to achieve impact, embrace innovation,
the dynamic transition in our downtown, from create strategies, and solve the challenges downtowns
losing long-standing, legacy businesses of 40– and urban districts face around the world now as we
80 years to the influx of new businesses. New move forward together. The DDA Executive Director
businesses included: Delray Beach Market, attended Budget and Financial workshops as part of
Global Pursuit, Amazon Hub, Amofta, View the Emerging Leaders Fellowship hosted by IDA.
Optical, and more! The internal management
of the onboarding process included; On November 19, 2020, the DDA was
awarded the Silver Flagler Award
• Outlining plans for new business in Special Events for the Pineapple
onboarding and communication with the Grove Art & Music Festival 2019
Development Services Director by Visit Florida in Tampa, Florida.
The annual statewide competition
• Conducting Economic Impact survey to recognizes outstanding Florida
our downtown businesses tourism marketing and honors
individuals and organizations that
• Outreach to our realtors and property PeterArts,DDABoardChairman& help position Florida as the number
owners to measure and assist with new LauraSimon,DDAExecutiveDirector one travel destination in the world.
tenant arrivals

• Assisted businesses with talent
recruitment by posting positions, creating
a city-wide job fair

• Storefront Activation Program: Adding
artwork to vacant windows as a
temporary measure.

60+ New businesses onboarded

7 | DDA Annual Report 2020–2021