January 30, 2025 • 44 mins
An audio-only version of Mayor Keith A. James' address as delivered during the State of the City Breakfast, January 30th, 2025. A video version is available on The City of West Palm Beach YouTube channel.
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(01:00:01):
Welcome to the City Center
podcast from West Palm Beach.
The following is Mayor Keith A. James'
address as delivered
during the State of the City
Breakfast, January 30, 2025.
And now, it is my distinct pleasure to
introduce a dedicated leader who has
played an instrumental
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role in shaping the
city of West Palm Beach.
Mayor Keith James has been a tireless
advocate for our city,
working to foster growth, enhance
the quality of life, and ensure that West
Palm Beach remains a vibrant and thriving
community for residents,
visitors, and businesses alike.
Please join me in welcoming to the stage
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the Mayor of West
Palm Beach, Keith James.
The Mayor is here.
Good morning.
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Ooh, y'all look good out there.
I understand we have a sold-out crowd.
I told the two Michaels that all of you
are here because of them.
Anyway, before we get started, however, I
think we have all
heard about the unfortunate
incident that happened out of Reagan
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Airport this morning.
A number of lies were lost, so we could
just have a short moment
of silence for the family
and friends of those who
did not survive, please.
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Thank you very much.
Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce of
the Palm Beaches for
hosting this annual State
of the City Breakfast.
My sixth is Mayor of this great city.
Six times we've met to review where we
are and more
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importantly where we are headed.
Thank you Chamber CEO Michael Zeph,
Chamber Board Chairman
Michael Davis, and the entire
Board of Directors of the Chamber of
Commerce of the Palm Beaches.
Since 1913, the Chamber has worked to
advance our community's
civic, economic, and commercial
interests.
West Palm Beach is indeed a better city
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because of your efforts.
I want to extend my gratitude to all of
today's sponsors,
including the presenting sponsor
of Good Samaritan Medical Center.
Congratulations also
to the Gunster Law Firm.
After 100 years of providing legal
services in West Palm
Beach, thank you for your lasting
impact on our great city.
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A special thank you is also owed to all
the servers working
hard behind the scenes.
Can you give them a
round of applause, please?
And I certainly owe a very special debt
of gratitude to my
partners in leadership, the
West Palm Beach City Commission, for
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their immeasurable level
of service they provide
to the residents and businesses in our
city, beginning with
Commission President Kathleen
Ward of District 1, Commissioner Shalanda
Warren from District
2, Commissioner Kristie
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Fox from District 3, Commissioner Joe
Paduzi from District 4,
and Commissioner Christina
Lambert from District 5.
They all certainly deserve all of your
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applause and recognition.
But I would be remiss if I did not
acknowledge Congresswoman
Lois Franco, who is here with
us this morning.
Lois is my political mentor.
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I would not be here if Lois hadn't made
that phone call in
December of 2010, saying that
I should run for city commission.
I tried my best to say no, but if you
know Lois, you know she
doesn't take no for an
answer.
But Lois, thank you for your life of
service and dedication to the city.
You were mayor, but you also have been a
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tremendous friend to the
city during your service in
Washington, D.C.
So thank you, Lois, for
all that you do for the city.
And I want to give a special and
deserving acknowledgment to my life
partner and inspiration,
the First Lady of West Palm Beach, my
lovely wife, Lorna James.
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She is being presented with a bouquet of
flowers, which is a surprise.
And I'm delighted to share that
presenting those beautiful
flowers is Camille, the owner
of Camille's Flowers and Gifts.
Thanks to a CRA initiative, Camille's is
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open and doing
business at the Styx Promenade
in the historic Northwest neighborhood.
And to the 1,800 employees of the City of
West Palm Beach, thank
you, thank you, thank
you from the bottom of my heart for your
hard work and dedication
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out on the front lines,
delivering the services and help that
people need every day.
You employees have done so much for so
many and remain the
unsung heroes in a story so
many others want to
learn, farm and emulate.
Yet as much as we have accomplished and
the list is long, the
mark of any great city,
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our city, lies not in achievements made
today, but in our
aspirations for the many tomorrows
to come.
That graceness is submitted not just in
the courage to dream
big, but in the heart to
deliver big.
So everyone has an opportunity to be a
part of our success.
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Everyone.
That is a greatness that's only achieved
when we work together.
Together we create safer neighborhoods
where families thrive.
Together we repair and revitalize our
streets, connecting
every corner of our city.
Together we fortify our city's
infrastructure, building a foundation for
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generations to come.
Together we offer educational
opportunities, enabling our children to
reach higher heights.
This morning we will embark on a
conversation that I like to
say, if I had a title for this
State of the Union, and I know we don't
usually give them titles,
but it would be transformation
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through togetherness and elevation
through collaboration.
I'm going to borrow a
little something from the church.
Turn to your neighbor and say, "Together,
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transformation through
togetherness, and elevation
through collaboration."
Thank you.
As you say that, hopefully it
reverberates in your spirit.
But it's a vision that
speaks to our shared unity.
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You know, we are five years into this
decade, a decade that
unfolded with a global pandemic
that brought uncertainty into people's
lives and changed the way
people see their government.
The last few years have brought a certain
amount of
unpredictability that has spread
across the country.
It has been, and still is,
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a difficult time for many.
The challenges of the last five years
have taught us that the
old ways of doing things
are no longer going to cut it.
As the politics of the world
changes, one thing is clear.
The role of municipal government is more
important than ever.
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Cities will have to be nimble and
creative to address the
needs of their residents.
No matter the turbulence of the times, no
matter the political
atmosphere, cities must
always continue to deliver services.
Now everyone in this room knows that the
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city of West Palm Beach
has turned challenges and
opportunities and that we have
experienced
record-breaking years recently.
People and businesses from across the
country and in some cases
around the world are now
focusing on West Palm Beach.
Watching us as we build coalitions,
studying us as we find
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new ways to serve residents,
learning from us as we, by all measures,
set an example how to
effectively manage an innovative
city.
For all that we have endured, for all the
hard work that lies ahead, know this, our
city stands tall,
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resilient, and thriving.
The state of our city reflects the
boundless potential of its people.
We are strong and getting stronger.
With the local economy on the rise, a
bustling business environment, vibrant
growth in infrastructure
and innovation, and a population that is
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growing larger and
trending younger, it is
up to us to decide the city we want to be
in the decades to come for ourselves, for
our children, and for our grandchildren.
Do we want to be a city where everyday
people can't pay their rent?
Or will we continue finding innovative
solutions and breaking
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ground on affordable housing
units?
Do we want to be a city that sees us as
challenges as one-dimensional?
Or will we continue to build coalitions
and partnerships to
pioneer new ways to solve
problems for our residents?
Do we want the dreams of up-and-coming
entrepreneurs to die on the vine?
Or do we want to provide skills training
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and create a robust
entrepreneurial ecosystem
right in our own backyard?
The good news is it's entirely up to us
to create a strong,
competitive future that
lifts all boats.
The advances made in West Palm Beach are
far-reaching and
impressive, which is why this morning
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I'm going to focus less on a checklist of
accomplishments and
more on the choices ahead.
Let's start with the economy.
A robust, fully-functioning economy is
one where people feel secure,
have access to opportunities,
and can achieve their dreams, whether
that's buying a home,
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renting a place they love,
or pursuing personal growth.
But what does this look like in practice?
Let me share the story of someone who
rolled up her sleeves and
found that there's a place
for her in this city, too.
Her name is Valerie.
Only a few years ago, she began thinking
deeply about her place
in this world, curious
what someone like her could
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offer a demanding society.
After all, Valerie grew up in an early
age in the foster care
system and felt that the
deck was simply stacked against her from
the very beginning of her life.
That was before she joined
my mayor's jumpstart academy.
Learning the basic skills of
entrepreneurialism and inspired by what
she learned, Valerie
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hit the ground running.
Armed with the $5,000 grant from the
city, she bought the
tools and equipment needed
to ensure her poor maintenance business
not only survived, but prospered.
After graduating from the mayor's
jumpstart academy in just
a year's time, Valerie got
married, saved enough money to purchase
her own home, and
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managed a successful, growing
business.
Valerie and other graduates of the
mayor's jumpstart academy
exemplify the philosophy
of paying it forward, coming back to
mentor new cohorts who
will pave the way for others.
As the saying goes, don't remove the
ladder once you're done with it.
Leave it for others to climb, too.
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Here in West Palm Beach, we are working
to give Valerie and
others not just a ladder,
but the whole toolkit.
This is the power of a resilient and
innovative city, of an
economic ecosystem that empowers
everyone to be the best they can be.
Now none of this would have been possible
without the contributions to the mayor's
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jumpstart academy from the Unum
Foundation, the related
philanthropic foundation, and
other donors.
So on behalf of Valerie and so many
others, you've helped
thank you donors for caring
enough to do more to
serve this community.
[applause]
Stories like Valerie's remind me that
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economic opportunity
begins with a strong foundation,
whether that is skills training, support
systems, or the
resources to start a business.
But there's another critical foundation
to create an
environment where people thrive.
That's a place to go home.
For too many families, the dream of
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stable housing feels out of reach.
The need for affordable housing touches
all corners of our country.
And in this city, we recognize that
waiting for others to
solve this pressing problem
simply is not an option.
When the African American Mayor's
Association visited West
Palm Beach this past December,
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I shared with them a guiding principle of
my administration,
harnessing the power of
partnership and collaboration.
These are not just ideals.
They are the foundation of my vision to
drive transformative
changes in our city and to
create a community of
opportunity for all.
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There's no secret when my administration
has set some aggressive
goals for the development
of affordable and workforce housing.
When I became mayor, I set a goal of 300
affordable and workforce housing units to
be completed or under development in the
ensuing three years.
We quickly surpassed
that goal in the first year.
As a result, last year I
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raised the bar even higher.
So I announced that by the end of my
tenure as mayor in 2027,
we would have 1,400 new
affordable and workforce housing units
either completed or under development.
I'm proud to announce that we are on
track to exceed that goal as well.
[applause]
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Since 2019, 815 housing units have been
completed or under development.
In the 2024 calendar year alone, 263
units came under construction and 269
went to pre-development
stages.
This progress reflects not only our
commitment, but also the
strength of our partnerships
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with the private sector.
There's even more than that.
Each of those 815 units created since
2019 represents a
family holding onto the basic
desires that we all have, that we could
tuck our children in at
night knowing they are
fed and clothed, that there is a roof
over their head and
they are safe from harm.
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Our collaboration with the private sector
has given us projects such as the Spruce,
an 8111 South Dixie,
which broke ground last year.
The Spruce, the single largest private
investment in Northwood Village's
history, is a groundbreaking
development that will add 117 affordable
and workforce housing units to our city.
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This transformative project is powered by
an unprecedented,
innovative, philanthropic
funding model designed to redefine
affordability and address
our community's housing needs.
And the 8111 South Dixie project will
bring to life a site that
has been vacant for over
a decade by delivering 90 affordable and
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workforce housing units.
These developments exemplify the power of
dynamic public-private
partnerships made possible
through city-supported tools such as
density bonuses, grant funding, tax
increment financing,
and other strategic incentives.
By aligning resources and vision, we have
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created a framework that attracts private
sector investment while advancing our
shared commitment to progress.
I want to extend my gratitude to our
private sector partners
for not only recognizing the
potential of West Palm Beach, but also
embracing our vision of
transformative, inclusive growth.
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Their collaboration has been instrumental
in bringing these
ambitious affordable housing
projects to life.
Equally important to housing
affordability is the community's safety.
You know, I study linguistics, and it is
amazing to me how sometimes
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the most simple statements
can be the most powerful and can pass
from generation to generation.
When I was a young kid, my grandfather,
who had a sixth-grade
education, used to tell
me from time to time, "Keep the main
thing the main thing."
That sounded pretty good, and it guided
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me as I went through life.
I had occasion to turn on the TV
recently, and I saw a young
African-American gentleman.
I think he was about 25 or 26.
He was being interviewed by the media,
and he said those
exact same words, "Keep the
main thing the main thing."
Now, it turned out that young man was
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Jaylen Hertz, who
happens to be the quarterback
for the Philadelphia Eagles.
It also turns out that the Eagles are
going to the Super Bowl next week.
Yes, I did just insert the Philadelphia
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Eagles into my State of the City speech.
I'm so proud of myself.
Fly Eagles, fly.
All right, but there is a connection.
There is a connection.
The statement, "Keeping the main thing
the main thing," is
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exactly what I try to do
as mayor.
As you all know, since my first day as
your mayor, I've
stated that public safety is
job number one.
Why is that important?
Because if people live in fear and dwell
on fear, nothing else we do matters.
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The main thing is public safety.
In West Palm Beach, we recognize that a
safe environment
encourages families to settle
down, helps businesses flourish, and
motivates a community to
replace fear with freedom.
My administration's commitment to public
safety is unwavering.
The most recent public
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safety numbers bear that out.
This past year, our city made significant
strides, including a
12 percent decrease in
overall crime.
That isn't just a statistic.
It represents safer neighborhoods for our
families and our children.
Our neighborhoods themselves are
experiencing a drop in residential and
commercial burglaries,
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a drop in auto burglaries and auto theft,
and a decrease in weapons offenses.
Violent crime continues to trend downward
in our city as well.
In 2023, we saw an 8.2 percent reduction
in violent crime, and in
2024, we saw an impressive
14 percent reduction in violent crime.
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Additionally, you could clap for that.
That's good news.
To address quality of life concerns, our
police department
conducted 14 prostitution
operations in 2024,
resulting in 111 arrests.
These trends are the direct result of the
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investment we are
making in our public safety
professionals.
This past year, we approved a new
contract with the Fraternal Order of
Police that included
22 percent pay increases for officers,
sergeants, and lieutenants,
as well as increased pension
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contributions and additional
benefits to police employees.
Prioritizing public safety is helping us
retain dedicated
individuals and invest in advanced
technology.
Our investments in public safety are
comprehensive and wide-reaching.
Our fire department responded to over
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30,000 calls last year
and transported over 13,000
patients to the hospital.
Last year, our fire department invested
in a new tiller, or
ladder truck, as it's commonly
referred to, and provided specialty
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driver training to over 36 firefighters.
You may have noticed this truck as you
were walking in this morning.
How is it Fire Station
One in our city's downtown?
This state-of-the-art lifesaver has
amazing navigation capabilities.
It can even do a U-turn and a cul-de-sac.
No other fire department itself would
have a truck like this.
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That's the difference between saving
lives and possibly not,
but between a city that's
good and one that's great.
Over and above that, though, cutting-edge
equipment alone won't build a safer and
healthier community.
We know that.
The most critical ingredient is listening
to and hearing directly from residents, a
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sentiment my
administration takes very seriously.
Last month, through direct engagement
with our neighborhoods, our police
department initiated
Not On Our Block, an operation resulting
in the arrest of 16
individuals with a significant
criminal history.
These career offenders were dealing drugs
near community parks
where our children play.
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Well, not anymore.
Do not expect to break the law and put
our children's future
in jeopardy and get away
with it.
Not as long as I'm
mayor of this great city.
Through community engagement and working
together, we have made
our neighborhoods safer.
To demonstrate this commitment, look no
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further than our Juvenile
and Community Engagement
Unit, which has excelled in strengthening
public safety and community trust through
diverse outreach initiatives.
Our impactful programs, including youth
engagement, support for vulnerable
populations, and collaboration
with local organizations highlight their
exceptional commitment to fostering
inclusivity and positive
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relationships across the community.
The community has to see the men and
women in blue as
allies and not adversaries.
Now, I realize that not all
success comes without setbacks.
My administration is committed to
ensuring that our police
department adheres to the
highest standards.
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Last year, I learned that those standards
simply were not being met.
This past October was brought to my
attention that members of
the police department's top
command staff were allegedly involved in
financial and proprieties.
Additionally, there was an incident
involving West Palm Beach
police officers in Borton
Beach that reflected a gross disregard of
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professional judgment.
These events demonstrated that the
leadership of the
department was not aligned with its
mission.
Restoring trust demanded decisive action.
So I took that action by
replacing the then police chief.
I share with you a reminder of these
setbacks because I
sincerely believe public safety
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begins with public trust.
In spite of any setbacks we may have
encountered, the success of these
departments has been
no accident.
It's a result of a collaborative,
partnership-driven approach to ensuring
the safety of our residents.
These partnership-driven strategies are
reinforcing our desire to
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establish public trust as our
guiding vision for the future.
One example of how we are utilizing the
power of collaboration
is how we are addressing
mental health challenges in this city.
To meet these difficulties head on, we
partnered with the Health
Care District of Palm Beach
County to launch a
groundbreaking pilot program.
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This initiative provides critical
assistance to individuals
who do not meet the threshold
for a Baker Act intervention, but they
still require some support.
To date, 55 people received the help they
need through this pilot program.
As this initiative evolves, we aim to
someday establish a
one-stop facility to address
a range of quality of life issues.
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Thank you, County, for donating some
money to that effort.
By offering comprehensive support, we
create lasting positive
impacts that improve individual
lives and strengthen
our community as a whole.
I recognize that public safety isn't only
measured in the number
of units that we could
put on the street or the amount of money
we invest in police and fire.
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But it's by how you feel while enjoying
the many amenities our city has to offer.
I will do everything in my power.
The city will do everything in its power
to make sure that
experience is joyful and fulfilling.
Now, every day I see with my old eyes and
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I hear directly from
residents about homelessness.
It is an issue that can't be remedied
simply by changing policy.
It requires a level of empathy,
understanding that the
government alone cannot provide
the answer.
Instead, it requires all
of us working together.
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We must ask ourselves and each other,
what kind of people do we think we are?
Let that answer be a people
that helps the least of us.
That's what members of our homeless
outreach team exemplify
each and every single day.
When I first came into office, we had one
person on the homeless outreach team.
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Within my first term of office, we
increased that number of
one to ten full-time employees
whose job it is to go out each and every
day and interact with
the homeless where they
are because people are
homeless for different reasons.
Drug abuse, mental health issues, or
sometimes they are just hit
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upon an economic disconnect
in their life.
But we can't address their individual
problems unless we interact with them.
We have ten full-time employees whose job
is to go out and
interact with the homeless.
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In the same way that we provided Valerie
with the tools for her small business to
succeed, we gave MJ a second chance to
pursue an opportunity.
Originally from Gainesville, Florida, MJ
had dreams of breaking
into the Miami entertainment
industry.
But like so many people, she faced some
challenges when she went down to Miami.
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Soon she had to begin the long journey
from Miami back to her hometown.
Having spent her last nine, MJ's journey
from Miami to Gainesville was cut short.
Unfortunately she soon found herself in
downtown West Palm Beach,
homeless and short on hope.
A medical emergency brought MJ to JFK
Medical Center where she
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met members of our West Palm
Beach Homeless Outreach Team.
Working closely with our police
department and hospital
social workers, our homeless
outreach team members
quickly devised a solution for MJ.
They contacted a local shelter in
Gainesville, made the necessary
arrangements, and MJ was
safely returned to her hometown.
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Now MJ didn't choose homelessness.
Circumstances that became overwhelming
forced her into a life of homelessness.
The scope of the homeless
situation is substantial.
It's huge.
But that doesn't discourage me as the
mayor of this city from
confronting this challenge
head on.
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But we're making some progress.
While the progress
seems slow, make no mistake.
Progress is not about
speed, it's about direction.
I'd like to celebrate our homeless
outreach team for another effective year.
Their tireless efforts result in a
successfully housing or sheltering 302
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chronically homeless
individuals, reconnecting 75 individuals
through the city's
Homeward Bound Program, providing
156 homeless individuals critical mental
health and substance abuse services, and
overall conducting 2,743 engagements
through city parks,
neighborhoods, and other targeted
(01:30:24):
locations.
Our work to combat homelessness is the
base of a broader vision
to increase our safety,
strengthen businesses, and create a city
where everyone has a place to call home.
That vision has mirrored first in our
investments in
infrastructure and public services, which
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lead to groundwork for a connected,
sustainable, and thriving
future, and second in a city
that emphasizes economic development as a
catalyst for progressive growth.
You don't have to look forward to seeing
the investments we're
making in our city's
infrastructure.
Last year, our City Engineering
Department completed 35
capital projects with a total
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value of $30.1 million and invested $2.3
million to repave our
sidewalks and upgrade
pedestrian safety throughout our city.
In the Roosevelt Estates Neighborhood
alone, a neighborhood in the
historically black community
in our city that had been ignored, quite
frankly, for years, in
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that neighborhood alone, they
received $4.8 million in infrastructure
investments that included
improvements to the sanitary
sewer and drainage system, as well as
road and sidewalk repaving with
additional infrastructure
improvements to come in 2025.
That is inclusivity,
ladies and gentlemen.
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We also continue prioritizing climate and
sustainability as a matter of conscience,
as well as common sense.
Each day, literally 375 employees of the
Public Utilities Department
work to ensure the delivery
of safe drinking water to our city
residents and the
customers we serve in the town of
Palm Beach and South Palm Beach.
And I'm pleased to announce that we've
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sourced water to supply our
growing city and customers
drinking water for the next 50 years.
Yes?
Some of y'all may be
here and get thirsty.
The Flooding and Aquifer will serve as a
new underground source
of water for West Palm
Beach.
With that achievement, we're
investigating new water treatment
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possibilities for the
city's water supply.
As our population grows, we need to
ensure that we make our city more
connected, exploring
ways to move people and not just cars.
You see, I know that at times traffic
congestion gets bad.
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Believe me, I get the
emails, I get the phone calls.
But the only thing that concerns me is
that there are senior
citizens in some of our neighborhoods
who don't have access to a vehicle,
making it nearly
impossible for them to pick up their
prescription medications
or go to the grocery store.
So we need to think about their
transportation needs as well.
So through initiatives like our Ride WPB
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Mobility Pilot Program, we
are officially moving thousands
of people across our city.
A while back, I heard the story of Ms.
Soles, who lives on Tamron Avenue.
She's extremely grateful to know that she
can call to get a
ride to Publix to pick up
her necessities and sometimes even pick
up a couple lottery tickets.
(01:33:37):
She obviously hasn't won because I
haven't gotten that call yet.
But anyway, because of Ride WPB's
success, I'm happy to share
that we will be advertising
a proposed permanent transportation
system, one that will
significantly expand access
to transportation and mobility to over
95,000 people across our city.
(01:33:58):
And with the – yeah, that's a big deal.
Those are people who don't have to use
cars to get to where they need to go.
And with the completion of our bike
infrastructure projects, we're not only
enhancing our city's
mobility, but also creating connections
that bring areas
outside of downtown closer to
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the heart of our city.
Now, ladies and gentlemen,
some would say, "Why bikes?
Why bikes?"
Bicycles are an equity issue.
There are some people who don't have
cars, but they need
bicycles to move from their
house to work and back.
So we cannot ignore the fact that an
(01:34:40):
efficient, effective bicycle
infrastructure helps the
inclusivity it helps equity in our city.
To ensure we are implementing the safest
infrastructure possible that
encourages more users, we are
(01:35:00):
updating our bicycle and mobility plans.
Our city is taking significant steps
toward achieving a
transportation mode of shifting
away from single-occupant vehicles.
By prioritizing connectivity, we're
creating a thriving,
inclusive city with safe streets
and enhanced mobility.
(01:35:23):
Early this year, we found ourselves at a
junction of possibility.
With the county as our partner, we
created a ripple effect
that will benefit this city
for generations to come.
And today, I want to reinforce the
essential and critical
nature of that choice, and while
supporting Vanderbilt University by
donating our respective
(01:35:43):
lands was and is the right
choice and a transformational
opportunity, an investment
in our future that will yield
far more than any
short-term financial gain.
Vanderbilt's programs in artificial
intelligence, data science, and business
are not just educational
offerings.
They are the foundation of what once
tomorrow's workforce will be built.
(01:36:05):
The Innovation Hub Vanderbilt Proposers
will contribute to the
ecosystem of collaboration
for which we have laid the groundwork,
bringing our local
entrepreneurs together with cutting-edge
academic research.
Imagine a future where underserved
communities are uplifted
through the initiatives that
Vanderbilt University will
(01:36:26):
bring to Palm Beach County.
Welcome Vanderbilt.
Consider the economic growth and the
thriving workforce that we
result from that partnership.
But Vanderbilt isn't the only renowned
institution with its eyes on our city.
(01:36:47):
Cleveland Clinic will be the first
non-profit research
hospital and the first new hospital
in our downtown area in over a century.
Cleveland Clinic's expansion into West
Palm Beach will
transform care for our community
through a new hospital and outpatient
clinic providing a
broad range of specialties.
Aiming to meet the present and future
(01:37:08):
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.
Let me give you a few examples.
Take the Cox Science Center and Aquarium.
Recently the museum broke ground on a
$115 million expansion
(01:37:30):
with nearly $100 million
raised through the private sector.
The project will double the size of the
campus and expand
student engagement from 150,000
to 350,000, 70% of those being minority
population and 50% of those being Title I
students, reflecting
a bold commitment to STEM
education and equity in our city.
(01:38:00):
The new Boys and Girls Club in Dreher
Park is another example
of transformative work
and a collaboration between the
philanthropic sector
and the youth of our city.
To be built on city designated land, the
$13 million project will
serve approximately 800
children a year, ages 6 to 18.
Remarkably, 100% of that $13 million was
(01:38:23):
raised through charitable donations.
The facility will provide academic
support by certified
teachers, mental health and hunger
relief programs, as well as career
readiness programming.
Their location provides for extraordinary
opportunities with the Cox Science Center
for STEM programming and
teen employment opportunities.
(01:38:45):
Then there's the park, a
former municipal golf course.
The foundation that was established in
connection with the park
raised over $55 million to build
a world class golf course.
But it's not just
golf, ladies and gentlemen.
They have a program called The Path.
The Path supports families with after
(01:39:06):
school programs, homework
assistance, financial literacy
workshops and more, turning recreational
spaces into hubs for
community development.
We remain focused on
students even after high school.
The Related Together initiative launched
with an $8.2 million commitment,
(01:39:27):
guarantees tuition-free
post-secondary degrees for high school
graduates with a focus on
students from the historic
northwest, Coleman Park and Pleasant City
communities through a
partnership with Palm
Beach State College.
After omitting this effort, the emerging
(01:39:48):
Scholars Summer Academy engaged over 250
middle and high school students in
planning their
educational paths, fostering a sense
of belonging and preparing them for high
wage and high demand careers.
These efforts showcase the power of
collaboration, innovation and
investment in our community.
(01:40:10):
I guarantee you that of all those donors,
I'm sure many of you
are here in this room
for any of those
projects I just identified.
You didn't do it for
your kids or your grandkids.
You invested in the future of the
children in the city
for generations to come.
And I thank you.
(01:40:32):
When we come together to support
education and opportunity,
we lay the foundation for
a remarkable future
for generations to come.
Clearly our story is attracting the
highest in excellence and
is uplifting the best our
community has to offer.
(01:40:53):
But I wanted to take it a step further
and ensure that we as a
city are intentional about
how we market ourselves.
Recently my team welcomed the Chief
Marketing Officer to help tell our story.
And what are we learning?
As our new tagline states, and you'll be
hearing more about it
later, there is more to West
Palm Beach.
But don't just take my word or our word,
(01:41:15):
this month it was
announced that West Palm Beach
is a top winner in the prestigious 2025
Trip Advisor Traveler's
Choice Best of the Best
Awards for Destinations.
This award is the highest honor Trip
Advisor bestows and serves
as a testament that there
(01:41:35):
is more to see and more
to do in West Palm Beach.
Our city offers exceptional experiences
to every visitor, and
that recognition underscores
the unique charm and vibrant spirit that
makes our city a top
destination for travelers from
around the world.
But it's not just visitors
who are telling our story.
The public art popping up around our city
(01:41:55):
is also telling our story.
Take Fred Everesley's incredible work
Portals, for example.
Located in Julian Able Park, Portals
creates a dynamic
intersection between history and
art, embodying the way to the past while
envisioning the possibility of tomorrow.
This installation accomplished through
collaboration with the public
(01:42:15):
and private sector pays homage
to the architect Julian Able, an
African-American architect
who designed the first Church of
Christ scientist.
But because he was black, he couldn't put
his name on the plants.
Nearly a century later, Portals breathes
new life into this
historic site, honoring the
past, but points a
(01:42:36):
steadfastly toward a bright future.
As our city grows, we have unique
opportunities to work with
our private sector partners to
broaden public access to the arts and
attract more
internationally recognized artists.
So as I close, ladies and gentlemen, I'm
proud to report that our
city, your city, is stronger,
(01:42:59):
healthier and more
prosperous than ever before.
For my part, I commit to continue doing
those things that make us
proud to stop things that
aren't working and launch those that do.
The people I meet in our community know
that hard work and
collaboration make us not just
a better city, but better people.
(01:43:20):
We are connected as one, bound by the
shared success of our city.
Our city is living proof that hope is
alive, that humanity
thrives, and that opportunity
for all is within reach.
That is what great cities do.
As your mayor, I will continue to work to
(01:43:41):
ensure others see us
as we truly are, a city
defined by our commitment to live well,
lead boldly, and do what's right.
Today we celebrate what makes our city
extraordinary and its people remarkable.
Let us seize this great
moment, born of great opportunity.
(01:44:01):
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.
This is our time.
Let's lead with vision.
(01:44:22):
Let's move forward with purpose.
And together let's
build the future we deserve.
That's my goal.
I hope it is yours too.
Thank you to everyone here.
I appreciate you.
God bless you.
Thank you.
Welcome to the City Center
podcast from West Palm Beach.
The following is Mayor Keith A. James'
address as delivered
during the State of the City
Breakfast, January 30, 2025.
And now, it is my distinct pleasure to
introduce a dedicated leader who has
played an instrumental
(01:00:22):
role in shaping the
city of West Palm Beach.
Mayor Keith James has been a tireless
advocate for our city,
working to foster growth, enhance
the quality of life, and ensure that West
Palm Beach remains a vibrant and thriving
community for residents,
visitors, and businesses alike.
Please join me in welcoming to the stage
(01:00:43):
the Mayor of West
Palm Beach, Keith James.
The Mayor is here.
Good morning.
(01:01:08):
Ooh, y'all look good out there.
I understand we have a sold-out crowd.
I told the two Michaels that all of you
are here because of them.
Anyway, before we get started, however, I
think we have all
heard about the unfortunate
incident that happened out of Reagan
(01:01:30):
Airport this morning.
A number of lies were lost, so we could
just have a short moment
of silence for the family
and friends of those who
did not survive, please.
(01:01:50):
Thank you very much.
Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce of
the Palm Beaches for
hosting this annual State
of the City Breakfast.
My sixth is Mayor of this great city.
Six times we've met to review where we
are and more
(01:02:10):
importantly where we are headed.
Thank you Chamber CEO Michael Zeph,
Chamber Board Chairman
Michael Davis, and the entire
Board of Directors of the Chamber of
Commerce of the Palm Beaches.
Since 1913, the Chamber has worked to
advance our community's
civic, economic, and commercial
interests.
West Palm Beach is indeed a better city
(01:02:31):
because of your efforts.
I want to extend my gratitude to all of
today's sponsors,
including the presenting sponsor
of Good Samaritan Medical Center.
Congratulations also
to the Gunster Law Firm.
After 100 years of providing legal
services in West Palm
Beach, thank you for your lasting
impact on our great city.
(01:02:54):
A special thank you is also owed to all
the servers working
hard behind the scenes.
Can you give them a
round of applause, please?
And I certainly owe a very special debt
of gratitude to my
partners in leadership, the
West Palm Beach City Commission, for
(01:03:14):
their immeasurable level
of service they provide
to the residents and businesses in our
city, beginning with
Commission President Kathleen
Ward of District 1, Commissioner Shalanda
Warren from District
2, Commissioner Kristie
(01:03:39):
Fox from District 3, Commissioner Joe
Paduzi from District 4,
and Commissioner Christina
Lambert from District 5.
They all certainly deserve all of your
(01:04:01):
applause and recognition.
But I would be remiss if I did not
acknowledge Congresswoman
Lois Franco, who is here with
us this morning.
Lois is my political mentor.
(01:04:22):
I would not be here if Lois hadn't made
that phone call in
December of 2010, saying that
I should run for city commission.
I tried my best to say no, but if you
know Lois, you know she
doesn't take no for an
answer.
But Lois, thank you for your life of
service and dedication to the city.
You were mayor, but you also have been a
(01:04:44):
tremendous friend to the
city during your service in
Washington, D.C.
So thank you, Lois, for
all that you do for the city.
And I want to give a special and
deserving acknowledgment to my life
partner and inspiration,
the First Lady of West Palm Beach, my
lovely wife, Lorna James.
(01:05:07):
She is being presented with a bouquet of
flowers, which is a surprise.
And I'm delighted to share that
presenting those beautiful
flowers is Camille, the owner
of Camille's Flowers and Gifts.
Thanks to a CRA initiative, Camille's is
(01:05:33):
open and doing
business at the Styx Promenade
in the historic Northwest neighborhood.
And to the 1,800 employees of the City of
West Palm Beach, thank
you, thank you, thank
you from the bottom of my heart for your
hard work and dedication
(01:05:54):
out on the front lines,
delivering the services and help that
people need every day.
You employees have done so much for so
many and remain the
unsung heroes in a story so
many others want to
learn, farm and emulate.
Yet as much as we have accomplished and
the list is long, the
mark of any great city,
(01:06:15):
our city, lies not in achievements made
today, but in our
aspirations for the many tomorrows
to come.
That graceness is submitted not just in
the courage to dream
big, but in the heart to
deliver big.
So everyone has an opportunity to be a
part of our success.
(01:06:35):
Everyone.
That is a greatness that's only achieved
when we work together.
Together we create safer neighborhoods
where families thrive.
Together we repair and revitalize our
streets, connecting
every corner of our city.
Together we fortify our city's
infrastructure, building a foundation for
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generations to come.
Together we offer educational
opportunities, enabling our children to
reach higher heights.
This morning we will embark on a
conversation that I like to
say, if I had a title for this
State of the Union, and I know we don't
usually give them titles,
but it would be transformation
(01:07:18):
through togetherness and elevation
through collaboration.
I'm going to borrow a
little something from the church.
Turn to your neighbor and say, "Together,
(01:07:41):
transformation through
togetherness, and elevation
through collaboration."
Thank you.
As you say that, hopefully it
reverberates in your spirit.
But it's a vision that
speaks to our shared unity.
(01:08:02):
You know, we are five years into this
decade, a decade that
unfolded with a global pandemic
that brought uncertainty into people's
lives and changed the way
people see their government.
The last few years have brought a certain
amount of
unpredictability that has spread
across the country.
It has been, and still is,
(01:08:23):
a difficult time for many.
The challenges of the last five years
have taught us that the
old ways of doing things
are no longer going to cut it.
As the politics of the world
changes, one thing is clear.
The role of municipal government is more
important than ever.
(01:08:45):
Cities will have to be nimble and
creative to address the
needs of their residents.
No matter the turbulence of the times, no
matter the political
atmosphere, cities must
always continue to deliver services.
Now everyone in this room knows that the
(01:09:06):
city of West Palm Beach
has turned challenges and
opportunities and that we have
experienced
record-breaking years recently.
People and businesses from across the
country and in some cases
around the world are now
focusing on West Palm Beach.
Watching us as we build coalitions,
studying us as we find
(01:09:27):
new ways to serve residents,
learning from us as we, by all measures,
set an example how to
effectively manage an innovative
city.
For all that we have endured, for all the
hard work that lies ahead, know this, our
city stands tall,
(01:09:47):
resilient, and thriving.
The state of our city reflects the
boundless potential of its people.
We are strong and getting stronger.
With the local economy on the rise, a
bustling business environment, vibrant
growth in infrastructure
and innovation, and a population that is
(01:10:09):
growing larger and
trending younger, it is
up to us to decide the city we want to be
in the decades to come for ourselves, for
our children, and for our grandchildren.
Do we want to be a city where everyday
people can't pay their rent?
Or will we continue finding innovative
solutions and breaking
(01:10:30):
ground on affordable housing
units?
Do we want to be a city that sees us as
challenges as one-dimensional?
Or will we continue to build coalitions
and partnerships to
pioneer new ways to solve
problems for our residents?
Do we want the dreams of up-and-coming
entrepreneurs to die on the vine?
Or do we want to provide skills training
(01:10:51):
and create a robust
entrepreneurial ecosystem
right in our own backyard?
The good news is it's entirely up to us
to create a strong,
competitive future that
lifts all boats.
The advances made in West Palm Beach are
far-reaching and
impressive, which is why this morning
(01:11:12):
I'm going to focus less on a checklist of
accomplishments and
more on the choices ahead.
Let's start with the economy.
A robust, fully-functioning economy is
one where people feel secure,
have access to opportunities,
and can achieve their dreams, whether
that's buying a home,
(01:11:32):
renting a place they love,
or pursuing personal growth.
But what does this look like in practice?
Let me share the story of someone who
rolled up her sleeves and
found that there's a place
for her in this city, too.
Her name is Valerie.
Only a few years ago, she began thinking
deeply about her place
in this world, curious
what someone like her could
(01:11:53):
offer a demanding society.
After all, Valerie grew up in an early
age in the foster care
system and felt that the
deck was simply stacked against her from
the very beginning of her life.
That was before she joined
my mayor's jumpstart academy.
Learning the basic skills of
entrepreneurialism and inspired by what
she learned, Valerie
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hit the ground running.
Armed with the $5,000 grant from the
city, she bought the
tools and equipment needed
to ensure her poor maintenance business
not only survived, but prospered.
After graduating from the mayor's
jumpstart academy in just
a year's time, Valerie got
married, saved enough money to purchase
her own home, and
(01:12:35):
managed a successful, growing
business.
Valerie and other graduates of the
mayor's jumpstart academy
exemplify the philosophy
of paying it forward, coming back to
mentor new cohorts who
will pave the way for others.
As the saying goes, don't remove the
ladder once you're done with it.
Leave it for others to climb, too.
(01:12:58):
Here in West Palm Beach, we are working
to give Valerie and
others not just a ladder,
but the whole toolkit.
This is the power of a resilient and
innovative city, of an
economic ecosystem that empowers
everyone to be the best they can be.
Now none of this would have been possible
without the contributions to the mayor's
(01:13:18):
jumpstart academy from the Unum
Foundation, the related
philanthropic foundation, and
other donors.
So on behalf of Valerie and so many
others, you've helped
thank you donors for caring
enough to do more to
serve this community.
[applause]
Stories like Valerie's remind me that
(01:13:41):
economic opportunity
begins with a strong foundation,
whether that is skills training, support
systems, or the
resources to start a business.
But there's another critical foundation
to create an
environment where people thrive.
That's a place to go home.
For too many families, the dream of
(01:14:01):
stable housing feels out of reach.
The need for affordable housing touches
all corners of our country.
And in this city, we recognize that
waiting for others to
solve this pressing problem
simply is not an option.
When the African American Mayor's
Association visited West
Palm Beach this past December,
(01:14:21):
I shared with them a guiding principle of
my administration,
harnessing the power of
partnership and collaboration.
These are not just ideals.
They are the foundation of my vision to
drive transformative
changes in our city and to
create a community of
opportunity for all.
(01:14:42):
There's no secret when my administration
has set some aggressive
goals for the development
of affordable and workforce housing.
When I became mayor, I set a goal of 300
affordable and workforce housing units to
be completed or under development in the
ensuing three years.
We quickly surpassed
that goal in the first year.
As a result, last year I
(01:15:03):
raised the bar even higher.
So I announced that by the end of my
tenure as mayor in 2027,
we would have 1,400 new
affordable and workforce housing units
either completed or under development.
I'm proud to announce that we are on
track to exceed that goal as well.
[applause]
(01:15:29):
Since 2019, 815 housing units have been
completed or under development.
In the 2024 calendar year alone, 263
units came under construction and 269
went to pre-development
stages.
This progress reflects not only our
commitment, but also the
strength of our partnerships
(01:15:49):
with the private sector.
There's even more than that.
Each of those 815 units created since
2019 represents a
family holding onto the basic
desires that we all have, that we could
tuck our children in at
night knowing they are
fed and clothed, that there is a roof
over their head and
they are safe from harm.
(01:16:11):
Our collaboration with the private sector
has given us projects such as the Spruce,
an 8111 South Dixie,
which broke ground last year.
The Spruce, the single largest private
investment in Northwood Village's
history, is a groundbreaking
development that will add 117 affordable
and workforce housing units to our city.
(01:16:32):
This transformative project is powered by
an unprecedented,
innovative, philanthropic
funding model designed to redefine
affordability and address
our community's housing needs.
And the 8111 South Dixie project will
bring to life a site that
has been vacant for over
a decade by delivering 90 affordable and
(01:16:53):
workforce housing units.
These developments exemplify the power of
dynamic public-private
partnerships made possible
through city-supported tools such as
density bonuses, grant funding, tax
increment financing,
and other strategic incentives.
By aligning resources and vision, we have
(01:17:15):
created a framework that attracts private
sector investment while advancing our
shared commitment to progress.
I want to extend my gratitude to our
private sector partners
for not only recognizing the
potential of West Palm Beach, but also
embracing our vision of
transformative, inclusive growth.
(01:17:37):
Their collaboration has been instrumental
in bringing these
ambitious affordable housing
projects to life.
Equally important to housing
affordability is the community's safety.
You know, I study linguistics, and it is
amazing to me how sometimes
(01:17:57):
the most simple statements
can be the most powerful and can pass
from generation to generation.
When I was a young kid, my grandfather,
who had a sixth-grade
education, used to tell
me from time to time, "Keep the main
thing the main thing."
That sounded pretty good, and it guided
(01:18:17):
me as I went through life.
I had occasion to turn on the TV
recently, and I saw a young
African-American gentleman.
I think he was about 25 or 26.
He was being interviewed by the media,
and he said those
exact same words, "Keep the
main thing the main thing."
Now, it turned out that young man was
(01:18:39):
Jaylen Hertz, who
happens to be the quarterback
for the Philadelphia Eagles.
It also turns out that the Eagles are
going to the Super Bowl next week.
Yes, I did just insert the Philadelphia
(01:19:00):
Eagles into my State of the City speech.
I'm so proud of myself.
Fly Eagles, fly.
All right, but there is a connection.
There is a connection.
The statement, "Keeping the main thing
the main thing," is
(01:19:20):
exactly what I try to do
as mayor.
As you all know, since my first day as
your mayor, I've
stated that public safety is
job number one.
Why is that important?
Because if people live in fear and dwell
on fear, nothing else we do matters.
(01:19:41):
The main thing is public safety.
In West Palm Beach, we recognize that a
safe environment
encourages families to settle
down, helps businesses flourish, and
motivates a community to
replace fear with freedom.
My administration's commitment to public
safety is unwavering.
The most recent public
(01:20:02):
safety numbers bear that out.
This past year, our city made significant
strides, including a
12 percent decrease in
overall crime.
That isn't just a statistic.
It represents safer neighborhoods for our
families and our children.
Our neighborhoods themselves are
experiencing a drop in residential and
commercial burglaries,
(01:20:24):
a drop in auto burglaries and auto theft,
and a decrease in weapons offenses.
Violent crime continues to trend downward
in our city as well.
In 2023, we saw an 8.2 percent reduction
in violent crime, and in
2024, we saw an impressive
14 percent reduction in violent crime.
(01:20:45):
Additionally, you could clap for that.
That's good news.
To address quality of life concerns, our
police department
conducted 14 prostitution
operations in 2024,
resulting in 111 arrests.
These trends are the direct result of the
(01:21:07):
investment we are
making in our public safety
professionals.
This past year, we approved a new
contract with the Fraternal Order of
Police that included
22 percent pay increases for officers,
sergeants, and lieutenants,
as well as increased pension
(01:21:27):
contributions and additional
benefits to police employees.
Prioritizing public safety is helping us
retain dedicated
individuals and invest in advanced
technology.
Our investments in public safety are
comprehensive and wide-reaching.
Our fire department responded to over
(01:21:48):
30,000 calls last year
and transported over 13,000
patients to the hospital.
Last year, our fire department invested
in a new tiller, or
ladder truck, as it's commonly
referred to, and provided specialty
(01:22:09):
driver training to over 36 firefighters.
You may have noticed this truck as you
were walking in this morning.
How is it Fire Station
One in our city's downtown?
This state-of-the-art lifesaver has
amazing navigation capabilities.
It can even do a U-turn and a cul-de-sac.
No other fire department itself would
have a truck like this.
(01:22:37):
That's the difference between saving
lives and possibly not,
but between a city that's
good and one that's great.
Over and above that, though, cutting-edge
equipment alone won't build a safer and
healthier community.
We know that.
The most critical ingredient is listening
to and hearing directly from residents, a
(01:22:59):
sentiment my
administration takes very seriously.
Last month, through direct engagement
with our neighborhoods, our police
department initiated
Not On Our Block, an operation resulting
in the arrest of 16
individuals with a significant
criminal history.
These career offenders were dealing drugs
near community parks
where our children play.
(01:23:20):
Well, not anymore.
Do not expect to break the law and put
our children's future
in jeopardy and get away
with it.
Not as long as I'm
mayor of this great city.
Through community engagement and working
together, we have made
our neighborhoods safer.
To demonstrate this commitment, look no
(01:23:42):
further than our Juvenile
and Community Engagement
Unit, which has excelled in strengthening
public safety and community trust through
diverse outreach initiatives.
Our impactful programs, including youth
engagement, support for vulnerable
populations, and collaboration
with local organizations highlight their
exceptional commitment to fostering
inclusivity and positive
(01:24:02):
relationships across the community.
The community has to see the men and
women in blue as
allies and not adversaries.
Now, I realize that not all
success comes without setbacks.
My administration is committed to
ensuring that our police
department adheres to the
highest standards.
(01:24:24):
Last year, I learned that those standards
simply were not being met.
This past October was brought to my
attention that members of
the police department's top
command staff were allegedly involved in
financial and proprieties.
Additionally, there was an incident
involving West Palm Beach
police officers in Borton
Beach that reflected a gross disregard of
(01:24:47):
professional judgment.
These events demonstrated that the
leadership of the
department was not aligned with its
mission.
Restoring trust demanded decisive action.
So I took that action by
replacing the then police chief.
I share with you a reminder of these
setbacks because I
sincerely believe public safety
(01:25:10):
begins with public trust.
In spite of any setbacks we may have
encountered, the success of these
departments has been
no accident.
It's a result of a collaborative,
partnership-driven approach to ensuring
the safety of our residents.
These partnership-driven strategies are
reinforcing our desire to
(01:25:30):
establish public trust as our
guiding vision for the future.
One example of how we are utilizing the
power of collaboration
is how we are addressing
mental health challenges in this city.
To meet these difficulties head on, we
partnered with the Health
Care District of Palm Beach
County to launch a
groundbreaking pilot program.
(01:25:52):
This initiative provides critical
assistance to individuals
who do not meet the threshold
for a Baker Act intervention, but they
still require some support.
To date, 55 people received the help they
need through this pilot program.
As this initiative evolves, we aim to
someday establish a
one-stop facility to address
a range of quality of life issues.
(01:26:12):
Thank you, County, for donating some
money to that effort.
By offering comprehensive support, we
create lasting positive
impacts that improve individual
lives and strengthen
our community as a whole.
I recognize that public safety isn't only
measured in the number
of units that we could
put on the street or the amount of money
we invest in police and fire.
(01:26:34):
But it's by how you feel while enjoying
the many amenities our city has to offer.
I will do everything in my power.
The city will do everything in its power
to make sure that
experience is joyful and fulfilling.
Now, every day I see with my old eyes and
(01:26:55):
I hear directly from
residents about homelessness.
It is an issue that can't be remedied
simply by changing policy.
It requires a level of empathy,
understanding that the
government alone cannot provide
the answer.
Instead, it requires all
of us working together.
(01:27:16):
We must ask ourselves and each other,
what kind of people do we think we are?
Let that answer be a people
that helps the least of us.
That's what members of our homeless
outreach team exemplify
each and every single day.
When I first came into office, we had one
person on the homeless outreach team.
(01:27:38):
Within my first term of office, we
increased that number of
one to ten full-time employees
whose job it is to go out each and every
day and interact with
the homeless where they
are because people are
homeless for different reasons.
Drug abuse, mental health issues, or
sometimes they are just hit
(01:27:58):
upon an economic disconnect
in their life.
But we can't address their individual
problems unless we interact with them.
We have ten full-time employees whose job
is to go out and
interact with the homeless.
(01:28:19):
In the same way that we provided Valerie
with the tools for her small business to
succeed, we gave MJ a second chance to
pursue an opportunity.
Originally from Gainesville, Florida, MJ
had dreams of breaking
into the Miami entertainment
industry.
But like so many people, she faced some
challenges when she went down to Miami.
(01:28:41):
Soon she had to begin the long journey
from Miami back to her hometown.
Having spent her last nine, MJ's journey
from Miami to Gainesville was cut short.
Unfortunately she soon found herself in
downtown West Palm Beach,
homeless and short on hope.
A medical emergency brought MJ to JFK
Medical Center where she
(01:29:02):
met members of our West Palm
Beach Homeless Outreach Team.
Working closely with our police
department and hospital
social workers, our homeless
outreach team members
quickly devised a solution for MJ.
They contacted a local shelter in
Gainesville, made the necessary
arrangements, and MJ was
safely returned to her hometown.
(01:29:22):
Now MJ didn't choose homelessness.
Circumstances that became overwhelming
forced her into a life of homelessness.
The scope of the homeless
situation is substantial.
It's huge.
But that doesn't discourage me as the
mayor of this city from
confronting this challenge
head on.
(01:29:42):
But we're making some progress.
While the progress
seems slow, make no mistake.
Progress is not about
speed, it's about direction.
I'd like to celebrate our homeless
outreach team for another effective year.
Their tireless efforts result in a
successfully housing or sheltering 302
(01:30:04):
chronically homeless
individuals, reconnecting 75 individuals
through the city's
Homeward Bound Program, providing
156 homeless individuals critical mental
health and substance abuse services, and
overall conducting 2,743 engagements
through city parks,
neighborhoods, and other targeted
(01:30:24):
locations.
Our work to combat homelessness is the
base of a broader vision
to increase our safety,
strengthen businesses, and create a city
where everyone has a place to call home.
That vision has mirrored first in our
investments in
infrastructure and public services, which
(01:30:44):
lead to groundwork for a connected,
sustainable, and thriving
future, and second in a city
that emphasizes economic development as a
catalyst for progressive growth.
You don't have to look forward to seeing
the investments we're
making in our city's
infrastructure.
Last year, our City Engineering
Department completed 35
capital projects with a total
(01:31:06):
value of $30.1 million and invested $2.3
million to repave our
sidewalks and upgrade
pedestrian safety throughout our city.
In the Roosevelt Estates Neighborhood
alone, a neighborhood in the
historically black community
in our city that had been ignored, quite
frankly, for years, in
(01:31:27):
that neighborhood alone, they
received $4.8 million in infrastructure
investments that included
improvements to the sanitary
sewer and drainage system, as well as
road and sidewalk repaving with
additional infrastructure
improvements to come in 2025.
That is inclusivity,
ladies and gentlemen.
(01:31:50):
We also continue prioritizing climate and
sustainability as a matter of conscience,
as well as common sense.
Each day, literally 375 employees of the
Public Utilities Department
work to ensure the delivery
of safe drinking water to our city
residents and the
customers we serve in the town of
Palm Beach and South Palm Beach.
And I'm pleased to announce that we've
(01:32:12):
sourced water to supply our
growing city and customers
drinking water for the next 50 years.
Yes?
Some of y'all may be
here and get thirsty.
The Flooding and Aquifer will serve as a
new underground source
of water for West Palm
Beach.
With that achievement, we're
investigating new water treatment
(01:32:32):
possibilities for the
city's water supply.
As our population grows, we need to
ensure that we make our city more
connected, exploring
ways to move people and not just cars.
You see, I know that at times traffic
congestion gets bad.
(01:32:53):
Believe me, I get the
emails, I get the phone calls.
But the only thing that concerns me is
that there are senior
citizens in some of our neighborhoods
who don't have access to a vehicle,
making it nearly
impossible for them to pick up their
prescription medications
or go to the grocery store.
So we need to think about their
transportation needs as well.
So through initiatives like our Ride WPB
(01:33:15):
Mobility Pilot Program, we
are officially moving thousands
of people across our city.
A while back, I heard the story of Ms.
Soles, who lives on Tamron Avenue.
She's extremely grateful to know that she
can call to get a
ride to Publix to pick up
her necessities and sometimes even pick
up a couple lottery tickets.
(01:33:37):
She obviously hasn't won because I
haven't gotten that call yet.
But anyway, because of Ride WPB's
success, I'm happy to share
that we will be advertising
a proposed permanent transportation
system, one that will
significantly expand access
to transportation and mobility to over
95,000 people across our city.
(01:33:58):
And with the – yeah, that's a big deal.
Those are people who don't have to use
cars to get to where they need to go.
And with the completion of our bike
infrastructure projects, we're not only
enhancing our city's
mobility, but also creating connections
that bring areas
outside of downtown closer to
(01:34:19):
the heart of our city.
Now, ladies and gentlemen,
some would say, "Why bikes?
Why bikes?"
Bicycles are an equity issue.
There are some people who don't have
cars, but they need
bicycles to move from their
house to work and back.
So we cannot ignore the fact that an
(01:34:40):
efficient, effective bicycle
infrastructure helps the
inclusivity it helps equity in our city.
To ensure we are implementing the safest
infrastructure possible that
encourages more users, we are
(01:35:00):
updating our bicycle and mobility plans.
Our city is taking significant steps
toward achieving a
transportation mode of shifting
away from single-occupant vehicles.
By prioritizing connectivity, we're
creating a thriving,
inclusive city with safe streets
and enhanced mobility.
(01:35:23):
Early this year, we found ourselves at a
junction of possibility.
With the county as our partner, we
created a ripple effect
that will benefit this city
for generations to come.
And today, I want to reinforce the
essential and critical
nature of that choice, and while
supporting Vanderbilt University by
donating our respective
(01:35:43):
lands was and is the right
choice and a transformational
opportunity, an investment
in our future that will yield
far more than any
short-term financial gain.
Vanderbilt's programs in artificial
intelligence, data science, and business
are not just educational
offerings.
They are the foundation of what once
tomorrow's workforce will be built.
(01:36:05):
The Innovation Hub Vanderbilt Proposers
will contribute to the
ecosystem of collaboration
for which we have laid the groundwork,
bringing our local
entrepreneurs together with cutting-edge
academic research.
Imagine a future where underserved
communities are uplifted
through the initiatives that
Vanderbilt University will
(01:36:26):
bring to Palm Beach County.
Welcome Vanderbilt.
Consider the economic growth and the
thriving workforce that we
result from that partnership.
But Vanderbilt isn't the only renowned
institution with its eyes on our city.
(01:36:47):
Cleveland Clinic will be the first
non-profit research
hospital and the first new hospital
in our downtown area in over a century.
Cleveland Clinic's expansion into West
Palm Beach will
transform care for our community
through a new hospital and outpatient
clinic providing a
broad range of specialties.
Aiming to meet the present and future
(01:37:08):
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.
Let me give you a few examples.
Take the Cox Science Center and Aquarium.
Recently the museum broke ground on a
$115 million expansion
(01:37:30):
with nearly $100 million
raised through the private sector.
The project will double the size of the
campus and expand
student engagement from 150,000
to 350,000, 70% of those being minority
population and 50% of those being Title I
students, reflecting
a bold commitment to STEM
education and equity in our city.
(01:38:00):
The new Boys and Girls Club in Dreher
Park is another example
of transformative work
and a collaboration between the
philanthropic sector
and the youth of our city.
To be built on city designated land, the
$13 million project will
serve approximately 800
children a year, ages 6 to 18.
Remarkably, 100% of that $13 million was
(01:38:23):
raised through charitable donations.
The facility will provide academic
support by certified
teachers, mental health and hunger
relief programs, as well as career
readiness programming.
Their location provides for extraordinary
opportunities with the Cox Science Center
for STEM programming and
teen employment opportunities.
(01:38:45):
Then there's the park, a
former municipal golf course.
The foundation that was established in
connection with the park
raised over $55 million to build
a world class golf course.
But it's not just
golf, ladies and gentlemen.
They have a program called The Path.
The Path supports families with after
(01:39:06):
school programs, homework
assistance, financial literacy
workshops and more, turning recreational
spaces into hubs for
community development.
We remain focused on
students even after high school.
The Related Together initiative launched
with an $8.2 million commitment,
(01:39:27):
guarantees tuition-free
post-secondary degrees for high school
graduates with a focus on
students from the historic
northwest, Coleman Park and Pleasant City
communities through a
partnership with Palm
Beach State College.
After omitting this effort, the emerging
(01:39:48):
Scholars Summer Academy engaged over 250
middle and high school students in
planning their
educational paths, fostering a sense
of belonging and preparing them for high
wage and high demand careers.
These efforts showcase the power of
collaboration, innovation and
investment in our community.
(01:40:10):
I guarantee you that of all those donors,
I'm sure many of you
are here in this room
for any of those
projects I just identified.
You didn't do it for
your kids or your grandkids.
You invested in the future of the
children in the city
for generations to come.
And I thank you.
(01:40:32):
When we come together to support
education and opportunity,
we lay the foundation for
a remarkable future
for generations to come.
Clearly our story is attracting the
highest in excellence and
is uplifting the best our
community has to offer.
(01:40:53):
But I wanted to take it a step further
and ensure that we as a
city are intentional about
how we market ourselves.
Recently my team welcomed the Chief
Marketing Officer to help tell our story.
And what are we learning?
As our new tagline states, and you'll be
hearing more about it
later, there is more to West
Palm Beach.
But don't just take my word or our word,
(01:41:15):
this month it was
announced that West Palm Beach
is a top winner in the prestigious 2025
Trip Advisor Traveler's
Choice Best of the Best
Awards for Destinations.
This award is the highest honor Trip
Advisor bestows and serves
as a testament that there
(01:41:35):
is more to see and more
to do in West Palm Beach.
Our city offers exceptional experiences
to every visitor, and
that recognition underscores
the unique charm and vibrant spirit that
makes our city a top
destination for travelers from
around the world.
But it's not just visitors
who are telling our story.
The public art popping up around our city
(01:41:55):
is also telling our story.
Take Fred Everesley's incredible work
Portals, for example.
Located in Julian Able Park, Portals
creates a dynamic
intersection between history and
art, embodying the way to the past while
envisioning the possibility of tomorrow.
This installation accomplished through
collaboration with the public
(01:42:15):
and private sector pays homage
to the architect Julian Able, an
African-American architect
who designed the first Church of
Christ scientist.
But because he was black, he couldn't put
his name on the plants.
Nearly a century later, Portals breathes
new life into this
historic site, honoring the
past, but points a
(01:42:36):
steadfastly toward a bright future.
As our city grows, we have unique
opportunities to work with
our private sector partners to
broaden public access to the arts and
attract more
internationally recognized artists.
So as I close, ladies and gentlemen, I'm
proud to report that our
city, your city, is stronger,
(01:42:59):
healthier and more
prosperous than ever before.
For my part, I commit to continue doing
those things that make us
proud to stop things that
aren't working and launch those that do.
The people I meet in our community know
that hard work and
collaboration make us not just
a better city, but better people.
(01:43:20):
We are connected as one, bound by the
shared success of our city.
Our city is living proof that hope is
alive, that humanity
thrives, and that opportunity
for all is within reach.
That is what great cities do.
As your mayor, I will continue to work to
(01:43:41):
ensure others see us
as we truly are, a city
defined by our commitment to live well,
lead boldly, and do what's right.
Today we celebrate what makes our city
extraordinary and its people remarkable.
Let us seize this great
moment, born of great opportunity.
(01:44:01):
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.
This is our time.
Let's lead with vision.
(01:44:22):
Let's move forward with purpose.
And together let's
build the future we deserve.
That's my goal.
I hope it is yours too.
Thank you to everyone here.
I appreciate you.
God bless you.
Thank you.
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