Executive Director’s Update: July at a Glance
July 21st, 2026
At this month’s Board meeting, the DDA Board considered several items that will influence how the organization plans, funds, and delivers its work in Downtown West Palm Beach. Discussions included new research on downtown’s economic and community role, an assessment of public art assets, the preliminary budget and millage process, continued transportation service, and the launch of the DDA’s next five-year strategic plan.
Below is a summary of what was presented, the actions taken by the Board, and what comes next.
Board Meeting Highlights
FY 26 – 27 Draft Budget
Staff presented the preliminary FY 2026–2027 budget for Board review and discussion. The draft reflects projected revenues, expenditures, program priorities, and operational needs for the coming fiscal year.
The budget will continue to be refined over the coming weeks. Feedback from the Board and stakeholders will be incorporated into future revisions as staff works to develop a budget aligned with the DDA’s strategic priorities and organizational goals. Final consideration will take place through the public budget hearing process in September.
View the FY 2026–2027 Draft Budget presentation.
Proposed Millage Rate and Budget Hearings
Each July, Florida law requires the Board to establish a proposed millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year. This rate serves as the maximum rate that may be considered during the budget process. It may be reduced before final adoption, but it cannot be increased.
In accordance with the Interlocal Agreement between the City of West Palm Beach, the Community Redevelopment Agency, and the DDA, as well as the CRA’s budget approval process, the DDA established a proposed millage rate of 2.0000 mills. As in prior years, the DDA anticipates adopting a final operating millage rate of 0.9700 mills for Fiscal Year 2026–2027.
The DDA’s public budget hearings have been scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026, and Tuesday, September 22, 2026, beginning at 5:05 p.m. At these hearings, the Board will review the proposed budget and consider adoption of the final millage rate and FY 2026–2027 operating budget.
View Resolution No. 2-2026 and the proposed second-mill budget.
Value of Downtown Study
The Value of U.S. Downtowns and Center Cities study provides a comprehensive assessment of the economic, social, and cultural contributions of downtown districts through more than 150 performance indicators organized around five key value principles.
Developed through a partnership between the International Downtown Association (IDA) and local Urban Place Management Organizations (UPMOs), the study evaluates how downtowns drive economic development, attract investment, support businesses, foster community engagement, and enhance overall quality of life.
The findings offer valuable, data-driven insights that help inform strategic planning, measure performance, and demonstrate the significant role downtowns play in the long-term success and competitiveness of their communities.
View the Value of Downtown presentation.
Read the full Value of Downtown report.
Public Art Valuation
The Public Art Valuation Study provides a comprehensive inventory and assessment of public art throughout the DDA district. By identifying and documenting these assets, the study establishes a clearer understanding of the artistic, cultural, and financial value that public art contributes to Downtown West Palm Beach.
The study documented 103 artworks, including murals, sculptures, eco-art projects, and garage murals. The collection was assessed at an original value of approximately $12.4 million and a current value of approximately $18.4 million.
Beyond its monetary value, the inventory highlights how public art enhances placemaking, strengthens community identity, supports tourism, enriches the visitor experience, and contributes to economic activity. It will also serve as a planning tool for maintenance, conservation, insurance, preservation, future development, and capital planning.
View the Public Art Valuation presentation.
Strategic Planning Begins in August
The Downtown Development Authority’s 2026–2031 Strategic Planning Process will officially begin at the August 18, 2026, Board of Directors meeting. Facilitated by the selected consultant, this initial planning session will serve as the foundation for developing the DDA’s five-year strategic vision.
Board members will have the opportunity to identify organizational priorities, discuss key opportunities and challenges facing Downtown West Palm Beach, and begin establishing a roadmap for the organization’s future.
In addition to defining strategic priorities and measurable goals, the planning process will include a comprehensive evaluation of Board governance, staff roles and responsibilities, and overall organizational effectiveness. The process is designed to strengthen alignment between the DDA, the City of West Palm Beach, the Community Redevelopment Agency, businesses, residents, and community partners while enhancing accountability, transparency, and long-term decision-making.
Community engagement will be a key component of the strategic planning process. Additional outreach opportunities, including stakeholder meetings, workshops, and public input sessions, will be scheduled to ensure broad participation from the downtown community. Meeting dates, times, and engagement opportunities will be shared once the overall project schedule has been finalized.
Interim Transportation Service Continued
To ensure uninterrupted mobility services for residents, employees, and visitors, the Board approved the continuation of the DDA’s limited interim transportation service within the Downtown Development Authority district.
This temporary extension will remain in place until the City of West Palm Beach launches its new on-demand and fixed-route transportation program, which is now anticipated to begin at the end of August 2026. The Board’s action helps prevent a gap in service during the transition period and ensures continued access to reliable downtown transportation.
Once the City’s new mobility system is fully operational, the DDA will discontinue its interim service and transition users to the new transportation network.
Board Leadership Announced
The Downtown Development Authority is pleased to announce the election of its officers for the upcoming FY 27. The Board has elected Peter Cruise to serve as Chair, Daryl Houston as Vice Chair, and Teneka James-Feaman as Secretary.
General Counsel Agreement
The Board reviewed a request from Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A., the DDA’s general counsel, to increase its monthly flat fee from $3,000 to $5,500 beginning October 1, 2026. The current fee was based on an anticipated workload of approximately eight to 10 hours of legal services per month.
Over the past year, the DDA’s legal needs have expanded significantly due to increased contract negotiations, interlocal agreements, governance and policy matters, legislative review, and coordination with the City and partner agencies.
During its discussion, the Board recommended that legal return with an amended engagement agreement that includes additional language revisions and establishes a not-to-exceed annual retainer for General Counsel services. Staff will work with Lewis, Longman & Walker to prepare the revised agreement and present it to the Board for consideration at the August Board meeting.
Board Meeting and Budget Hearing Schedule Approved
The Board approved its meeting schedule for FY 2026–2027, including the annual public budget hearings. The first public budget hearing will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, followed by the second and final public budget hearing on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, both beginning at 5:05 p.m.
Approval of the meeting schedule ensures compliance with statutory budget requirements and provides a clear framework for the Board’s governance, budget adoption, and strategic oversight throughout the fiscal year.
View the FY 2026–2027 Board meeting schedule.
We encourage those who live, work, own property, operate a business, or spend time in Downtown West Palm Beach to stay informed and participate in the conversations shaping the district’s future.