This article is part of Boca Post’s ongoing coverage of the Downtown Campus Redevelopment Project, a proposed public-private partnership involving City-owned land near NW 2nd Avenue and Palmetto Park Road. Read the full project guide, timeline and key documents here.
BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — The City of Boca Raton’s next municipal election is set for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, with voters deciding who will lead City Hall and weighing in on two ballot questions tied to major city projects.
The ballot includes contests for mayor and three City Council positions — Seat A, Seat B, and Seat D — along with two referendum questions, according to city election information shared ahead of the vote.
In the mayor’s race, the city lists three qualified candidates: Mike Liebelson, Fran Nachlas, and Andy Thomson.
For City Council Seat A, the qualified candidates are Bernard Korn, Christen Ritchey, and Michelle Grau. For Seat B, the city lists Meredith Madsen, Marc Wigder, and Jon Pearlman. For Seat D, the qualified candidates are Robert S. Weinroth, Stacy Sipple, and Larry Cellon.
Beyond the candidate contests, the two ballot questions are expected to draw close attention because they are tied to long-term, high-dollar city decisions.
The first question asks whether the city should issue general obligation bonds — in one or more series — to finance construction and equipping of a new Boca Raton Police Department headquarters and related public safety support facilities, with a principal amount not to exceed $175 million. The question describes the bonds as bearing interest “at not exceeding the legal rate,” maturing not later than 30 years from the date of issuance, and being payable from ad valorem taxes levied on all taxable property in the city.
Referendum Question #1
Boca Raton Police Department Headquarters and Public Safety Facilities Project
Shall the City issue general obligation bonds, in one or more series, to finance the construction and equipping of a new police department headquarters, and related public safety support facilities located within the City in the principal amount not to exceed $175,000,000, bearing interest at not exceeding the legal rate, maturing not later than 30 years from the date of issuance, and payable from ad valorem taxes levied on all taxable property in the City?For Bonds __
Against Bonds __
The city said the referendum is the result of official action taken by the City Council through adoption of Resolution No. 148-2025 on Sept. 22, 2025, calling for the bond question to go to voters.
The second ballot question concerns approval of agreements tied to a proposed Downtown Campus public-private partnership project, including a long-term lease of city-owned land and commitments described as public improvements and changes to Memorial Park.
Referendum Question #2
Approving Lease of Downtown City Land, Agreements for Public Improvements, and Preserving / Enhancing Memorial Park
Shall the City approve agreements with Boca Raton City Center, LLC leasing 7.8 acres of City property east of Northwest Second Avenue near Brightline Station, for 99 years, creating a walkable neighborhood with residential, retail, office, and hotel uses, generating rent and revenues to City for general uses and enhancements to City property, including:Preserving Memorial Park area, honoring veterans,
Expanding public recreational and green spaces,
New community center, City Hall, and police substation?
Yes _No _
As presented in the ballot language, the question asks whether the city should approve agreements with Boca Raton City Center, LLC leasing 7.8 acres of city property east of Northwest Second Avenue near the Brightline station for 99 years. The question describes the concept as creating a walkable neighborhood with residential, retail, office, and hotel uses, generating rent and revenues to the city for general uses and enhancements to city property.
The ballot language also lists elements the agreements would include, such as preserving the Memorial Park area and honoring veterans, expanding public recreational and green spaces, and delivering new facilities described as a community center, City Hall, and a police substation.
The city said that referendum is tied to official action taken by the City Council through adoption of Resolution No. 180-2025 on Dec. 2, 2025, and adoption of Ordinance No. 5769 on Jan. 20, 2026.
City election materials emphasize the communication is intended to provide factual, neutral information about the municipal election and the ballot questions, and does not advocate for or against any candidate or ballot measure.
Residents looking for official voting information — including registration status, precinct assignments, and options to cast a ballot — are being directed to the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections for guidance and deadlines.
The Supervisor of Elections can be reached at (561) 656-6200, and information is also available through the county elections website.
Boca Post is a hyperlocal news outlet covering Boca Raton, with original reporting on city government, public safety, development, and community issues that is frequently cited across the local media landscape.
