Introduction.
On behalf of the board and staff of the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, we are pleased to bring you our Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
This past year marked a significant chapter in the ongoing evolution of Downtown West Palm Beach. As our skyline grows with new commercial developments, our residential population increases, and our storefronts welcome new businesses, the DDA expanded our programs and strengthened our commitment to serving this dynamic and ever-changing district.
Throughout this report, you will see how we’ve translated community needs into action. We strengthened our public realm maintenance programs, increased our investment in mobility solutions, and activated public spaces with culturally rich programs like Que Bacano and Let’s Vibe. These initiatives have not only enhanced the physical environment but also created opportunities for connection, celebration, and shared experiences.
Our support for local businesses has also grown. We increased access to business development grants, expanded educational offerings through workshops and events, and continued targeted marketing campaigns to elevate the visibility of Downtown’s distinctive restaurants, shops, and services.
At our core, the DDA is a community-driven public agency. The partnerships we build—with residents, entrepreneurs, property owners, and city leaders—are what shape our strategy and guide our impact. Your input, involvement, and feedback are essential to how we plan and evolve.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to building a Downtown that is welcoming, resilient, and innovative. The DDA Board and staff are honored to be part of this community’s continued growth, and we look forward to continuing to serve.
Sincerely,
Teneka James-Feaman Executive Director
About the Downtown Development Authority
The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Working in close coordination with the City of West Palm Beach and the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to deliver the most impactful and value-based outcomes possible to our stakeholders.
OUR MISSION
To promote and enhance a vibrant Downtown West Palm Beach for all.
Green Spaces
.75 Square Miles 119,945
City Population
12,000+/-
Residential Population
30,000+/Employment Population 6,000 Businesses/ Institutions 52
Median Age $77,000
Median Household Income
In the following pages, you will learn how the DDA supports four strategic goals:
Public Realm Maintenance Business Development
District Services and Operations
Marketing and Public Relations
Public Realm Maintenance
The DDA’s strategic plan remains firmly rooted in enhancing the quality of life for residents, workers, and visitors in Downtown West Palm Beach. Reflecting our commitment, the DDA has continued to allocate increased resources, prioritizing safety, accessibility, and community engagement. This approach ensures Downtown remains a vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable destination.
Our Downtown Ambassadors have continued to build strong partnerships with the West Palm Beach Police Department, creating a safer environment for all stakeholders. Ambassadors work seven days a week, offering assistance to businesses, residents, and visitors by providing information and addressing concerns throughout the district. Collaboration with the City’s Homeless Outreach Team has been a vital focus, helping connect vulnerable individuals to critical services and fostering community awareness about available resources.
Through a partnership with the City of West Palm Beach, Circuit on-demand electric shuttle service continues to provide free, eco-friendly transportation throughout Downtown and the Town of Palm Beach, enhancing connectivity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, we introduced Fix-It Stations, which allow individuals to repair their bikes using an air pump and essential tools, further supporting active and sustainable transportation.
The DDA also prioritizes placemaking initiatives to activate public spaces and create vibrant experiences. These programs foster community pride, creativity, and engagement while enhancing the overall quality of life in Downtown West Palm Beach.
Looking Ahead:
NEW Safety Ambassador Program
will launch in the next fiscal year, providing an additional layer of security and support for residents, merchants, and visitors.
Placemaking Programs
Transportation
Downtown Ambassador Program
Community Compassion Fund
Outcomes
Downtown Ambassador Program
• Business Assistance: 3,381 check-ins and assists with local businesses
• Residential Building Support: 13,965
perimeter patrols and staff check-ins
• General District Patrols: 5,467 foot, bike, or vehicle patrols
• Homeless Outreach: 1,417 interactions, including resource connections and support
• Hospitality Assistance: 1,844 interactions, assisting with directions, parking, and general inquiries
Transportation Circuit: 176,786 general inquiries
District Services and Operations
The maintenance of the public realm continues to be a cornerstone of quality of life, economic development, and community pride in Downtown West Palm Beach. This year, the DDA took significant steps to enhance our services and address the evolving needs of our growing community. Guided by feedback from our stakeholders, we focused on improving outcomes through better coordination, streamlined management, and expanded services.
In July, we transitioned to a new provider for cleaning services, aiming to elevate the quality and efficiency of maintenance efforts across the district. The unification of these services under a single provider has already shown a positive impact, with stakeholders reporting cleaner, more welcoming spaces and a heightened sense of community pride.
Clean Ambassador Team: Launched in July 2024, this team has focused on daily cleaning, litter removal, and pressure washing, resulting in a noticeable improvement in the appearance of high-traffic areas.
Pressure-Washing Ambassador Team: Introduced in September 2024, this initiative has elevated the standard of cleanliness by targeting sidewalks, public spaces, and other key zones requiring frequent attention.
These enhancements underscore the DDA’s commitment to ensuring Downtown West Palm Beach remains a clean, safe, and vibrant destination for all.
Outcomes
Cleaning
• Trash Cans Emptied: 7,680
• Pounds of Waste Removed: 198,000
• Palm Fronds Collected: 4,308
• Clean Ups: 1,391
• Graffiti Removal: 2,626
Pressure-washing
• 8,069,639 sf of Sidewalks Cleaned = 1,590 blocks (Fun Fact: That’s enough space to hold 27,730 Train Cabooses)
Landscaping
• Properties Serviced: 1,199 times
• Trimmed Trees: 300
• Maintained Plant Beds: 7,248
Business Development
The DDA supports our businesses through targeted programs designed to address their needs, including grants, permitting guidance, grand opening announcements, and resource assistance.
In partnership with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Southeast Florida/Caribbean, the DDA hosted the West Palm Beach Forum featuring an impressive lineup of development leaders to discuss the City’s real estate investment trends and opportunities, as well as projects in the development pipeline. This event attracted more than 500 attendees, reflecting the strong interest in Downtown’s economic future.
This year, we launched Money Mondays, a free three-part series of investment and financial workshops in collaboration with Anchor Wealth Management Group LLC. These sessions provided invaluable guidance for participants seeking to build financial literacy and security.
Additionally, the DDA hosted a highly interactive Downtown Summit that invited community members to engage in live interactive surveys, providing real-time insights on the DDA’s performance and the community’s evolving needs. This initiative ensured that the voices of residents, businesses, and visitors were heard and integrated into our planning processes.
Through these efforts, the DDA continues to foster a dynamic and supportive environment for economic growth and community connection in Downtown West Palm Beach.
Business Incentive
$794,248.75 (Awarded to 7 Recipients)
Façade Improvement
$10,000 (Awarded to 1 Recipient)
Grand Openings
$2,568.69 (Awarded to 3 Recipients)
New Businesses
Bar Capri
Carmela Coffee
DalMoros Fresh Pasta To Go
Ingenue Palm Beach
$806,817.43 Awarded in Event Sponsorship and Grants
Juicy Cocktail Bar
Maman
Qargo Coffee
Marketing and Public Relations
This year, the DDA elevated Downtown West Palm Beach’s profile as a vibrant destination through dynamic campaigns, engaging content, and strategic media outreach. A key focus was expanding in-house content creation to spotlight local businesses and showcase the unique Downtown experience.
The launch of the “We Do That” and “We Have That Too” campaigns played a significant role in educating the community and visitors about the DDA’s initiatives and Downtown’s distinct offerings. Media coverage further amplified the district’s visibility, featuring stories such as the announcement of the new executive director, innovative community-driven projects, the unveiling of a new mural by local artist Kate Lynn Lewis, and the launch of the Downtown Ambassadors program.
In addition to these efforts, the DDA implemented a comprehensive outreach strategy spanning social media, TV, radio, print, and digital platforms, resulting in increased engagement and awareness of Downtown West Palm Beach’s energy and diversity.
116,897 Downtown West Palm Beach Followers
6,787 West Palm Beach DDA Followers
398,321 Website Pageviews
8,381 Email Subscribers
24,284,679 Social Media Impressions
315,707 Total Engagement
19,811,047 Paid Media Impressions
2,885,639,649 Impressions
Placemaking Programs and Community Events
88 Self-Produced Placemaking Activations
Placemaking Mini Grants
A total of 29 submissions were received from which nine semi-finalists were reviewed by a five-person committee, resulting in four winners, whose projects are designed to enrich our community through creative experiences. Supported by a $20,000 matching grant from the Community Foundation for the Palm Beaches and Martin County, each winning project received up to $5,000 to bring their unique vision to life and host community-led placemaking activities in the public realm.
Flamango Vending
Placemaking is the process of creating and improving public spaces in a way that reflects the needs and desires of the people that use them. It involves a wide range of activities and elements, from physical improvements to community engagement initiatives.
Community workshops teaching the art of Chinese lantern-making in preparation for a Lantern Festival celebration in 2025. 1 2 3 4
Introducing an innovative art vending experience, bringing accessible creativity to public spaces.
Kahani Readers’ Theater
An inclusive program featuring reading and interactive theater for children, promoting critical literacy through engaging performances.
The Fantastical Walk
Hosting papier-mâché workshops to create fantastical creatures, culminating in a fun, community-driven parade.
2025 Lantern Festival (Year of the Snake)
Tiny Door Scavenger Hunt
The community’s creativity at the monthly program called Let’s Vibe inspired a summer scavenger hunt, featuring 21 handcrafted tiny doors hidden throughout downtown. This interactive online adventure engaged participants in discovering these unique pieces and exploring our district, with an Instagram contest awarding weekly winners over seven weeks of summer fun.
Recurring Programming
Motivational Mondays
Programming in collaboration with local fitness instructors to provide a better quality of life for residents and visitors alike while promoting health and wellness. This program is held in outdoor spaces once a month and at various locations.
Sunset Silent Disco
Dancing outdoors promotes self-care, belonging, and mental well-being. The community was brought together in a monthly guided silent disco experience where they can dance in nature while the sun is setting in Downtown West Palm Beach.
Let’s Vibe
Connecting with residents and visitors in community engagement programming once a month throughout the district not only helps them meet their neighbors but also informs them of who we are and how we can make our community better. Attendees also became familiar with local participating eateries and unleashed their creativity by crafting a Tiny Door and collage masterpieces.
Que Bacano
A monthly community-driven initiative that celebrates Latin culture through music, dance, and art, creating an inclusive space that highlights cultural diversity while fostering a deeper sense of connection and pride within our community. Attendees have the opportunity to learn various Latin dances through interactive lessons, culminating in an energetic dance showcase that brings the community together in celebration.
Bike Valet
This program encourages residents and visitors to embrace greener and healthier lifestyles. Operating during the West Palm Beach GreenMarket and the Antique and Flea Market each Saturday, the program supports bicycle trips by providing convenient and secure bike parking options.
Awards
International Downtown Association
Public Space Management and Operations: Trojan Rocking Horses
Florida Festivals & Events Association SUNsational Awards
1st Place
Website – Black Art Matters
Event Recap / Annual Report
2nd Place
Twitter – Downtown West Palm Beach
Radio – Que Bacano Dance Contest
Community Outreach Program – Queens Night Out
3rd Place
Television – Black Art Matters
Radio – Queens Night Out
Instagram – West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District
Twitter – West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District
2024 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Award
Gold
Best TV Promotion
Best Full-Length TV Program: Wake Up West Palm
Best Organization Website: DowntownWPB.com
Best Single Digital/Social Ad: Que Bacano Holiday
Best Event / Organization E-Newsletter: Downtown West Palm Beach Update
Best Printed Materials (Multiple Page) Brochure: Queens Night Out
Best Single Newspaper Display Ad: Black Art Matters
Silver
Best Event Website: Black Art Matters
Best Digital/Social Ad Series
Best Printed Materials (Multiple Page) Annual Report
Best Single Newspaper Display Ad: Tiny Door Hunt
Bronze
Best Video Promotion: Que Bacano Dance Contest
Best Radio Promotion: Que Bacano
Best Facebook Site: Downtown West Palm Beach
Best Digital/Social Ad Series
Best Community Outreach Program: Let’s Vibe
Financial Overview
$12,000,000
$10.000,000
$8,000,000
$6,000,000
$4,000, 000
$2,000,000 $
• The DDA’s tax base is comprised of 568 commercial/industrial and 2,998 residential properties.
• From fiscal year 2022 -2023, the taxable value of property in the DDA increased by 15%.
• The DDA represents 17% of the City’s taxable value.
• The value per acre within the DDA is $795,383,394.
• The DDA’s taxable value is 1.25% of the County’s.
The DDA receives its funding from multiple sources as reflected in the chart below. As property values have grown, so has the DDA’s revenue.
Future Plans/Looking Ahead
Augmented Experience
Creating augmented reality experiences which allows visitors, residents, and merchants to immerse and explore throughout the district. Experiences to include pop-up information, 3D imagery, and more curated from the local artistic and business community.
Parklet Grant Program
Seeking merchants that need financial support in creating a parklet through the newly adopted parklet ordinance and guidebook. This grant is made possible with the contribution from the West Palm Beach DDA and the Palm Beach Community Foundation as supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Art Outside WPB
A city-wide project which places nineteen reproduced artworks from the Collection of the Norton Museum of Art into the Downtown West Palm Beach district.
DowntownWPB Coffee Fest
This event will celebrate our city’s local coffee scene by bringing together local coffee shops, bakeries and artisans. This event will showcase the flavor and creativity that make Downtown a hub of vibrant experiences, fostering connections and community pride.
Board and Staff Members
DDA Board
Rick Reikenis, DDA Chairman
Bill Jacobson, DDA Vice-Chairman (January 2024)
Robert Sanders, DDA Vice-Chairman (March 2024)
Samantha Bratter
Peter Cruise (April 2024)
Varissa Lall Dass (July 2024)
Tim Harris
Daryl Houston
Bernardo Neto (August 2024)
DDA Staff
Raphael Clemente, Executive Director (May 2024)
Teneka James-Feaman, Executive Director (June 2024)
Catherine Ast, District Services Manager
Sherryl Muriente, Public Realm Director
Krystal Campi, Placemaking Coordinator
Tiffany Faublas, Marketing Director
Sabrina Lolo, Marketing Coordinator
Samantha Moore, Office Manager
Vivian Ryland, Director of Administration
Downtown Development Authority Contract Partners
Public Relations and Media
Security Ambassador Program
Landscape Maintenance
Pressure Washing
Janitorial and Public Space Maintenance
Holiday Lighting and Decorations
Legal Services
Annual Independent Audit
Transportation Services