City Manager introduced Samuel Kemp as Delray Beach’s new economic development manager; Kemp cited prior experience on large regional projects and said he looks forward to bringing similar opportunities to Delray Beach.

City Manager Moore said April 7 the city will engage BusinessFlare and Grip LLC for a focused economic development plan and marketing campaign, funded from the economic development fund; commissioners asked about procurement and the $124,000 total cost.

City staff proposed hiring outside marketing and planning consultants to boost economic development; commissioners pushed for more market inventory and partner involvement and asked to delay contract signings until a workshop on April 7.

DDA staff launched a new Downtown Delray website (live 12/31/2025) with interactive mapping and business directories and reported a marketing surge — staff cited a $15.5M estimated annual economic impact and 37 million impressions in one month for holiday content.

At an Oct. 14 workshop the Delray Beach City Commission heard staff outline current economic development activities and discussed goals, land availability, workforce training and permitting. Commissioners asked staff to circulate a 2021 plan, update market metrics and return for a follow‑up workshop on Dec. 1, 2025; staff said outside support maybe