DDA approves 15-member beautification task force after contentious selection debate

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority on Aug. 10 approved a 15-member beautification task force after an extended debate over how members should be chosen. The board heard that 27 people applied and that staff and the task-force chair had narrowed a recommended slate of 15 candidates covering professional expertise and neighborhood representation.

Jewel, who led the selection effort, told the board she based the recommendations on applicants’ occupations and neighborhood addresses. "I do not know any single one of these people," she said, adding the list was chosen "strictly off of mostly where the address was and mostly what they do for a living." Board members pressed for geographic balance, especially representation from the West Atlantic area, and asked about a process that would allow each board member to nominate two candidates from the pool. After discussion, a motion to adopt the recommended list carried on a roll-call vote.

Board members who raised concerns said the approved slate could be expanded later by a formal resolution if the DDA wants additional members. The task force is charged with fact-finding and producing recommendations for placemaking, public art, and street-level beautification that the DDA may forward to the city commission. The DDA chair said staff will circulate the final list and next steps for the task force’s first meeting.