Boca Raton City Council Candidate Michelle Grau Pledges Transparency and Fiscal Accountability

Grau, a CPA, aims to prioritize public land preservation and infrastructure over developer interests

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Michelle Grau, a 40-year resident of Boca Raton, Florida, is running for Seat A on the Boca Raton City Council. Grau, a Certified Public Accountant, decided to run after canvassing for the "Save Boca" petition and hearing concerns from residents about public safety, infrastructure, and the changing character of the city. Grau's platform focuses on transparency, fiscal accountability, preserving public land, and improving the city's infrastructure and affordable housing.

Why it matters

Boca Raton is facing significant development pressures, with controversial projects like the One Boca project raising concerns about the city's priorities. Grau's candidacy represents a push for more citizen-focused leadership that balances growth with preserving the city's character and green spaces.

The details

Grau's background as a CPA has shaped her focus on fiscal responsibility and transparency. She is critical of the One Boca project's 99-year lease agreement, arguing it poses risks to the public. Grau also wants to increase the city's affordable housing requirements for developers beyond the current 10% threshold. To address infrastructure challenges, she proposes implementing a Mobility Director and using AI-synchronized traffic lights.

  • Grau has been a Boca Raton resident for 40 years.
  • Grau decided to run for City Council after canvassing for the "Save Boca" petition in the summer.
  • The 2026 Boca Raton City Council election is scheduled for November.

The players

Michelle Grau

A Certified Public Accountant and 40-year resident of Boca Raton who is running for Seat A on the Boca Raton City Council.

One Boca project

A controversial development project in Boca Raton that has raised concerns about the city's priorities and the use of public land.

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What they’re saying

“Her journey to the 2026 City Council race did not start in the boardroom, but on hot summer days knocking on neighbors' doors while canvassing for the Save Boca petition.”

— Natalee Kruzich, Author (The Boca Raton Tribune)

“Grau's strong commitment to transparency and fiscal accountability has been shaped by her background experience as a Certified Public Accountant.”

— Natalee Kruzich, Author (The Boca Raton Tribune)

What’s next

The 2026 Boca Raton City Council election is scheduled for November, and Grau's candidacy will be closely watched as residents seek a more citizen-focused approach to development and growth.

The takeaway

Grau's candidacy represents a push for more transparency, fiscal responsibility, and a balanced approach to development in Boca Raton. As a CPA with deep roots in the community, she is positioning herself as the financial expert the council needs to protect the public's interests.