DDA Annual Report 2024-2025

ANNUAL REPORT 2024-2025

Introduction.

Downtown is more than a destination, it’s the living heartbeat of our city. It is where creativity, commerce, and community intersect, and where the energy of possibility is felt throughout every block.

This past year has been one of progress, collaboration, and continued investment in the vitality of our urban core. As we reflect on our accomplishments, we celebrate the momentum that has strengthened our foundation and the shared vision that continues to move us forward.

Our work remained centered on place management, economic development, and community partnerships, the pillars that guide our mission. From new business openings and public realm enhancements to dynamic programming and cultural collaborations, each initiative has deepened the connection between people and place.

Our achievements are the result of collective effort, the dedication of our Board, the creativity of our team, the commitment of our partners, and the passion of those who live, work, and invest here. Together, we are proving that when collaboration fuels vision, transformation follows.

As we look to the year ahead, our focus remains clear: to elevate the downtown experience, champion innovation, and ensure our city’s center continues to thrive as a place where people feel inspired to gather, create, and belong.

Thank you for being part of this ongoing story of growth and renewal. The best chapters of downtown’s future are still being written, and they begin with all of us.

Sincerely,

Teneka James-Feaman Executive Director

About the Downtown Development Authority

OUR MISSION

To promote and enhance a vibrant Downtown West Palm Beach for all.

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, value-based outcomes for stakeholders.

Green Spaces

Established in 1967 by special act of the Florida Legislature, the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is an independent special taxing district that works in partnership with the City of West Palm Beach and the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency to strengthen Downtown as the city’s economic, cultural, and civic core.

C

F O R ENTE

.75

Square Miles

127,000+ City Population

10,000+/Residential Population

30,000+/Employment Population

6,000

In the following pages, you will learn how the DDA supports four strategic goals:

Businesses/ Institutions

56

Public Realm Maintenance

Median Age

$77,000 Median Household Income

District Services and Operations

67%

Business Development

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

20%

10%

2% 1%

Marketing and Public Relations

Business Development

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

The DDA supports local businesses through programs and services that remove barriers, accelerate growth, and strengthen Downtown’s economic ecosystem. This includes grants and incentives, permitting and regulatory guidance, grand opening support, and connections to essential resources. This fiscal year, the DDA expanded its role as a convener for industry leaders by supporting and hosting high-impact forums that shaped conversations around investment, mobility, and the future of Downtown West Palm Beach.

Urban Land Institute (ULI) West Palm Beach Forum In partnership with ULI Southeast Florida and the Caribbean, the DDA hosted the West Palm Beach Forum, which brought together nearly 500 attendees. Development leaders and subject matter experts discussed real estate trends, investment opportunities, and major projects in the pipeline, reinforcing Downtown’s position as a center for long-term economic growth.

Bisnow Palm Beach State of the Market The DDA sponsored Bisnow’s Palm Beach State of the Market for the first time, engaging more than 400 participants.

The event convened top developers, investors, construction firms, legal advisors, and financial institutions that are driving the region’s rapidly expanding real estate market. This partnership increased visibility for Downtown West Palm Beach and elevated the DDA’s role in shaping economic dialogue at a regional level.

Safe Streets Summit As a sponsor of the 12th Annual Safe Streets Summit, the DDA joined more than 400 attendees, including national speakers, elected officials, planners, and community partners. The summit explored how transportation investments improve safety, accessibility, and economic vitality.

Workshops and mobile sessions highlighted best practices that support Downtown’s growing mobility network.

$290,498.23

Awarded in Event Sponsorship and Grants

Business Incentive

$82,375

(Awarded to 2 Recipients)

Façade Improvement

$37,536.78

(Awarded to 3 Recipients)

Grand Openings

$1,381.19

(Awarded to 2 Recipients)

New Businesses Alo - 595 S Rosemary Ave. Cleopatra Ink - 333 Clematis St. Crate & Barrel - 589 S. Rosemary Ave. Estiatorio Milos - 170 Lakeview Ave. One Flagler –180 Lakeview Ave. Just Baked - 255 S Narcissus Ave. Master Grill Mediterranean - 400 Clematis St. Ste 103 Num Num - 410 Evernia St. Ste 108 Pubbelly Sushi - 303 Clematis St., Suite 101 Redvanly - 475 S Olive Ave. Skinny Louie’s - 114 S Clematis St. Tacos Del Cartel - 533 Clematis St.

District Services And Operations District Services remain the foundation of the Downtown Development Authority’s mission to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all who live, work, and visit Downtown West Palm Beach.

Landscaping Services Landscaping services are provided six days a week throughout the district. Services include maintenance along Clematis Street, Banyan Boulevard, the City Hall complex, the exteriors of City parking garages, and various medians and intersection beds west of Narcissus Avenue.

Key improvements during the fiscal year included a focused investment along Clematis Street to address wear from vehicular and pedestrian traffic and improving overall design and durability.

• • • •

Fiscal Year 2024–2025 marked the first full year of the Downtown Ambassador Program under

193 hanging baskets planted districtwide 1,651 plants installed along Clematis Street between the 100 and 500 blocks Irrigation systems upgraded for improved coverage and plant health Over 130 trees trimmed to improve visibility near traffic signage, enhance lighting near poles, and ensure clear and safe pedestrian pathways

new contractor Block By Block. This transition allowed the DDA to streamline operations, expand service coverage, and place a stronger emphasis on hospitality, visibility, and proactive engagement. Downtown Ambassadors are trained to assist residents, visitors, and businesses while serving as a daily presence throughout the district.

Cleaning Services

Special Projects and Enhancements Several targeted projects were completed to improve functionality and user experience throughout the district: •

Comprehensive cleaning services are provided seven days a week in designated areas of the district, focusing on high-traffic corridors and public spaces under the DDA’s maintenance responsibility. It includes loose litter pickup districtwide, daily emptying of City trash receptacles along Clematis Street, graffiti removal, pressure washing of sidewalks and alleyways, and biohazard response.

•

Pounds of waste removed: 537,509

•

Palm fronds collected: 11,011

•

Biohazard clean ups completed: 2,555

•

Graffiti removal incidents addressed: 3,723

•

Pressure washing completed: 1,710 blocks

•

•

Installation of new dog waste bag stations along Clematis Street and at the Banyan Garage, with replacement of aging stations near the Great Lawn. This initiative will continue into FY 2026.

Completion of Phase One of a districtwide Lighting Study, identifying opportunities to improve pedestrian-level lighting along the Waterfront, Clematis Street, Dixie Highway, Olive Avenue, and Rosemary Avenue between Banyan Boulevard and Lakeview Avenue.

Replacement of rusted and damaged trash receptacles along Clematis Street to enhance cleanliness and streetscape appearance.

Downtown Clean Team 49%

Landscaping 23%

Pressure Washing 19% Holiday Lights 7%

Public Space Enhancements 2%

PUBLIC REALM The public realm plays a vital role in supporting quality of life, economic vitality, and a strong sense of place in Downtown West Palm Beach.

The DDA contributes to this through continued investment in safety, accessibility, mobility, and placemaking initiatives that help create a vibrant, welcoming, and connected downtown.

Safety and Community Support

Public Realm 100%

Through partnerships and targeted programs, the DDA supports mobility options that help residents, employees, and visitors move easily throughout Downtown West Palm Beach. These initiatives improve access and connectivity across the district while encouraging sustainable and active transportation.

75% 50% 25% 0%

Downtown Ambassadors continue to play a key role in maintaining a positive and approachable street-level presence. Working seven days a week, Ambassadors assist residents, visitors, and businesses by providing information, addressing quality-of-life concerns, and coordinating withpartners as needed.

FY 22/23

FY 23/24

FY 24/25

Placemaking Programs Transportation Public Space Programs Community Engagement Downtown Ambassador Program Community Outreach & Innovative Policing

Strong collaboration with the West Palm Beach Police Department and the City’s Homeless Outreach Team remains a cornerstone of this work. These partnerships help connect vulnerable individuals with available services while supporting a safe and compassionate environment for the entire community.

During the fiscal year, the Downtown Safety Ambassador Program was further refined to focus on non-criminal, quality-of-life concerns. The program emphasizes increased engagement with residential buildings and businesses and continued coordination with police, outreach teams, and other agencies. Bike and foot patrols remain active throughout the district, increasing visibility and approachability.

Business Check: 29,342 Condo Check: 28,496 Hospitality Assist: 27,684 Safety Escorts: 608 Umbrella Escorts: 102

Police / EMS: 270 Outreach Referrals: 261 Unhoused Contacts: 3970 Trespassing: 651 Sit/Stand/Lie: 3294

529 Riders

Public Realm FY 24-25

Mobility and Accessibility

The on-demand Circuit electric shuttle provides eco-friendly transportation throughout Downtown West Palm Beach and the surrounding area, helping connect key destinations. BrightBike stations remain accessible throughout the district, offering a convenient option for short trips and everyday travel. In addition, the DDA’s Bike Valet program offers complimentary bicycle valet service during the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, making it easier and safer for cyclists to access one of Downtown’s most popular weekly events.

Together, these initiatives reduce congestion, support accessibility, and enhance the overall Downtown experience by making it easier for people to move through the district safely and efficiently.

7% 26% 21%

46% Placemaking Programs Community Outreach & Innovative Policing Transportation Downtown Ambassador Program

Placemaking Support 22,570 Rides

119,033 Passengers

The DDA continues to invest in placemaking initiatives that activate public spaces and support local businesses. The introduction of the Parklet Program marked a significant enhancement to the Downtown streetscape. The program allows participating businesses to expand outdoor seating and gathering areas, creating more vibrant sidewalks while supporting economic activity. The strong response from businesses demonstrated the program’s value and demand.

Additional public realm improvements included the installation of new benches at Chess Park, adding seating, comfort, and visual appeal to a popular community space and encouraging longer visits and informal gatherings.

Marketing and Public Relations

Total Multi Channel Media Reach Exceeded 38 Million Impressions

Marketing and Public Relations efforts are designed to strengthen Downtown West Palm Beach’s position as the region’s premier destination for business, culture, and lifestyle. Through integrated campaigns, strategic storytelling, and data driven media placement, the DDA drives visitation, supports local businesses, and reinforces investor confidence in the district.

As Downtown continues to evolve, marketing serves not only as promotion, but as strategic positioning that shapes perception, attracts investment, and supports long term sustainability.

Efforts span digital advertising, television, print, radio, social media, website content, newsletters, public relations outreach, and brand partnerships. Campaigns highlight new business openings, cultural programming, dining, retail, mobility initiatives, and quality of life amenities, ensuring Downtown remains top of mind for residents, employees, visitors, and prospective investors.

In addition to paid media, the DDA produces original content that showcases local entrepreneurs, artists, and placemaking initiatives, amplifying authentic stories that reflect Downtown’s growth and momentum. Strategic partnerships with media outlets, community organizations, and regional stakeholders further extend reach and credibility.

Collectively, these initiatives elevate Downtown’s brand, drive foot traffic, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and support sustained economic growth.

Marketing Performance and Media Impact

Through strategic campaign planning and integrated media placement, the DDA generated significant regional visibility across digital, broadcast, print, and radio platforms.

Social Media

Audience Growth and Digital Reach Downtown West Palm Beach

Total Followers: 129,914; representing an 11.2 percent increase year over year • Facebook: 41,338 • Instagram: 64,812 • X: 22,580 • TikTok: 1,434 Total Impressions: 22,954,602

West Palm Beach DDA

Total Followers: 8,209, representing a 20.9 percent increase year over year • LinkedIn: 5,064 • Facebook: 2,349 • X: 796 Total Impressions: 408,947

Owned Media Performance • Website Pageviews: 469,177 • •

Website Users: 293,668 Email Subscribers • DowntownWPB: 10,297 • Business: 327

Advertising and Media Impact Digital Advertising

• 11,908,774 impressions Television • WPBF: 13.7 million impressions • PBS: 989,433 impressions Print • Palm Beach Post: 2,246,988 readership Radio • iHeart: 281,253 total commercials with digital impressions

Placemaking Programs and Community Events 62 Self-Produced Placemaking Activations with a total attendance of 4800+ Lantern Festival

Black Art Matters

The 2025 Lantern Festival marked the firstever Lantern Festival in Downtown West Palm Beach, introducing a new cultural celebration inspired by a Placemaking Mini Grant awarded in the previous fiscal year. Honoring the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Snake, the event featured handcrafted lanterns, cultural performances, Asian-inspired food, Traditional Asian music, and a Lion Dance transforming the space into a vibrant community gathering.

Black Art Matters is an annual February series that elevates emerging Black artists through free live performances in Downtown public spaces. This year’s four performances drew approximately 400 attendees. Since inception, the program has featured more than 20 artists.

Professionally produced recordings extend the program’s reach digitally, with select performances reaching up to 3,751 views.

The series supports cultural representation, activates underutilized spaces, and increases evening visitation to nearby businesses.

Coffee Fest Coffee Fest was introduced as a new community-focused event celebrating Downtown West Palm Beach’s local coffee scene while recognizing the employees who help power the district. The event brought together local coffee shops for tastings and interactive experiences, creating a welcoming gathering that boosted foot traffic and encouraged people to explore Downtown beyond traditional work hours.

Thoughtful placemaking strengthens street-level activity by increasing foot traffic, extending dwell time, and supporting the economic vitality of Downtown businesses.

Human Library Partnered with the Mandel Public Library to host the Human Library, a free community program of facilitated, one-on-one conversations designed to challenge stigma and build empathy. Volunteers served as living “books,” sharing personal stories on topics including race, culture, identity, homelessness, and addiction, while attendees rotated among conversations to broaden their perspectives.

The event demonstrated the DDA’s role in fostering inclusive public programming.

Recurring Programming

Recurring monthly programming ensures consistent activation of public spaces and sustained community engagement throughout the year.

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 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 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.

Industry Recognition and Awards

These recognitions affirm Downtown West Palm Beach as a leader in innovative programming, strategic marketing, and community-driven placemaking.

This fiscal year, the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority earned state, national, and international recognition for excellence in marketing, placemaking, digital communications, and event production.

These honors reflect the creativity, strategy, and execution behind Downtown’s growing brand presence and community impact.

Florida Festivals & Events SUNsational Awards 1st Place • • • • •

Promotional Video: Black Art Matters Television Ad: Black Art Matters Best New Event: Lantern Festival Annual Report/Event Recap Twitter: Downtown West Palm Beach

2nd Place • • •

Multi-Agency Program: Vintage Vibes (with The City of West Palm Beach) Facebook: Downtown West Palm Beach Radio Ad: Downtown West Palm Beach

International Festival & Events Association Gold Awards • • • • • •

Best Video Promotion (Fantastical Walk) Best Organization Website (DowntownWPB.com) Best Single/Digital Social Ad (Coffee Festival) Best Installation/Wrap Best Street Banner Best Event/Organization E-Newsletter

Silver Awards •

Best TV Promotion

•

Best Radio Promotion (Black Art Matters)

•

Best Instagram Site (DowntownWPB)

•

Best Single Digital/Social Ad (Latin Dance Showcase)

•

Best Digital/Social Ad Series (Fantastical Walk)

•

Best Single Newspaper Display Ad

•

Best Single Magazine Display Ad

•

Best Community Drive (Let’s Vibe)

Bronze Awards •

Best Facebook Site (DowntownWPB)

•

Best Printed Materials - Multiple Page

•

Best Single Newspaper Display Ad

•

Best Promotional Photograph (Latin Dance Showcase)

Financial Overview

Total Budget Public Realm 27%

The DDA receives funding from multiple sources as reflected in the chart below.As property values have grown, so has the DDA’s revenue.

District Services 36%

Total Revenue $12,000,000

Marketing/ Public Relations 10%

$10.000,000

$8,000,000 Business Development 7%

$6,000,000

$4,000, 000

FY 20/21

FY 21/22

FY 22/23

FY 23/24

FY 24/25

Operations 15%

•

The DDA’s tax base is comprised of 556 commercial/industrial and 2,996 residential units.

•

The 2024-2025, the taxable value of property in the DDA is $4,004,101,984.

•

Residential properties increased in value by 14.67% while commercial properties increased by 4.75%.

•

The DDA District represents 16.11% of the City’s taxable value on new construction.

•

The revenue per acre within the DDA is $8,341,879.

•

The DDA’s tax base and taxable value is 1.32% of the County’s.

$2,000,000

$

Professional Services 4% Reserves 1%

Board and Staff Members

Each initiative outlined in this report is supported by the leadership of our Board and the daily work of our staff and partners dedicated to strengthening Downtown West Palm Beach.

DDA Board Rick Reikenis, DDA Chairman (through May 2025) Tim Harris, DDA Chairman (appointed July 2025) Robert Sanders, DDA Vice-Chairman Samantha Bratter Peter Cruise Daryl Houston Bernardo Neto DDA Staff Teneka James-Feaman, Executive Director Samantha Moore, Director of Administration (as of January 2025) Marley Angervil, Office Manager Catherine Ast, District Services Manager Sherryl Muriente, Public Realm Director Tiffany Faublas, Director of Marketing and Communications Sabrina Webb, Marketing Coordinator Krystal Campi, Placemaking Coordinator 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 West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority | 107 South Olive Ave., Suite 200, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | (561)833-8873 | DowntownWPB.com