Community meeting for New Downtown Pompano Beach to provide project updates

Pompano Beach, Florida – City leaders are inviting residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to take part in an upcoming public meeting focused on the future of downtown redevelopment, as planning efforts for the “New Downtown” continue to move forward.

The community meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 26 at 6:00 p.m. and will be held at the E. Pat Larkins Community Center, located at 520 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The event is being organized by the City of Pompano Beach and the Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), in partnership with RocaPoint Partners, also known as RP Pompano, LLC.

Officials say the gathering is designed to give residents a closer look at current project progress while also opening the door for public input and engagement. Attendees will receive updates on the New Downtown development plan and learn about ways they can take part in shaping the area’s future.

City representatives emphasize that the meeting is not only informational but also interactive. Residents will have opportunities to ask questions, connect with project partners, and explore how the redevelopment may impact business opportunities, job access, and community services in the years ahead.

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The agenda reflects a broad approach to community participation. Whether residents are business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, job seekers, or individuals interested in civic development, officials say the meeting is intended to serve a wide audience.

A range of community resource partners will also be present to provide direct support and information. These include CareerSource Broward, Consolidated Credit, Choices Network, the Kappa Foundation, Lotus Mindset, SCORE, the City of Pompano Beach Purchasing Department, and the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, among others. These organizations will offer guidance on topics such as job training, financial literacy, business development, and municipal contracting opportunities.

City officials say the goal is to make the redevelopment process more accessible by linking residents directly with services that can help them participate in the city’s economic growth. The meeting is expected to function as both a planning update and a resource hub for those looking to get involved.

One of the key highlights of the evening will be a meet-and-greet session featuring the architectural team selected to design the new E. Pat Larkins Community Center. Attendees will have an early opportunity to meet the designers and learn more about the vision for the upgraded facility, which is expected to play a central role in the broader downtown transformation.

The architectural team was chosen by RP Pompano, LLC in collaboration with the City of Pompano Beach and the CRA. It brings together STUDIO-US and METICULOUS Design Architecture, two firms selected for their focus on community-centered design and civic spaces.

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The partnership is grounded in a shared philosophy described as “designing for humanity,” with an emphasis on listening to residents and incorporating community feedback throughout the planning process. Officials say this approach will guide a series of workshops, visioning sessions, and public forums designed to keep residents involved from early design stages through final development.

STUDIO-US, led by Stacey Boynton, AIA, NOMA, is a local firm based in Pompano Beach and is both Black- and woman-owned. City officials note that the firm brings a strong understanding of the city’s cultural and physical landscape, which they believe will be important in shaping a downtown that reflects local identity.

Working alongside them is METICULOUS Design Architecture, a Black-owned firm specializing in civic and municipal projects aimed at improving public spaces and community experience. Together, the firms are expected to lead a collaborative design process that prioritizes accessibility, functionality, and long-term community benefit.

Officials say the redevelopment of downtown Pompano Beach is a long-term effort that will require ongoing public participation. The upcoming meeting is part of that broader strategy to ensure residents remain informed and engaged as decisions are made.

To encourage participation, the city is asking attendees to register in advance and sign up for future updates. Registration can be completed online at https://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/events/new-downtown-pompano-beach-community-meeting.

As planning continues, city leaders say community input will remain a central part of the process, with additional engagement opportunities expected in the coming months.