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Merchant Handbook

Chapter 3: Your Role in the Downtown Community

Downtown Delray Beach is more than just a business district — it's a dynamic, collaborative community where local businesses, residents, property owners, city staff, and visitors all contribute to a thriving, walkable, and culturally rich environment. As a downtown business owner or operator, your active participation plays a vital role in maintaining the health, success, and future of this unique district.

This section outlines ways to stay engaged, contribute meaningfully, and make the most of the resources available to you as a member of the downtown community.

Why It Matters

  • A collaborative downtown attracts more visitors, enhances the neighborhood’s reputation, and strengthens local businesses.
  • Engaged merchants influence city planning, events, and policies that affect the district.
  • Being a good neighbor builds trust with residents’ fellow business owners, and city staff.

Be an Active Community Member

A. Join Local Associations & Groups:

  • Downtown Development Authority (DDA): Engages in economic development, marketing, events, and advocacy for downtown businesses. They regularly communicate news, alerts, and opportunities. Meetings 2nd Monday, monthly.
  • Delray Merchant & Business Association (DMBA): A vital forum for business owners to collaborate, share concerns, and provide input on city and DDA initiatives. Monthly meetings offer updates and opportunities to network.
  • Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce: Offers networking, educational workshops, and advocacy resources to help your business grow.
  • Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA): Incentives, funding, and façade grants. These grants help business and property owners make improvements that align with the CRA’s mission to foster a vibrant, safe, and economically sustainable community.
  • Attend Public Meetings & Workshops:
    Your voice matters. Attend DDA, City Commission, CRA, and Planning & Zoning meetings, especially when agenda items may affect your business or neighborhood.
  • Support Neighboring Businesses:
    Encourage collaboration instead of competition. Recommend other downtown businesses to your customers, co-host events, and share promotions or foot traffic opportunities.

Be a Block Captain

Block Captains serve as important connectors within the downtown community – helping ensure communication flows smoothly between merchants, the DDA, and City departments. Each captain represents a designated block or area and plays a key role in sharing updates, voicing concerns, and encouraging collaboration among neighboring businesses.

How You Can Get Involved:

  • Volunteer to serve as a Block Captain for your block – it’s a great way to stay informed and make a positive impact.
  • If your block already has a captain, stay connected and share updates, needs, or ideas that strengthen your section of downtown.
  • Encourage open dialogue among nearby businesses – strong blocks build a stronger downtown.

To learn more or volunteer, contact the Downtown Development Authority at 561.243.1077.

B. Be a Steward of the Avenue

Downtown’s charm depends on everyone doing their part. Here’s how you can contribute:

Maintain a Clean, Attractive Storefront:

  • Follow the guidelines outlined in the Appearance Standards (see Section 3). Regular sweeping, well-kept windows, and clear signage go a long way.

Report Maintenance Issues Promptly:

  • Notify the appropriate City departments of any broken light posts, overflowing trash cans, graffiti, or sidewalk hazards. The City App is a great tool for reporting issues.

Be a Responsible Business Neighbor:

  • Respect noise levels, especially during early or late hours
  • Avoid blocking sidewalks or neighboring entries
  • Comply with waste and protocols

C. Communicate Effectively

Stay Informed:

  • Subscribe to DDA and City email updates, newsletters, and alerts. These communications include everything from street closures and marketing opportunities to safety alerts and grant programs.

Keep Your Contact Info Updated:

  • Make sure the DDA and City have your current contact details so you receive time-sensitive updates and emergency notices.

Use Feedback Channels:

  • If you have suggestions or concerns about events, policy changes, or downtown services, don’t hesitate to reach out to the DDA. Constructive feedback helps shape a better downtown experience for all.

D. Support Downtown Initiatives

Participate in Events:

  • Engage in events like First Friday Art Walk, Small Business Saturday, Art and Jazz, Delray Affair, and holiday programs. Your participation enhances the visitor experience and brings visibility to your business.

Contribute to Beautification and Placemaking:

  • Whether it’s maintaining planters, displaying public art, or decorating during the holidays, simple actions can elevate the district’s overall ambiance.

Promote Sustainability:

  • Reduce waste, use eco-conscious materials, and encourage green practices in your day-to-day operations.

E. Champion Customer Service & Hospitality

Be a Local Expert:

  • Train staff to offer directions, make restaurant or shopping suggestions, and recommend attractions. A friendly referral to another local shop strengthens the entire district.

Create a Memorable Experience:

  • Your business is part of what makes Delray Beach memorable for residents and visitors alike. Exceptional service, a welcoming atmosphere, and community pride leave lasting impressions.

F. Be Part of the Solution

Collaborate During Challenges:

  • Communication is essential. Whether it’s construction disruption, traffic concerns, or emergency response events, maintaining open lines of communication and cooperating with other stakeholders is key.

Support Advocacy Efforts:

  • Lend your voice to efforts that preserve and enhance the downtown area. Your input helps guide policy, planning, and funding decisions.

Participate in Surveys & Planning Efforts:

  • The DDA, CRA, and City often seek input from business owners when planning for streetscapes, parking, safety improvements, and long-term visioning.

G. Celebrate Downtown Delray Beach

Your business is part of what makes Delray Beach special. Celebrate its unique energy by:

  • Sharing positive stories and milestones on social media
  • Welcoming new businesses to the area
  • Supporting local causes and fundraising efforts
  • Embracing the heritage and diversity that makes Delray unique.

Quick Checklist: Are You an Engaged Downtown Business?

  • I attend or review minutes from DDA/MBA meetings regularly
  • My storefront is clean, welcoming, and compliant with local codes
  • I participate in at least one downtown event or promotion annually
  • I share information and collaborate with neighboring businesses
  • I stay updated on city policies and street closure announcements
  • I support sustainability and placemaking efforts
  • My staff are trained to be helpful, informed ambassadors of Delray

Helpful Contacts

Downtown Development Authority / 561-243-1077 / www.downtowndelraybeach.com
City of Delray Beach (General Info) / 561-243-7000 / www.delraybeachfl.gov
Chamber of Commerce / 561-278-0424 / www.delraybeach.com
Delray Beach Police (Non-Emergency) / 561-243-7800
Code Enforcement / 561-243-7203
DDA Safety Ambassador Program / 561-386-1134 (on duty daily)

By embracing your role in the downtown community, you help ensure that Delray Beach remains a vibrant, inclusive, and economically thriving place to live, work, and visit. Together, we shape the heart of our city.