Boca Raton City Council Considers Creating New Public Affairs Department (Ordinance 5795)

Boca Raton City Council held a public hearing on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, to discuss Ordinance No. 5795. This proposed ordinance aimed to establish a new Public Affairs Department within the City of Boca Raton, a move that could reshape how the city communicates with its residents and manages its public image.

The ordinance proposed amending Chapter 2, 'Administration,' Article IV, 'Departments' of the City's Code of Ordinances. Specifically, it sought to include the Public Affairs Department under Division 1, Section 2-288, 'Departments Established,' and create a new Chapter 2, Article IV, Division 10, dedicated entirely to the 'Public Affairs Department.' This structural change signifies a formal integration of public affairs functions into the city's administrative framework.

Ordinance No. 5795 also detailed the composition of this new department. It outlined the specific powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Public Affairs Director, a key role in the proposed structure. This director would oversee the department's operations, ensuring consistent and effective communication strategies for the city.

The public hearing took place at the Auditorium of the City’s 6500 Building, located at 6500 N. Congress Avenue. It immediately followed the City Council Workshop, which itself commenced after the Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting that began at 10:00 a.m. Residents had the opportunity to participate and voice their opinions on the proposed department during this meeting.