CITY OF DELRAY BEACH

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release:		Contact: Ivan Ladizinsky  PIO
May 21, 2004						(561) 243-7009

BROAD STUDY OF THE STATE OF SOUTH FLORIDA SPOTLIGHTS DELRAY BEACH AS A MODEL FOR WELL MANAGED GROWTH

The Cantanese Center for Urban & Environmental Solutions at Florida Atlantic University published the results of a survey of the social, economic, environmental and rapid growth issues that are common to the South Florida region. The wide ranging study, under the direction of James Murley, director of the Center, took nearly two years to complete. For the complete text of the report, go to www.soflo.org. The study was funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
 South Florida has been traditionally thought of as Miami-Dade County, Broward County and Palm Beach County plus the Florida Keys. The CUES study expanded that concept to include Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties to the immediate north with the entire region a home for over 5.7 million people. This takes in geographic areas along the Atlantic Seaboard from Vero Beach down to Key West. The City of Delray Beach is located at the midway point of that coastal area between West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale.
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This defined region shares common challenges in growth, population shifts, transportation problems, educational requirements, diversity issues, development controls and the social and cultural aspirations of all their citizens.      
Quoting from the report: “In 1990, it still might have been possible to imagine the area as a string of individual, autonomous communities stretching necklace-like along the coast and into the interior. But today, the intense interconnectedness of those communities clearly makes them a megalopolis.” Quoting further from the study: “South Florida’s sunshine, expansive beaches, plentiful water, affordable housing and ease of commuting attracted a steady flood of newcomers.” 
In the past decade, that flow of newcomers has changed and is drastically altering the face of South Florida from a retirement community to a place of young families and entrepreneurs who have found a beautiful place to live and through the new technologies conduct their careers without regard to location. Or, they have invested their assets to establish a new business in the service or hospitality industry. The study goes on to say: “The shifting press of population against the capacities of place is showing signs of challenging stress.”
In the past 10 years, South Florida’s population has increased by 23.5%. The national average is 13% growth. Palm Beach County’s population has increased by 31%. These factors affect land use, education, employment, diversity accommodation and a change in life style for all the inhabitants of one of America’s most desirable places to visit and live.
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Taking all of these factors and many more into consideration, the FAU study singled out the City of Delray Beach as a model and example of managed growth, revitalization, renewal and development. 
Quoting again from the study: “Delray Beach sees itself as a ‘dynamic, evolving community which is constantly energized by the rich diversity of its people and their determined efforts to shape a promising future for themselves, their children, their neighbors and their City.” Delray Beach was recognized as an All-America City in 1993 and again in 2001 by the National Civic League wherein the awards are based on the city’s ability to identify and resolve critical issues through citizen participation and the collaboration of the business community. Major factors in overturning a desolate downtown into a dynamic and beautiful central business district were the creation of a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) with its own taxing district constantly re-investing in City development and projects, a partnership with the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce and its marketing arm, Joint Venture, to stimulate business via special events, and the City’s outreach to all sectors of the community and its residents. Over the past 12 years, Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach has become a shopping, gourmet dining and entertainment destination for all of South Florida and beyond. The beaches of Delray Beach, recently re-nourished, are among the best in the country and have been designated “Blue Wave” beaches denoting the cleanliness of the water, the beach and the facilities. The Florida League of Cities has nominated Delray Beach for their “City of Excellence Award” with the winner to be announced on June 26, 2004 at their conference in Orlando. 
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Delray Beach has been selected, for the third consecutive year, to make presentations at the Transforming Local Government Conference in Reno, Nevada under the aegis of the Innovation Groups, Inc. this June. 
The Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce will also make a presentation at the Reno Conference on how a revitalized downtown has affected the local economy and the entire city. 
This past April, the United States Tennis Association chose Delray Beach as the setting for the U.S versus Sweden Davis Cup matches and this September the International Tennis Championships, featuring top tier tennis pros will spend a week competing at the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center. The Delray Affair in April attracts over 250,000 visitors over a three day weekend. Events such as Art & Jazz on the Avenue, Hot Air Balloon Races, Fourth of July Fireworks on the Beach, The Garlic Festival, Christmas Holiday celebrations at Old School Square and many more special occasions bring thousands of visitors and tourists back to Delray Beach again and again. 
	If Delray Beach sounds like something out of a tropical Frank Capra movie, you would not be far off the mark. Ask anyone who’s been here and the first thing they will say is, “Everybody in Delray is just so nice.” There is a simple reason why everyone is so cordial, so open and friendly. That’s because our residents are happy. To live in Delray Beach is to be happy. Is everything perfect? No. There is still room for improvement and a lot to do to insure that the diverse cultures of all Delray Beach communities are included in the progress and prosperity of the City. 
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The people of Delray Beach have chosen their leadership wisely and hold City officials to their promise. The people of Delray Beach are involved, volunteer, and get engaged in the details of maintaining their “village by the sea.” 
City Hall is their house and the people are the foundation of everything that happens here. Delray Beach looks to the future with imagination while preserving its past with respect. Nobody said would be easy, but Delray Beach will prevail. You are most welcome to come here and see for yourself.
				MyDelrayBeach.com