Concerns over community engagement and affordable housing dominated the Boca Raton Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting on July 14, 2025. Residents voiced their frustrations about the lack of a local newspaper, which they believe has contributed to a disengaged citizenry. One resident emphasized the need for better information dissemination, questioning the effectiveness of current online resources and expressing worry about the rising cost of living in the area, particularly for younger residents.

The discussion shifted to the proposed installation of digital kiosks in downtown Boca Raton, with mixed reactions from the community. While some officials supported the idea as a modern way to provide information, others questioned the necessity and cost of the kiosks, especially given that many residents already rely on smartphones for information. Concerns were raised about the potential visual impact on the downtown area and whether the kiosks would truly enhance accessibility or simply add clutter.

Ruby Riley, the downtown manager, presented a plan for a pilot program involving up to five kiosks, emphasizing their potential for branding and wayfinding without advertising. However, several commissioners expressed skepticism, noting that the community had not shown significant interest in kiosks compared to other pressing issues like sidewalk space and pedestrian safety.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from city officials to continue exploring ways to improve information access and enhance downtown infrastructure while addressing the community's concerns about affordability and engagement. The CRA plans to gather more feedback and revisit the kiosk proposal in future discussions, highlighting the ongoing effort to balance modernization with community needs.