Tag: Press Releases

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (August 5, 2026) – The complement of civic services that has been making West Palm Beach’s downtown district more welcoming and enjoyable to live, work, and play is growing. The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has announced the expansion of its Downtown Ambassador program, which will now provide cleaning and pressure washing services along the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront and Flagler Drive corridor. To provide these services, six new Downtown Ambassadors will be added to the program managed by contractor Block by Block.  

“The Downtown Ambassadors have become an essential part of the downtown experience, assisting visitors, supporting businesses, and helping create a clean, safe, and welcoming environment,” said Teneka James-Feaman, executive director of the DDA. “Expanding their presence to the waterfront allows us to bring that same level of service and care to one of downtown’s most active public spaces while continuing to enhance the experience for everyone who lives, works in, and visits Downtown West Palm Beach.”  

Beginning September 1, the one-mile stretch of Flagler Drive from Okeechobee Blvd. to Eighth Street and west to Narcissus Ave., will join existing downtown district areas receiving essential DDA-led services from the Downtown Ambassadors. Services provided include: 

• Maintaining a visible presence that supports a safe and welcoming environment by patrolling downtown, the waterfront, and adjacent public spaces seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., including Flagler Park, Chamber Park, Jose Marti Park, Meyer Amphitheater, Trinity Park, Centennial Square and Great Lawn.  

• Preserving curb appeal with upkeep of high-traffic public sidewalks and walkways along the waterfront and in the parks through daily cleanings and a rotation of regular pressure-washing; daily emptying of city trash cans on public rights of way along the waterfront and Clematis Street (which will be temporarily suspended at locations hosting an event, and resume afterward)  

• Enhancing hospitality by providing visitors with directions, transportation coordination, pedestrian assistance, and information about downtown and waterfront destinations, parking, and access 

• Monitoring high-traffic areas, particularly during peak periods and special events, and keeping watch to identify and report safety and infrastructure issues throughout downtown  

• Coordinating with City of West Palm Beach and the West Palm Beach Police Department when public safety concerns arise 

“Our downtown and waterfront are where residents gather, families make memories, and visitors connect with our community,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “The Downtown Ambassador program reflects what can be accomplished when the City and the DDA work together to keep these public spaces clean, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone. Expanding these services is an investment in the quality of life that makes West Palm Beach such a special place.”  

In addition to administering the Downtown Ambassador program, the DDA’s work includes improvements to public spaces, business assistance, community programming, mobility partnerships, research and studies that help guide future improvements, and advocacy on issues affecting the downtown district. 

For more information about the DDA, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call (561) 833-8873.  

About the Downtown Development Authority 

The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is an independent special taxing district created by the Florida Legislature in 1967 at the request of downtown stakeholders. The DDA works to promote and enhance a vibrant Downtown West Palm Beach for all through programs and projects that improve quality of life, grow economic activity, and strengthen the downtown experience. Its work spans four pillars: District Services and Operations, Public Realm Programs, Business Development, and Communications and Public Relations. Learn more at DowntownWPB.com/DDA. 

Contact: Tony Theissen
rbb Communications
[email protected]  

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (July 22, 2026) – The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has announced the selection of new officers for the DDA Board of Directors.

Peter Cruise, Ph.D., has been selected as Chair of the DDA Board of Directors. First appointed to the Board in 2024, Dr. Cruise is an Affiliate Associate Professor at Florida Atlantic University and Founding Director of the FAU-LeRoy Collins Public Ethics Academy. His academic and professional work has focused on strengthening ethical practices in public-sector programs and organizations. Since earning his Ph.D. in 1995, he has taught ethics and organizational behavior in undergraduate and graduate programs at universities in California, Louisiana, and Virginia. He has also authored or co-authored numerous articles, books, and book chapters. In April 2015, the faculty of Florida Atlantic University’s College of Design and Social Inquiry selected him as a Distinguished Alumnus. In March 2018, he was appointed to the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics and the Palm Beach County Inspector General Committee. Dr. Cruise also serves on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, Leadership Palm Beach County, Nonprofits First, and the Palm Beach County Medical Society’s Council of Ethical & Judicial Affairs.

Daryl Houston has been selected as Vice-Chair. In addition to his role on the DDA Board, Houston serves as Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. He has more than 20 years of nonprofit experience, including previous positions with United Way of Palm Beach County and Hands on Palm Beach County. Houston offers experience in community partnerships, nonprofit leadership, philanthropy and stakeholder engagement.

Teneka James-Feaman, executive director of the DDA, has been selected as Secretary of the DDA Board. She was appointed as executive director in 2024 and has been a dedicated member of the DDA staff since 2007. During her time with the DDA, James-Feaman has helped strengthen the downtown community through a variety of improvements including establishment of ambassador teams responsible for beautification and stakeholder engagement, transportation programs aimed at reducing congestion and promoting transit and walkable streets, the development of placemaking opportunities  such as the popular Fern Street Chess Park, the addition of engaging murals throughout downtown, and a regular schedule of events designed to unite and enrich the community.

DDA board members are appointed by the Mayor of West Palm Beach and approved by the West Palm Beach City Commission. The seven-member board serves as the DDA’s governing body, representing downtown residents, businesses and property owners, and provides strategic leadership, policy direction, and financial oversight to advance the DDA’s mission of enhancing the vitality and economic success of Downtown West Palm Beach. The DDA’s work includes clean and safe services, improvements to public spaces, business assistance, community programming, mobility partnerships, research and studies that help guide future improvements, and advocacy on issues affecting the downtown district.

The DDA Board meets at 8:30 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month in the DDA office, located at 107 S. Olive Avenue, Suite 200. The next meeting is scheduled for August 18. For more information about the DDA, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call (561)833-8873.

About the Downtown Development Authority

The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities. For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (July 7, 2026) – The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) welcomes Craig Glover, Kasia Marczyk and Jordan Rathlev to its Board of Directors along with the reappointment of board member Daryl Houston, reinforcing the DDA’s commitment to building a thriving, dynamic downtown that considers diverse perspectives and experiences.   

The four members will serve three-year terms ending July 1, 2029. They join current board members Peter Cruise, Samantha Bratter and Bernardo Neto on the DDA’s seven-member governing board. 

Craig Glover, appointed as a resident representative, is the co-founder and president of A Better Way Home Care, an independent, family-owned home healthcare agency established in downtown West Palm Beach in 2015. An entrepreneur and start-up specialist, Glover has more than 29 years of executive leadership experience in healthcare, nonprofit management, sales and business development. He brings the perspective of both a downtown resident and local small-business owner to the board. 

Daryl Houston, reappointed as a business representative, serves as Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. He has more than 20 years of nonprofit experience, including previous positions with United Way of Palm Beach County and Hands on Palm Beach County. Houston brings experience in community partnerships, nonprofit leadership, philanthropy and stakeholder engagement. 

Kasia Marczyk, appointed as a business owner representative, is the president and founder of Anchor Wealth Management Group in downtown West Palm Beach. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Marczyk has more than two decades of experience in financial services. She has also held leadership roles with nonprofit and professional organizations, including the Financial Planning Association and the Junior League of the Palm Beaches. Marczyk brings expertise in financial stewardship, strategic planning and relationship building.  

Jordan Rathlev, appointed as a property owner representative, is an Executive Vice President at Related Ross, where he oversees the company’s West Palm Beach initiatives, including property development, operations, leasing and management. Rathlev is also involved with several local civic and nonprofit organizations, including the West Palm Beach Library Foundation, the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches and The Fund for West Palm Beach Police. He brings experience in property management, economic development, large-scale projects and public-private partnerships. 

DDA board members are appointed by the Mayor of West Palm Beach and approved by the West Palm Beach City Commission. The seven-member board serves as the DDA’s governing body, representing downtown residents, businesses and property owners, and provides strategic leadership, policy direction, and financial oversight to advance the DDA’s mission of enhancing the vitality and economic success of Downtown West Palm Beach. The DDA’s work includes clean and safe services, improvements to public spaces, business assistance, community programming, mobility partnerships, research and studies that help guide future improvements, and advocacy on issues affecting the downtown district. 

“Each member of our Board brings unique expertise, perspectives, and a shared commitment to the future of Downtown West Palm Beach,” said Teneka James-Feaman, Executive Director of the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority. “From business and finance to real estate, entrepreneurship, and community leadership, this range of perspective and expertise strengthens our ability to make thoughtful decisions that support a vibrant, welcoming, and economically strong downtown. As we continue working alongside residents, businesses, property owners, and our community partners, this Board is well positioned to help guide the DDA’s mission and the continued success of our downtown.”  

The DDA Board meets at 8:30 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month in the DDA office, located at 107 S. Olive Avenue. The next meeting is scheduled for July 21. For more information about the DDA, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call (561)833-8873.  

About the Downtown Development Authority 

The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities. For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873. 

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (April 22, 2026) – The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is bringing homegrown ideas to life in 2026. The DDA has selected three finalists out of 29 submissions in its search to fund unique ideas for placemaking experiences in Downtown West Palm Beach. Each finalist will receive up to $15,000 to support their project. This grant program was made possible through funding from the DDA and with the generous support from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties as part of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. 

“This is an opportunity for the DDA to support community voices that bring new ideas and strengthen our connections in the outdoor spaces downtown,” said Sherryl Muriente, public realm director for the DDA. “Our community is filled with creative individuals that curated these ideas to drive engagement and togetherness.” 

The three placemaking ideas selected for funding include:  

• Downtown Stories – Created by Travis Dempsey, Downtown Stories is a mobile, pop-up podcast experience that captures the voices of Downtown West Palm Beach. Set in plazas, waterfront areas, and community gathering spaces, the project invites residents, business owners, artists, and visitors to share personal stories and perspectives. Designed as a collaborative storytelling platform rather than a traditional interview format, participants help shape the narrative of the district. Content will be developed into a 13-episode podcast season distributed on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts, alongside video episodes and short-form digital content. 

• The People’s Reading Grove – Submitted by Nerlande Adolphe and co-founder Jenna Llorens-Blas of Embargo Editions, The People’s Reading Grove will activate downtown spaces through a vibrant outdoor bookstore experience that expands access to a wide range of literature and perspectives. Inspired by the need for a dedicated literary space following the closure of Northwood’s Heritage bookstore, the project will host twice-monthly pop-up bookstore events, four community-led book clubs, and a free monthly literary salon over the course of a year. Featuring a 10-by-10 book kiosk and partnerships with local organizations, the Grove is designed to encourage reading, thoughtful dialogue, and community connection among residents and visitors alike. 

• Mobile Origami Studio – Submitted by Lynn Min with Michael Graves Education, Inc., the Mobile Origami Studio will transform public spaces throughout Downtown West Palm Beach into interactive, pop-up art workshops. Community members of all ages will be invited to create life-size origami animals representing endangered Florida species using recycled materials. Co-led by local students, the program blends creativity, environmental awareness, and intergenerational connection. Each piece will contribute to a culminating exhibition, Origami Everglades & Origami Ocean: Turtle Tides, to be displayed at public venues. 

The goal of placemaking is to activate public spaces and engage everyone in contributing to the community’s health, happiness and wellbeing. Placemaking projects have already made a significant impact in Downtown West Palm Beach with efforts such as the Fern Street Chess Park, Lantern Festival, Trojan Rocking Horses, Que Bacano and more.  

For more information about the DDA, visit DowntownWPB.com or call 561-833-8873. 

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About the Downtown Development Authority 

 The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.   

For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.   

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (April 13, 2026) — The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (WPB DDA) has partnered with app developers Hoverlay to launch an ambitious experience that brings Downtown West Palm Beach to life in a wholly new and digital way. DowntownWPB Unlocked is an interactive augmented reality (AR) walking tour that transforms everyday streets, establishments, landmarks, and public spaces into immersive encounters for visitors to uncover the secrets and surprises of downtown, all in the palm of their hand.

“Downtown West Palm Beach is more than a collection of buildings and streets — it’s a living story,” said DDA Executive Director Teneka James-Feaman. “DowntownWPB Unlocked invites everyone to experience that story in a new way by utilizing technology that we use every day to rediscover what makes our city center so vibrant.”

By downloading the free Hoverlay mobile app, anyone in Downtown West Palm Beach can follow guided routes and unlock multimedia content — including videos, soundscapes, animations, and narratives — that appear virtually on their smartphone while near the site. Each stop reveals a hidden layer of the city’s culture, history, art, and architecture through the lens of augmented reality.

“DowntownWPB Unlocked is about bringing people together and helping our community experience the heart of our city in a more meaningful way,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “It invites residents and visitors alike to connect with our culture, our history, and each other in ways that feel engaging, accessible, and uniquely West Palm Beach.”

The DDA identified more than 30 locations within the district boundaries to collaborate with local artists, cultural institutions, businesses, and other partners to uniquely enhance them as interactive activations on smartphones. Among the tour stops are civic landmarks, public art installations and spaces, as well as local retailers and restaurants.

How To Explore DowntownWPB Unlocked
1. Visit DowntownWPB.com/Unlocked, download the free Hoverlay app (available on iOS and Android)
2. Search for channel “DowntownWPB” to access the digital map of locations
3. Allow “Camera” and “Location Services” access on the smartphone and visit participating DowntownWPB Unlocked locations using the in-app map.
4. Click on the Hoverlay icon or hold up your phone at each stop and follow the brief instructions to activate the AR treatment
DowntownWPB Unlocked not only offers a new perspective on spaces both familiar and overlooked in Downtown WPB but also illustrates the DDA’s forward-thinking to reinvigorate tourism to downtown through technology.

“With DowntownWPB Unlocked, we’re merging placemaking and digital applications at a scale that no other downtown in Florida has yet achieved,” added James-Feaman. “Augmented reality is transforming how people experience urban spaces — turning sidewalks into storylines and landmarks into living media. By embracing AR as part of our city’s framework, we’re not only redefining tourism, but we’re also building a blueprint for how technology can deepen civic engagement and create economic value for the region.”

Learn more: DowntownWPB.com/Unlocked

Follow the experience: #DowntownWPBUnlocked
Click Here to download DowntownWPB Unlocked media assets

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About the Downtown Development Authority   
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.  For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (February 17, 2026) – Here’s your chance to put your mark on Downtown West Palm Beach! The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is seeking proposals to activate locations throughout downtown through placemaking, creating public spaces that contribute to the community’s health, happiness and wellbeing. Winning submissions will be granted up to $15,000 to bring the idea to life. All ideas must be able to be implemented within the DDA district boundaries.

These grants support projects that activate plazas, parks, alleyways, and waterfront areas through art, culture, and interactive experiences. Previous grants have supported highly successful community projects including the West Palm Beach Lantern Festival, The Fantastical Walk, Flamango Vending and Kahani: A Reader’s Theatre.

“We support community voices and are excited about this new effort to make connections and strengthen our resilience in our outdoor spaces downtown,” said Sherryl Muriente, public realm director for the DDA. “Downtown West Palm Beach is home to numerous artworks, open public spaces, and a beautiful waterfront, which may inspire and provide a wide range of sites for projects to be implemented.”

Once the application process is complete, a selection committee will review all proposals. All submissions must have community involvement and/or interaction within the process of completing the project. Accepted proposals will receive funding based on the proposed budget and DDA will provide technical assistance for implementation, such as permitting, liability, and other needs on a case-by-case basis.

Other placemaking projects that have made a significant impact in Downtown West Palm Beach include the Fern Street Chess Park, Trojan Rocking Horses, Que Bacano and more.

Placemaking grants are open to all legal U.S. residents 18 years of age or older at the time of submitted entry. The maximum award amount is up to $15,000 until all funds are exhausted. The application period closes at 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

More information and the application form can be found at DowntownWPB.com/RFP.

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About the Downtown Development Authority
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.

For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.

WHAT:  The public is invited to join the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) for a dedication event to celebrate the addition of three colorful new benches designed by local artists at the Fern Street Chess Park in downtown West Palm Beach. The event marks the third anniversary of the park’s opening.

The imaginative creations were designed by local artists. One bench will be dedicated in memory of Ena Peppercorn Bratter, sponsored by Joshua, Samantha, and Maximo Bratter of BRATTER PA, timed to celebrate her life and to bring attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The artwork names, descriptions and designers are:

Artists & Artwork

AI’s Pretty Pink Blender by Bridget Vizoso
Dedicated to Ena Peppercorn Bratter, “AI’s Pretty Pink Blender” is a digital collage that merges artificial intelligence with artistic manipulation to explore the color pink and its deep entanglement with femininity—an artificial societal construct that shapes female identity from birth. Composed of AI-generated imagery, the piece is guided by prompts inspired by the cultural and symbolic associations of breast cancer awareness and the feminine experience.

A Moment to Reflect by Mayling Pao
This beautiful pattern of roses against tropical palms invites the viewer to sit and take the time to appreciate the moment.

Parrots in Paradise by Lisa Kaw
This piece features a lush pink oasis nestled in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. Step into this tropical retreat, where swaying palms provide a tranquil escape, and the vibrant energy of nature thrives amid the cityscape.

The Fern Street Chess Park opened on National Chess Day, October 8, 2022, and has received national recognition for bringing together a diverse community through the game of chess.

WHO:  Interviews will be available with:

• Teneka James-Feaman, DDA Executive Director
• Samantha Bratter and Joshua Bratter (BRATTER PA)
• Sherryl Muriente, DDA Public Realm Director

WHEN:  Monday, September 29   |  10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Fern Street Chess Park | 402 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach

Media contact: Tony Theissen
rbb Communications
[email protected]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (July 31, 2025) — The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (WPB DDA) Board of Directors has appointed Tim Harris as its new chairman. Harris has been on the organization’s board since 2011 and previously served as vice-chair from 2012-2015. At the July 29 meeting of the WPB DDA, Harris was elected to succeed former chairman Richard V. Reikenis, who will remain as a board member, effective immediately.  

Harris, a lifelong resident of West Palm Beach whose family moved from Ohio when he was less than a year old, brings a blend of local insight, deep community commitment, and professional excellence to the leadership of the WPB DDA. Upon moving to Downtown West Palm Beach in 2002, Harris has been actively representing stakeholders engaged in residential interests, business ownership, and district-wide planning to support downtown’s growth. In 2007, Harris became the founding president of the West Palm Beach Downtown Neighborhood Association, an organization that advocates for the safety, well-being, and quality of life of downtown residents. Alongside his involvement with the WPB DDA, Harris has also worked closely over the years with the City of West Palm Beach, including serving on the Attainable Workforce Housing Committee, Downtown Action Committee (Zoning), and Waterfront Design Committee. 

“Serving Downtown West Palm Beach is not just a role—it’s personal,” Harris stated upon his appointment. “I’m honored to lead as Chair of the WPB DDA board, collaborating with my fellow directors, the executive team, the City of West Palm Beach, and the broader community to build on our momentum.”  

Professionally, Harris is a senior Realtor with Douglas Elliman in Palm Beach with more than 26 years’ experience in luxury real estate and specializing in pre- and new-construction condominiums. He is a member in good standing and has served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of REALTORS®, Florida Realtors Association, and Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches, for which he also served as president.  His dual perspective as both resident and Realtor gives him a nuanced view of the district’s needs to foster a downtown that balances economic growth, resident-friendly design, and inclusive programming so all who work, live, and play in Downtown West Palm Beach feel a true sense of belonging. 

“The WPB DDA is ideally positioned to collaborate with community and commercial partners to guide strategic capital improvements, promote thoughtful civic enhancements, and curate placemaking events that reflect our distinctive identity,” Harris continued. “Downtown West Palm Beach’s evolution from a quiet waterfront town into a vibrant hub of entertainment and business with an identity and energy all its own has truly been extraordinary. I’m committed to ensuring that Downtown remains a dynamic and welcoming center for residents, businesses, and visitors—today and into the future.” 

About the Downtown Development Authority     

The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.  For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.  

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (May 15, 2025) – The International Downtown Association (IDA) has selected Sabrina Lolo, Marketing Coordinator for the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (WPB DDA), and another 26 of the industry’s brightest professionals for its 2025 Emerging Leader Fellowship (ELF) program. These senior staff members hail from 15 states and provinces from around North America including West Palm Beach, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Charlotte, NC; Cleveland, OH; Austin, TX; Boulder, CO; Lethbridge, AB; Bellingham, WA; San Fransico, CA. Alumni of the IDA Emerging Leader Fellowship program, launched in 2016, are fast becoming sought-after leaders for the future of city building worldwide. 

“The success of our Fellowship program underscores how critical this training is to our growing industry,” said David Downey, President & CEO of IDA. “This is the only program of its kind created specifically for urban place management professionals. IDA is looking to further illustrate the importance of our industry by elevating leaders with the necessary skills to champion inclusive city building. Professional development remains a hallmark of IDA.”  

The Emerging Leader Fellowship is a week-long experiential program bringing together a cohort of IDA professionals from within the urban district management industry. The fellows learn essential leadership and place management skills and gain practical tools in the areas of place-based economic development, the live-work-play experience, and public-private partnerships. 

“It’s an honor to be selected for the 2025 Emerging Leader Fellowship,” said Lolo. “I’m excited to learn from peers across the country and build on the knowledge I’ve gained with the WPB DDA. This opportunity will help me bring forward-thinking, inclusive ideas that support Downtown West Palm Beach’s continued growth as a vibrant, accessible, and thriving hub for our residents, visitors, and businesses.” 

Lolo is the latest WPB DDA team member selected for the ELF program. Prior fellows from the WPB DDA include Executive Director Teneka James-Feaman; Marketing Director Tiffany Faublas; Public Realm Director Sherryl Muriente; and District Services Manager Catherine Ast.  

“The International Downtown Association is looking to build the future of our industry, and these accomplished executives are the rising stars of our profession,” said Downey. “With this program, we’re educating and inspiring the next generation of leaders.”  

The program, which takes place June 8-13, 2025, in New York City, features technical in-the-field training by place management organization (PMO) professionals and field visits from local business improvement district (BID) leaders at various locations throughout Manhattan.   

Congratulations to the 2025 Emerging Leader Fellowship cohort! For more information about this year’s cohort, visit IDA’s website. 

About the Downtown Development Authority    
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities.  For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.   

About the International Downtown Association 
The International Downtown Association is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Our members are downtown champions who bring urban centers to life, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. We represent an industry of more than 2,500 place management organizations, employing 100,000 people throughout North America and growing rapidly around the world. Founded in 1954, IDA is a resource center for ideas and innovative best practices in urban place management. For more information, visit downtown.org. 

Study from Marshall Marketing shows that residents and visitors overwhelmingly view Downtown West Palm Beach as fun, appealing, and safe 

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (April 17, 2025) — Downtown West Palm Beach’s (DowntownWPB) reputation as a fun and exciting destination continues to rise as local residents, particularly young professionals moving into the region, conveyed overwhelming satisfaction with the area’s dining, entertainment, safety, and appeal. This was the conclusion of a recent study commissioned by the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to gauge resident experiences and overall sentiments about enjoying the downtown West Palm Beach way of life. 

The study was conducted by Marshall Marketing in November 2024 and asked 800 residents 18 or older in Palm Beach, Martin, Saint Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties about their visits to DowntownWPB over the past year.  

Marshall asked respondents to give their opinions on entertainment, dining, safety, and lifestyle aspects of DowntownWPB. Topline findings from this questioning included: 

When respondents who visited DowntownWPB three or more times in the past year were asked to rate their satisfaction with specific experiences in DowntownWPB, the vast majority gave EXCELLENT rankings for the following:

• Restaurants (70%) 
• Landscaping / curb appeal (68%) 
• Entertainment (62%) 
• Feeling safe (60%) 
• Cleanliness (54%) 

60% of those surveyed had visited DowntownWPB at least once in the past year, with 33% having visited 3 or more times. 

Respondents who visited DowntownWPB most often represented white collar and women professionals (60%) and Singles/Achievers (44%) demographics. 

While “Excellent” satisfaction ratings increased across all categories with both first-time and frequent visitors when compared to the 2023 survey, the largest satisfaction jump was with respondents’ appreciation of DowntownWPB’s Security Ambassadors, which increased by 12%.  

DowntownWPB’s high marks from residents comes on the heels of the City of West Palm Beach being named the winner of 2025 Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice® Best of the Best Awards for Destinations, which recognized the best places to travel based on reviews and ratings by travelers. 

“The survey findings echo what we hear time and again from locals and visitors alike: the more time you spend in Downtown West Palm Beach, the more there is to love,” said DDA Executive Director Teneka James-Feaman. “Whether it’s our top-class dining and entertainment scene, or the artistic and well-maintained public spaces, the survey results are a testament to the successful lifestyle programming, civic initiatives, and beautification efforts that the DDA and our partners have undertaken to cement Downtown West Palm Beach as a hub of enjoyment for all who spend time here.” 

Among other findings: 

• New Resident Influx: Residents who have lived in the region for five years or less now account for nearly one-fifth of the population. 

• Youth Movement: Demographic groups identified as Singles (Adults 18-54) and Achievers (College Graduate Adults 25-64) are the second and third-most populous resident groups in the West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce market, accounting for 19% and 17% of the local population, respectively. 

“As more finance companies establish a presence in Downtown West Palm Beach, the professionals and new residents they attract to our region are not only boosting our economy – they’re redefining what it means to live, work, and thrive here,” James-Feaman added. “Just as we take stock of out-of-town visitor feedback, this survey helps us understand what truly resonates with those who experience downtown daily. It allows the DDA and our partners to invest with purpose – creating a downtown that grows with its people and becomes even more magnetic for both talent and businesses.” 

For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.  

About the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority     

The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities. 

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Media contact: Tony Theissen
rbb Communications
[email protected]