Community Highlights & Happenings
 
L to R: Charity Lewis, Housing and Community Development Civic Engagement Supervisor; Kimberly Spence, Assistant Director of Housing & Community Development; Jade Greene, Director of Housing & Community Development; City Commission President Christina Lambert; and Lucy Joseph, Housing and Community Development Coordinator.
Community Development Week Proclamation | April 6 – 10, 2026
During this week’s City Commission Meeting, we proudly recognized Community Development Week (April 6 – 10, 2026) and the vital role these programs play in strengthening neighborhoods and enhancing quality of life.
The City of West Palm Beach celebrates the impact of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which support affordable housing, public services, and neighborhood revitalization.
Over the past five years, the City has received approximately $5 million in CDBG funding and $2.5 million in HOME funds — directly benefiting residents through housing initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and services for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those experiencing housing instability.
These investments expand opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents while fostering economic growth and more inclusive communities.
Thank you to Jade Greene, Director of Housing & Community Development, and her team for accepting the proclamation.
Save the Date! Historic Northwest Community Meeting
Join the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at City Side Suites for our Historic Northwest Community Outreach Meeting focused on collaboration, transparency, and progress. The evening will include a presentation highlighting upcoming security changes in the Northwest, along with a special introduction to our new CCTV Camera Incentive Program.
City departments will also be present to share updates and connect with residents about key initiatives impacting the community. We value your voice and encourage you to attend, stay informed, and be part of the conversation. Enjoy delicious light bites while engaging with neighbors and community leaders — you won’t want to miss it!
The meeting will be held at City Side Suites, 401 Rosemary Avenue, West Palm Beach, with parking available at the Sapodilla Garage (600 Clematis Street) and complimentary transportation provided by the Rose Trolley.
For more information, visit wpb.org/cra, call (561) 822-1550, or email cra@wpb.org.
Vote for the WPB GreenMarket!
The WPB GreenMarket is back in the running for USA TODAY’s 10Best Farmers Market in the U.S. Show your love by casting your vote — once a day through April 13. Your support helps celebrate the farmers, makers, and small businesses that make our market one of the best in the country.
VOTE NOW!
Show your love for the WPB GreenMarket by voting every day, and make it the Best Farmers Market in America.
*No subscription is required to vote.
e4 Life | Green, Health & Wellness Expo
Celebrate the 56th anniversary of Earth Day with the Office of Sustainability at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium! See how easy it is to do your part for climate change through environmental workshops, free giveaways, demonstrations, local vendors, and more. This event is great for the entire family!
April 11, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Cox Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail N, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
*City of West Palm Beach residents and City of West Palm Beach employees receive a 50% discount to the Science Center with valid I.D.
Watch the e4 Life video now to learn more about the Expo on April 11, 2026!
City of West Palm Beach Launches Bond Readiness Program to Help Contractors Grow
The City of West Palm Beach, in partnership with Innovative Bonding Services, is launching the 2026 Bond Readiness & Technical Assistance Program, a five-session training series designed to help small business owners and contractors qualify for surety bonding and compete for larger construction opportunities.
This program provides practical tools and real-world guidance to help participants understand bonding requirements, strengthen financial readiness, and position their businesses for growth in the construction industry.
Offered in a hybrid format to accommodate working professionals, the program combines in-person and virtual sessions and will take place in May and June 2026, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on the following dates:
- Session 1 – May 5, 2026 (In-Person) | Establish or Expand your Bonding Program
- Session 2 – May 12, 2026 (Virtual) | Building a Better Banking Relationship
- Session 3 – May 19, 2026 (Virtual) Your Financial Roadmap: Accounting & Estimating
- Session 4 – May 26, 2026 (Virtual) Leadership in Construction
- Session 5 – June 2, 2026 (In-Person) Pitch Practice & Showcase Program Completion & Graduation
The in-person sessions will be held at Flagler Gallery in City Hall, 401 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
This program is free to the public, and to maximize learning and program impact, participants are encouraged to attend all five sessions. Registration is now open, and space is limited. Please register here.
The workshops will be facilitated by Checree Bryant, Director of Surety at Innovative Bonding Services, an experienced professional in contractor development and bonding readiness.
For additional information about this program, please contact Sandra Hammerstein with the City’s Office of Small Business Programs at shammerstein@wpb.org.
Warren Hawkins Aquatic Center Offers Swimming Lessons for All Ages
The City of West Palm Beach’s Warren Hawkins Aquatic Center offers swimming lessons for all ages, with weekday and Saturday sessions available!
Lesson Types: Private | Parent & Child | Group | Adult
Cost: City Residents: $45 | Non-Residents: $55 (Ask about scholarships and swim vouchers!)
👉 To learn more about our aquatics programs.
👉 If you already have a household account, you can register for lessons online. 👉 We also accept swim vouchers.
For questions, call (561) 804-4961.
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