Mayor Keith A. James Delivers 2026 State of the City Address

Published on January 29, 2026

Mayor Keith A. James with City backdrop and State of the City 2026
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January 29, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:

Kathleen Joy, Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
kjoy@wpb.org

(561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)

 

Mayor Keith A. James Delivers 2026 State of the City Address

Mayor James Highlights Community, Opportunity, and National Impact

 

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (January 29, 2026) – Mayor Keith A. James delivered his seventh Annual State of the City Address before the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, outlining a bold and people-centered vision of West Palm Beach as a city that is not only growing, but exceeding expectations, competing on a national stage, and building a future rooted in community.

Mayor Keith A. James addresses the gathering

 

Speaking to hundreds of business, civic, and community leaders at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, Mayor James emphasized that West Palm Beach’s success is not defined by size or spectacle, but by people showing up for one another day after day. The City’s progress, he noted, is driven by intention, compassion, and purpose.

 

“Powered by people, pursuing possibilities, and building an opportunistic future, the state of our city is strong,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “West Palm Beach is in a defining chapter of its story, and we are witnessing firsthand an extraordinary time. At no point in our city’s 131-year history have we seen so much opportunity within reach for so many.”

Mayor Keith A. James waves from the podium

 

Core Themes of Mayor James’ 2026 State of the City Address

  • Community as the City’s Greatest Strength: At the heart of the address was a clear message: West Palm Beach is more than a collection of buildings or policies — it is a community. Mayor James emphasized that the City’s progress is sustained not by headlines, but by everyday actions that strengthen trust, dignity, and connection. When individuals take responsibility for one another, a city becomes stronger, safer, and more resilient, transforming shared effort into shared opportunity.

     

  • A City Competing on a National and Global Stage: Mayor James highlighted West Palm Beach’s emergence as a cultural and economic leader, attracting national and international attention by design, not by chance. From world-class exhibitions at the Norton Museum of Art to the arrival of major employers and global institutions, the City is positioning itself as a model of excellence with influence far beyond its borders.

  • Economic Opportunity at Home: The Mayor underscored that economic growth must translate into real opportunity for residents. Through initiatives such as the Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy, procurement and workforce training programs, and partnerships with global employers and institutions, West Palm Beach is creating pathways for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and local talent to launch, grow, and succeed locally. Mayor James highlighted transformational partnerships with institutions including Vanderbilt University, Cleveland Clinic, and ServiceNow, noting that “together, these are the cornerstones of a community that can lift families for generations.”

     

  • Intentional Growth, Not Accidental Momentum: Mayor James emphasized that West Palm Beach has achieved what many cities strive for but few accomplish: steering momentum instead of being swept up by it. Through deliberate planning, the City is guiding responsible growth with clear standards, infrastructure investments, workforce housing requirements, and people-centered design. The results are visible citywide, as reinvestment reaches neighborhoods long awaiting opportunity.

     

  • Building for the Future: Looking ahead, Mayor James emphasized that West Palm Beach is building a city designed to last. Strategic investments in infrastructure, water security, mobility, climate resilience, and transparency are ensuring that residents today and generations to come inherit a city that works for them. From major capital projects and resilience planning to forward-thinking investments in the Floridan Aquifer and people-first mobility solutions, the City is preparing for growth while protecting quality of life.

 

Mayor James concluded by emphasizing that what the City is building together is not simply a place to live or work, but a connected community grounded in shared responsibility and opportunity.

 

“The future is not built by any one person,” Mayor James said. “It is built by all of us, together, doing our part, day in and day out.”

 

The 2026 City of West Palm Beach State of the City Address with Mayor Keith A. James can be viewed on demand at WPBTV's YouTube Channel.

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About The City of West Palm Beach

The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic city on Florida's Atlantic coast. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region and the central city of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing waterfront city that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the area with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit our official website or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and LinkedIn.

To contact the City of West Palm Beach, please dial (561) 822-1200 (TTY 800 955-8771). For information about the City of West Palm Beach, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/home

 

 

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