From Breweries to Boulevards — How the Pompano Beach CRA Is Driving Local Growth
Over the past decade, Pompano Beach has undergone a major transformation, with new restaurants, breweries, public spaces, and small businesses bringing renewed energy to the city’s downtown and commercial corridors. Much of this progress has been supported by the Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), an organization focused on revitalizing key areas of the city through targeted investment, beautification projects, and business support programs.
The CRA works to stimulate economic development while improving the appearance and functionality of important areas like Atlantic Boulevard and the downtown district. By providing grants and financial assistance to local businesses and property owners, the agency helps attract new investment while encouraging existing businesses to expand and upgrade their facilities.
A recent example of this impact can be seen at 26 Degrees Brewing Company, a popular craft brewery located in the city’s Old Town district. Through the CRA’s Strategic Investment Program and the Façade & Business Site Improvement Program, the brewery received approximately $101,000 in assistance toward a $614,000 expansion project. The investment allowed the business to add a kitchen and outdoor patio space, helping transform the brewery into a larger destination for dining and social gatherings.
Projects like the 26 Degrees Brewing expansion demonstrate how targeted incentives can support small businesses while also improving the surrounding neighborhood. The addition of new seating areas, food service, and upgraded exterior spaces contributes to a more vibrant street atmosphere that attracts both residents and visitors.
Beyond individual business improvements, the CRA has also played a key role in beautification projects along Atlantic Boulevard, one of the city’s primary east-west corridors. Streetscape upgrades, landscaping improvements, pedestrian-friendly design elements, and enhanced lighting have helped make the area more welcoming and accessible. These improvements not only benefit local businesses but also create a more attractive environment for people exploring the downtown district.
Small business grant programs have also become an important tool for encouraging entrepreneurship in Pompano Beach. The CRA offers financial assistance for building improvements, signage upgrades, outdoor seating areas, and other enhancements that help businesses modernize their spaces. For many small businesses, these programs provide the extra support needed to move forward with renovations that might otherwise be financially challenging.
City officials often highlight the CRA’s role in helping Pompano Beach evolve into a destination for dining, arts, and entertainment. Investments in infrastructure, public spaces, and local businesses have contributed to a growing downtown area that hosts community events, live music, and cultural programming throughout the year.
Looking ahead, CRA leaders continue to focus on projects that strengthen the city’s identity while supporting sustainable economic growth. Future initiatives are expected to include additional corridor improvements, expanded support for small businesses, and continued development in the Old Town and downtown areas.
For residents and visitors alike, the results of these efforts are becoming increasingly visible — from improved streetscapes and revitalized buildings to thriving businesses like 26 Degrees Brewing. As the Pompano Beach CRA continues investing in the community, its projects are helping shape the next chapter of the city’s growth and transformation.
