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L to R Artist Hank Willis Thomas, Director of Arts, Culture & Community Building Sybille Canthal & Mayor Keith A. James
2026 Florida Association of Public Art Professionals (FAPAP) Conference
“It was an honor to help host this year's Florida Association of Public Art Professionals (FAPAP) Conference and to have internationally acclaimed visionary conceptual artist Hank Willis Thomas as the keynote speaker.
Thank you to our amazing Art in Public Places (AiPP) program, Palm Beach County’s Art in Public Places program, and the Norton Museum of Art for bringing this conference to life.
This year’s conference, themed Artists Transforming Public Places, highlights the power of art and its immense influence in shaping communities.”
— Mayor Keith A. James
“The Mayor’s Gala is more than a celebration; it is a moment to reflect on something we often talk about in West Palm Beach, but do not always stop to define: what does opportunity really look like?
In less than seven years, we have transformed our City into a place the world is watching — a City where opportunity is not just a tagline, but a commitment to ensuring access, resources, and pathways to success for all. Through strong partnerships and bold vision, we have aligned the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to drive meaningful progress — from supporting entrepreneurs through initiatives like the Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy to expanding opportunity across every neighborhood.
While our City continues to grow, our focus remains clear: building ladders of opportunity, fostering inclusive and sustainable progress, and ensuring that as we rise, we bring others with us.
Together, we are shaping a stronger, more resilient West Palm Beach — a true community of opportunity for all.” — Mayor Keith A. James
Small Business Week Kickoff Breakfast
“Small Business Week is a time to recognize the entrepreneurs and small business owners who power the economic engine of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County. I’m grateful to the Palm Beach County Office of Small Business Development for bringing us together to focus on growth, connection, and opportunity.
In West Palm Beach, we are committed to ensuring small businesses have the tools and support they need to thrive. We are intentional about creating opportunities for local businesses not just to participate in our economy, but to compete and succeed. Last year alone, small businesses earned nearly 20 percent of all competed City contracts — representing more than $19 million reinvested directly into our local economy. We also provide training and initiatives like the Mayor’s Jumpstart Academy, helping to build a true community of opportunity for all.
By streamlining processes and strengthening partnerships, we are making it easier to do business and building an environment where businesses can succeed.”
— Mayor Keith A. James
Westward Elementary STEM Classroom Reveal
"This is what a strong community looks like — organizations coming together with a shared purpose to invest in education and opportunity. Thank you to Principal Dr. Andrea Walker and the entire school leadership team for leading this school with excellence. And a huge thank you to Florida Power & Light, the Ventus Charitable Foundation, the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, and the School District of Palm Beach County for making this possible.
What you have helped create here gives students the opportunity to explore, build, and engage in experiences they may not have had access to before — whether that is coding, robotics, or hands-on problem solving. It is a space designed to foster innovation and critical thinking — the kinds of skills that prepare students for the future and a rapidly evolving world.
In the City of West Palm Beach, we are committed to ensuring every student has access to the tools and support they need to succeed — and efforts like this strengthen the foundation of our entire community.
I am so pleased to know that these students now have access to these opportunities."
— Mayor Keith A. James
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The 5th annual 561 Music Festival returned to downtown West Palm Beach with another fun day and night of music and art. Featuring some 30 bands on three stages, there was truly something for everyone.
Watch the 561 Music Festival video here!
Over the weekend, art lovers had the opportunity to go behind the scenes of dozens of art studios. It was all a part of the annual Open Studios event sponsored by the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. We spent time at a West Palm Beach artists' collective called The Peach.
Watch the Open Studios video here!
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Community Highlights & Happenings
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TONIGHT: Historic Northwest Community Meeting
Join the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) tonight, 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 meeting will include updates on security enhancements in the Northwest, a special presentation on the new CCTV Camera Incentive Program, and opportunities to connect with City departments on key community initiatives. Enjoy light bites while engaging in the conversation and staying informed on what’s ahead.
Parking is available at Sapodilla Garage (600 Clematis Street) with Rose Trolley transportation provided to and from City Side Suites.
For more information, visit wpb.org/cra, call (561) 822-1550, or email cra@wpb.org.
Town Hall Meeting to Discuss Clear Lake Trail Fern Street Crossing
The City of West Palm Beach invites residents, businesses, and stakeholders to attend an upcoming Town Hall Meeting to learn more about the Clear Lake Trail and Fern Street Crossing improvements.
This phased project is focused on creating a safer, more connected, and accessible multi-use trail around Clear Lake, with enhancements that support walking, biking, and overall mobility while addressing key safety and crossing challenges along Fern Street.
The meeting, hosted in partnership with Connect WPB, will provide an opportunity for the public to review project concepts, ask questions, and share input that will help shape the design and implementation of this important corridor.
Join us on May 20, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Experience Center to be part of the conversation and help guide the future of mobility in West Palm Beach.
For questions, please contact Kevin Volbrecht, Director of Engineering Services, at (561) 494-1091 or kcvolbrecht@wpb.org.
Welcome to Downtown West Palm Beach, Brighten Your Day (BYD) Café!
“Last week, we celebrated the opening of a new small business in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. I want to thank the Downtown Development Authority for their continued commitment to supporting businesses that bring energy and vitality to our City.
Congratulations to Ethan — your journey from starting in a kitchen as a teenager to opening your own café reflects the hard work, passion, and vision we are proud to uplift. Brighten Your Day Café adds a welcoming space centered on quality, creativity, and connection, and we are proud to welcome you to the West Palm Beach family. We wish you continued success.” — Mayor Keith A. James
Soul in the City Jazz Experience featuring Allison Nash
Join us for the next Soul in the City Jazz Experience featuring Allison Nash at the Sunset Lounge on Wednesday, May 20 from 7–9 p.m.
She’s bringing the heat with special guests Alejandro Arenas, Patrick Bettison, Fernando Cruz, and Mark Griffith for an unforgettable night of live jazz!
Upgrade your evening with our exclusive Pre-Show Dinner Experience (ticket holders only). Valet parking available for $8 per vehicle.
Secure your tickets now!
Vote for Clematis by Night!
Help put Clematis by Night on the national stage! Vote daily through May 11 for
USA TODAY’s 10Best "Best Outdoor Concert Series" and show your support for
West Palm Beach’s favorite weekly tradition. Every vote helps spotlight the music,
the atmosphere, and the community that make it unforgettable.
VOTE NOW!
*No subscription is required to vote. Voting closes at noon on Monday, May 11, 2026.
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Next City Commission Meeting
The next scheduled City Commission meeting is Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5 p.m. in City Hall, 401 Clematis Street.
Commission meetings are held every other Monday, except for holidays, and the public is encouraged to attend.
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Submit Service Requests with the WPB Key Portal
Submitting a service request has never been easier — access City Hall right in the palm of your hands! Sign in online or download the app. *Accessible in Español, Kreyòl Ayisyen, and Português.
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City News | Stay Informed
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Spend Time with Friends & Family in WPB!
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Upcoming City Events
Clematis by Night: Adam Jason | Thursday, May 7 @ 6 p.m.
The GreenMarket: Saturday, May 9 @ 8:30 a.m.
Screen on the Green: One Night Only! | Friday, May 8 @ 6:30 p.m. (Starting with a Community Recognition Ceremony) | Movie starts at 7 p.m. on the Waterfront! Movie: The Pacifier
Learn more about City Events!
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Grassy Waters Preserve | 8264 Northlake Blvd.
Explore expansive wetlands featuring native wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and more. Hiking, paddling, and programming available with a reservation! Please call the Nature Center at (561) 804-4985 (TTY: 800-955-8771) to RSVP. View the calendar. Purchase Grassy Waters' Children's book "Sam the Snail Kite and the Secret of the Everglades"!
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Office of Sustainability | Events & More
Participate in initiatives and events that reflect the City's mission to provide a healthy, equitable, environmentally progressive, resilient, and ecologically sustainable community for all! Subscribe to the newsletter; and explore the calendar.
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Connect with the City!
Interested in working for the City of West Palm Beach?
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