Election Day: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

2026 Charter Referendum Guide

This guide explains the five proposed amendments, empowering voters to make informed decisions about Lake Worth Beach's future.

View Amendments Voter Information

Proposed Charter Amendments

Ballot Question

"The City utilizes the County Canvassing Board and the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections certifies election results canvassed by the County Canvassing Board. Shall the City of Lake Worth Beach amend its Charter at Article III, Section 2 to reflect that the election results are certified by the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections?"

Amendment Provides For

Formalize Current Election Practice
The Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections has certified the municipal election results since 1973.
Ensure Professional Standards
Ensures elections are certified by officials with specialized training and experience in election law and procedures. The Supervisor of Elections and her staff have the technical and administrative expertise to conduct and certify elections.
Maintain Legal Accuracy and Compliance
Updates the City Charter to accurately reflect current legal requirements and election administration practices according to State Statutes.

Note: The office of the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections was established in 1971. Prior to that time, the City ran all of its elections independently.

Ballot Question

"In order to encourage private investment in and redevelopment of City-owned property and reduce the City's maintenance costs of City facilities, shall Article II, Section 3 of the City of Lake Worth Beach Charter be amended to allow City-property East of A1A to be leased for up to 99 years for purposes other than lodging and residential uses?"

Amendment Provides For

Financial Feasibility
Major developers often require longer lease terms (e.g., standard 99-year leases) to secure bank financing for large-scale projects.
Infrastructure Improvement
Modernizing older city facilities can be extremely expensive. This change allows private entities to bear the cost of redevelopment and maintenance while the City retains ownership of the land.
Steady Revenue
Converts city-owned land into a source of predictable, long-term income without the City having to manage day-to-day operations.
Risk Mitigation
Transfers operational and maintenance risks to private lessees while the City maintains ultimate ownership and control of valuable beachside property.
Enhanced Beach Access
Private investment can lead to improved amenities and facilities that enhance the public's beach experience without depleting city resources.
Competitive Positioning
Allows Lake Worth Beach to compete with neighboring coastal communities that already offer similar long-term lease arrangements.
Tax Base Protection
Keeps valuable land in city ownership while generating revenue, rather than selling assets that would be lost permanently.

Ballot Question

"In order to encourage private investment in and redevelopment of City-owned property and reduce the City's maintenance costs of City facilities, shall Article II, Section 4 of the City of Lake Worth Beach Charter be amended to allow City-owned property West of A1A that is restricted in the Charter to be leased for up to 99 years?"

Amendment Provides For

Revitalizing Public Spaces
The City may not always have the budget to improve its city-owned public spaces. Longer leases make it more attractive for private partners to invest in these public assets.
Economic Development
Extending lease terms enables more substantial "anchor" projects in the downtown area, increasing foot traffic and supporting local businesses.
Community Amenities
Private partners can develop parks and recreation facilities with modern features that the City budget might not support, improving the quality of life for residents.
Job Creation
Significant private investment in downtown and park areas can create construction jobs and permanent employment opportunities.
Neighborhood Revitalization
Strategic long-term leases can catalyze broader neighborhood improvements and increase surrounding property values.
Public-Private Partnerships
Opens doors for innovative collaborations that blend public access with private management expertise.
Deferred Maintenance Solutions
Addresses the backlog of repairs and upgrades needed for aging city properties without straining municipal budgets.
Flexible Development Options
Provides the City with tools to respond to changing community needs and market conditions over time.

Ballot Question

"Shall Article IV, Section 3 of The City Of Lake Worth Beach Charter be amended to require the process for filling a permanent vacancy in the Office of City Manager be started within 90 days of the vacancy and continue in good faith until the Office of City Manager is filled?"

Amendment Provides For

Organizational Stability
Prevents the City from being stuck in "leadership limbo," where interim managers may lack the long-term authority to make major decisions.
Accountability
Creates a transparent, legal requirement for the City Commission to act promptly, ensuring the community has stable, professional leadership.
Strategic Planning Continuity
A permanent City Manager can develop and execute long-term strategic initiatives rather than focusing only on immediate operational needs.
Talent Attraction
Quality candidates for City Manager positions prefer to join organizations with a clear commitment to permanent leadership rather than prolonged interim situations.
Best Practices Alignment
Aligns Lake Worth Beach with professional standards recommended by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

Ballot Question

"In recognizing that the City no longer has a City Police or Fire Department and to eliminate any confusion, shall Article IV, Section 10 of the City of Lake Worth Beach Charter (Police and Fire Departments) be repealed?"

Amendment Provides For

Clarity and Modernization
The City no longer operates its own independent police or fire departments; keeping these sections in the Charter is outdated.
Reducing Legal Risk
Removing "deadwood" language reduces the risk of legal confusion or administrative errors in the City's management of public safety contracts.
Administrative Efficiency
Eliminates unnecessary provisions that no longer apply to current city operations, streamlining the Charter document.
Accurate Public Information
Ensures that residents and businesses consulting the Charter receive accurate information about how public safety services are actually provided.
Contract Clarity
Removes potential conflicts between Charter language and the City's actual contractual arrangements with Palm Beach County for police and fire services.

Voter Information

Everything you need to know to cast your vote

Election Date

March 10, 2026

Tuesday

Poll Hours

7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Local time

Eligibility

Only duly qualified electors of the City of Lake Worth Beach may vote on these referendum questions.

Certification

Results will be certified by the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections.

Have questions about voting or need to verify your registration?

Visit Palm Beach County Elections