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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Last week, I delivered my sixth State of the City address as your mayor, in which I underscored how West Palm Beach is a city on the rise and how our future is staked in our ability to work together and collaborate on the pressing issues our City faces. From public safety and housing affordability, to fixing our roads and building partnerships among all sectors — public, private, and philanthropic. I am more confident than ever in our ability to create a Community of Opportunity for All.
Public Safety
Investing in public safety and public safety professionals is helping us retain a team dedicated to improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods.
This past year, we approved a new contract with the Fraternal Order of Police that included 22% pay increases for officers, sergeants and lieutenants, as well as increased pension contributions and additional benefits to police employees.
The results are speaking for themselves. This past year, we saw a 12% decrease in overall crime — our neighborhoods are experiencing a drop in residential and commercial burglaries, auto burglaries, and auto theft. We have also experienced an outstanding 14% reduction in violent crime. To continue this positive path, my Administration is continuing to invest in public safety.
Affordable and Workforce Housing
In the last six years, I have set aggressive goals for the development of affordable and workforce housing in West Palm Beach. In the 2024 calendar year alone, 263 units came under construction and 269 were in the pre-development stages. We are on track to reach our goal of 1,400 new affordable housing units completed or under development by 2027. This is 815 housing units completed and under development since 2019 — that is 815 individuals and families that now have a safe place to live.
Fixing the Roads and Connecting the City
Our City Engineering Department completed 35 capital projects with a total value of $30.1 million and invested $2.3 million to repave our sidewalks and upgrade pedestrian safety. I’m particularly proud of the over $4 million infrastructure investment in our Roosevelt Estate Neighborhood.
Along with these investments, we are looking for ways to move people, not just cars, around West Palm Beach.
The RideWPB mobility pilot program has been so successful in efficiently moving thousands of people around the City that my Administration is looking into a permanent transportation system, one that would significantly expand access to over 95,000 people across our City.
Economic Development
As our City grows, it garners the attention of people and institutions from across the country. As many of you have probably seen, Vanderbilt University is planning on building a campus in West Palm Beach. I strongly believe that this is a transformative opportunity that will lay the foundation for which tomorrow’s workforce will be built.
And Cleveland Clinic is also planning an expansion into West Palm Beach — becoming the first nonprofit research hospital and the first new hospital in our downtown area in over a century.
Philanthropic Initiatives
Aiming to meet the present and future needs of our community, our philanthropic community is raising millions of dollars to invest in services for our children — a direct investment in the future.
For example, through donations, the Cox Science Center & Aquarium and the Boys and Girls Club are making a huge investment in the children of West Palm Beach. The Cox Science Center is doubling the size of its campus — expanding student engagement and showing a strong commitment to STEM education and equity. Additionally, a new Boys and Girls Club will soon break ground in Dreher Park, serving nearly 800 children annually. It will provide academic support by certified teachers, mental health and hunger relief programs, and career readiness programming.
The State of Our City
As I stated last week, I am proud to report that your City is stronger, healthier, and more prosperous than ever before. As your Mayor, I will work to ensure others see us as we truly are — a city defined by our commitment to live well, lead boldly, and do what is right. Our City is living proof that hope is alive, that humanity thrives, and that a community of opportunity for all is within reach.
Together…we create safer neighborhoods.
Together… we connect every corner of our City.
Together…we fortify a strong foundation.
Together…we offer a future of boundless possibilities.
You can watch this year’s full State of the City Address here.
Yours in service,
Keith A. James
Mayor
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