On March 10th, the residents of Boca Raton, Florida will head to the polls to decide the fate of the city's ambitious One Boca redevelopment project. This high-stakes referendum will determine whether the city can move forward with a public-private partnership to revitalize its aging civic campus - or if they'll have to go it alone with a more costly city-funded plan. What this really means is that Boca Raton voters will be shaping the future of their downtown core for decades to come.
A Pivotal Moment for Boca Raton
The One Boca plan has been years in the making, with the city council approving a master agreement with developers Terra and Frisbie in January 2026. The $1 billion proposal calls for a mixed-use development on 7.8 acres of the current civic campus, featuring a new city hall, police station, and community center - all funded by private investment rather than taxpayer dollars.
In exchange, the developers would get to build a boutique hotel, grocery store, and nearly 1,000 residential units. The bigger picture here is that this public-private partnership is designed to generate long-term revenue for Boca Raton, with the city estimating over $4 billion in rent and tax proceeds over the life of the 99-year lease.
But critics argue the deal is too risky, with one council member warning that the city is relying too heavily on future lease income to fund immediate infrastructure needs. Supporters counter that the plan protects the beloved Memorial Park, doubles public recreation space, and modernizes essential civic facilities.
What's at Stake for Boca Raton Voters
The March 10th referendum essentially gives Boca Raton residents the final say on whether to move forward with the One Boca plan or pursue a more traditional city-led redevelopment. A no vote would instantly void the agreement, leaving the city to potentially tap into its savings to address the aging civic campus on its own.
But a yes vote would greenlight the public-private partnership, allowing the city to leverage private investment to fund critical infrastructure without raising taxes. As the Boca Raton Tribune editorial board recently argued, this could generate over $250 million in annual economic impact and create thousands of local jobs.
With early voting already underway, Boca Raton voters have a pivotal decision to make that will shape their city's future for decades to come. The outcome of this referendum will have ripple effects far beyond just the downtown core, so residents would be wise to study the details and make their voices heard.