Mayor James Announces Partnership Initiative on Development Issues

Published on July 07, 2026

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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 Announces New Resident Partnership Initiative to Collaborate on Development Issues

City Downtown Master Plan Update (DMPU) being slowed down to allow for more community meetings and reviews prior to any updates.

West Palm Beach, Fla. (July 7, 2026) — At the City Commission Meeting on July 6, 2026, Mayor Keith A. James announced a new resident partnership initiative designed to expand community participation in the Downtown Master Plan Update (DMPU) and strengthen collaboration between residents, City staff, and the City's planning consultants.

The initiative builds upon the City's ongoing public engagement efforts by creating a structured process through which resident representatives will have meaningful opportunities to work alongside City staff, review planning information, ask questions of technical experts, and help shape the future of our shared downtown.

Mayor James contacted the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA), as well as the leaders of three newly formed resident groups, to discuss ways to strengthen community engagement. Following those conversations, the Mayor met personally with the Downtown Neighborhood Association and the West Palm Beach Residents Coalition, whose leadership collectively represents over 30 community organizations. Together, they agreed to work collaboratively with the City to help shape a more inclusive and transparent engagement process.

"Our downtown belongs to everyone, and its future should be shaped through meaningful collaboration with the people who live, work, and invest in our community," said Mayor Keith A. James. "While there are many different opinions about what our downtown should become, I believe we can all agree on one thing: the process must be transparent, inclusive, and worthy of the public's trust."

Mayor James emphasized that the initiative is intended to create an ongoing partnership with the community, giving residents a meaningful role beyond traditional public meetings.

As the Downtown Master Plan Update continues, the City remains committed to taking the time necessary to thoughtfully evaluate community input, transportation planning, infrastructure capacity, and other key issues before any recommendations are finalized.

As a sign of the partnership, the Mayor agreed to pause all reviews and approvals of the DMPU in committees the City was planning until a new community-led process can be implemented. Formal presentations and future decisions will resume once that process is in place.

Through this resident partnership initiative, participants will have opportunities to:

  • Meet regularly with designated City staff.

  • Engage directly with the City's planning consultants.

  • Review planning information and technical studies.

  • Ask questions and receive responses from subject matter experts.

  • Share community perspectives and help inform future public engagement efforts.

Additional details will be announced as the framework is finalized for meetings to be held this fall and there is adequate time to announce and coordinate these meetings properly.

The Downtown Master Plan is an effort by the City to update the guidelines for future growth and development in the downtown area. That process is being led by a consultant that was hired by the City through an RFP and has held dozens of community meetings seeking input and review from residents over the last eight months. The resident partnership initiative is intended to complement those efforts by creating an additional avenue for sustained collaboration throughout the planning process.

“West Palm Beach is one of the greatest success stories in the country because collaboration is part of who we are. Local government, businesses, residents, and non-profits all work together to make our city better. My Administration is committed to ensuring that community-led groups focused on good policy making have a seat at the table and are included in the process. I want to get things done right, not fast, and that is what this new initiative is about,” said James.

For additional information regarding the DMPU and future engagement opportunities, residents are encouraged to visit the City of West Palm Beach's website and follow the City's official communication channels. 

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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, 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 (TTY800 955-8771). 

 

 

 

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