At the recent CRA Workshop held on September 9, 2025, in Riviera Beach, city officials focused on enhancing the first-time homebuyer program, addressing concerns about unspent funds from previous years. The discussion highlighted a rollover of $400,000 from last year's budget, which raised questions about the efficiency of fund allocation.

City leaders expressed a strong desire to increase the budget for the first-time homebuyer initiative from $50,000 to potentially $1.5 million. This move aims to better support residents seeking homeownership, especially in light of a significant waiting list for assistance. Officials noted that the county's similar program quickly exhausts its funds, indicating a high demand for such support.

Commissioner discussions emphasized the need for a more aggressive approach to funding, with suggestions to raise individual grants for homebuyers to match county offerings. The goal is to ensure that local teachers and city employees have viable options to live within the community, fostering a sense of belonging and stability.

Concerns were also raised about the $263,000 rollover in the reclaim program, with officials urging for quicker processing of applications to avoid future rollovers. The city aims to expedite funding distribution to meet community needs effectively.

As the city prepares for a busy redevelopment season, officials are committed to connecting residents with economic opportunities and improving their quality of life. The next steps include a detailed report on the status of pledged funds and ongoing projects, ensuring transparency and accountability in the allocation process.