Page 2 - 2014 - 2015 Annual Report
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THE DDA                                    MESSAGE FROM DOWNTOWN

The Delray Beach Downtown           As we reflect on 2014/2015 and look ahead to the future, one theme is perfectly clear –
Development Authority (DDA)         Downtown Delray Beach is strong, successful and sociable!
was created by resolution as a
dependent district of the City      The DDA Board and Staff continue to focus on the best interests of the businesses, residents
of Delray Beach in 1971 by the      and property owners in our Downtown Districts: West Atlantic, Pineapple Grove Arts, Arts
Florida State Legislature. The      & Entertainment, Beachside, SOFA and US1. From economic development to physical
main areas of involvement in        enhancements and parking to marketing we listened, executed and partnered. Here are
Downtown redevelopment              a few highlights:
include: Marketing and
Promotion of the Downtown           	 The City of Delray Beach conducted a survey about the DDA. Property and
DDA district, Place Making          	 business owners provided excellent feedback for our planning and use.
(Clean & Safe) and Economic
Development of Downtown             	 Provided support and communication to the business community as we all
businesses.                         	 navigated through the two-year long beautification project of northbound
                                    	 and southbound Federal Highway.
    MISSION
                                    	 Executed economic development programs including Delray’s Fabulous Fashion
The mission of the DDA is           	 Week and Savor the Avenue to drive awareness to the various industries
to enhance and stimulate            	 Downtown.
balanced economic growth by
developing marketing activities     	 Worked closely with the City of Delray Beach Office of economic Development
that engage Downtown                	 as key incentives and programs were launched to help grow, expand and
businesses, residents and visitors  	 retain our small businesses.
while creating a clean, safe,
physical and experiential place     	 Welcomed over 60 new businesses to the DDA District this past year. The DDA
to live, work and invest.           	 promoted their arrival, engaged them in activities and programs and
                                    	 assisted them with their City services needs.
     2
                                    	 Contributed as the “voice” of Downtown and engaged with the City of Delray
                                    	 Beach staff to restructure the Special Event permit and policies process.

                                    	 Collaborated with the City of Delray Beach team to review the entire Clean
                                    	 and Safe Program and assess the needs, gaps and areas of focus.

                                    	 Continue to lead marketing and promotion efforts benefitting our Downtown
                                    	 business community.

                                    We encourage you to turn the page to learn more about our efforts this past year. In other
                                    news, the DDA staff transitioned its leadership as of October 1, 2015 with the promotion of
                                    Laura Simon to Executive Director. We are all energized to move forward with projects
                                    including the continued engagement with property and business owners, the optimization
                                    of our digital presence, the enhancement of our online visibility, and most importantly to
                                    add value for our businesses Downtown.

                                    We look forward to being proactive for the community and staying ahead of the curve to
                                    keep Downtown a thriving “Town Center.” Thank you for your interest and support of
                                    Downtown Delray Beach!

                                    David Cook						Laura Simon

                                    Owner, Hands Office Supplies	 			Executive Director
                                    Chairman , Board of Directors, Downtown Development Authority 	  as of October 1, 2015
                                    Mark Denkler, Chairman, as of October 1, 2015
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