Name: Fran Nachlas

Office sought: Mayor, City of Boca Raton

Campaign website: www.franforboca.com

Date, place of birth: August 27, 1966 / Ridgewood, NJ

Generally speaking, is Boca Raton on the right track or the wrong track, and why?
Like all South Florida communities we are dealing with regional challenges, but Boca Raton will continue to address those issues more proactively to continue to be the best place to live, work and play. I believe we are generally on the right track, with exceptional public safety, a real plan to address traffic through our own signal modernization program, a responsibly balanced budget, and one of the lowest tax rates for a full-service city in Florida. Our colleges and universities continue to attract talent and innovation, we are leading the way on a range of housing options, and we remain business friendly while protecting our quality of life. That said, being on the right track doesn’t mean standing still. We must keep investing thoughtfully in infrastructure, mobility, and community amenities so Boca Raton stays exceptional for the next generation.

How will you vote on ballot question No. 1, and why? (police headquarters, public safety improvements)
I will be voting yes because it is critical for our public safety. Our current headquarters are simply not reflective or responsive to what residents expect and deserve, and it must be replaced and relocated regardless of what happens with the government campus. This project has been discussed since 2001, and our law enforcement professionals deserve facilities that meet modern public safety needs. Moving forward, the project will be value-engineered to ensure we’re getting what’s needed while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Supporting public safety while negotiating smart costs is the right balance for our residents.

How will you vote on ballot question No. 2, and why? (Lease of downtown land, public improvements, Memorial Park)
I will also vote yes on Question #2. This is an opportunity to partner with the private sector to reduce infrastructure costs for the taxpayers, improve parks and recreation closer to where residents live, and generate $4 billion in benefits for residents, while guaranteeing the city retains full ownership of the land. It creates long-term revenue streams for future generations, helps fund new public facilities without adding tax burden to residents, and allows us to create a more walkable, pedestrian-and-bike friendly downtown where that infrastructure is currently lacking. It’s about thoughtful reimagining, like we successfully did with the Public-Private Mizner Park initiative, that strengthens both our economy and quality of life.

Are you satisfied that the ballot language approved by the City Council accurately reflects the details of the ballot questions?
Yes. With a 75-word limit, it was important to use every word carefully. The language was crafted to clearly describe both the opportunity and it’s potential impact on residents. It reflects the findings of highly respected consultants, including CBRE and PFM, in addition to our nationally respected CFO who all concluded this is a strong deal for the City–one that creates new revenue streams, enhances our civic core, and helps fund needed public facilities at a much lower cost to residents while keeping ownership of the land.

The Florida Legislature is considering proposals to reduce or eliminate property taxes. Do you agree the taxes are too high, and what tax cut proposals do you support?
We all want lower taxes. I do too. Boca Raton continues to lead the way in efficiency and continually sharpening the budget pencil, and for the taxes we pay the residents enjoy an exceptional quality of city services. We already have one of the lowest property tax rates for a full-service city in Florida. We’ve maintained conservative, balanced budgets, and I intend to continue that approach. What I will not do is cut the level of service residents expect–especially public safety. Instead, I focus on efficiency: investing in technology, improving processes at City Hall, and expanding alternative revenue streams that do not burden residents so we can keep taxes stable while maintaining the quality of life people move here for.

What most distinguishes you from your opponent(s)?
I am the only candidate for Mayor endorsed by our professional Police, Firefighter and Paramedics
organizations, residents from every corner of our city, as well as the Boca Raton business leaders of BLU-PAC because I say what I mean and mean what I say. My opponents have misled the public and twisted their records on the downtown government campus and on development issues. The fact is that one voted for 200’ high buildings and almost 1 million square feet of office space in the downtown, and one talks of stopping variances when he demanded one after building an illegal wall around his residential compound. We need public servants, not hypocritical politicians like that. I don’t need to take credit for the things we do well, and I take responsibility when we can do better. I’ve lived and worked here for over 30 years. I’m accessible, consistent, and deeply invested in this community. I have the experience serving as both the CRA Chair and the current Deputy Mayor. I voted for the right of residents to vote on the government campus opportunity. I fought to implement technology to get traffic moving again and for safety upgrades. I have never voted for a tax increase, and I will never quit to run for higher office like my opponent did twice. I’m not looking for the next political step– I’m focused on doing the right things for the right reasons, and making sure Boca Raton remains a city we’re proud to call home.

List in reverse chronological order, starting with most recent, colleges and universities attended with years of attendance and degrees held.
University of Florida, 1984-1988, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

List in reverse the chronological order your work history for the past 10 years.
City of Boca Raton, City Council, November 28, 2022-Present;

Boca Raton Outpatient Surgery and Laser Center, Registered Nurse, April 1993-December 2021

Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details and disposition.
No.

Have you ever been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, including an adjudication of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates and terms of sentence.
No.

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/02/14/questionnaire-fran-nachlas-candidate-for-boca-raton-mayor/