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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.

As we closed out 2025, our Board and staff remain focused on strengthening Downtown West Palm Beach through place management, economic development, and mobility. In partnership with City departments, local businesses, and community organizations, we continue advancing projects that enhance safety, walkability, and the overall sense of place. 

Board Meeting: December 9, 2025 

• Communications and Public Relations Update: Staff shared an update on social media performance, In the News coverage, an overview of the awards received for our programming, business update and new initiatives focused on downtown. (Click Here to see presentation) 

• WPBGo: Program director Ameila Sherfield provided an update on the e-bike voucher program, the ongoing partnership with Palm Beach Atlantic University, and ACCESS WPB, the commuter benefits program. (Click Here to see presentation) 

• Strategic Planning: The Board approved the scope for a DDA strategic plan to align our mission, vision, and priorities with current needs. The RFP will launch in January 2026. (Click Here to see scope) 

• Business Incentives: The board approved the incentive application for KYMA and requested a reassessment of the incentive program to better serve a growing business community. New program options will be discussed in February 2026. (Click Here to see presentation) 

District Services Update:  

Tree canopy improvements are underway through our partnership with the City. Led by Scott Lewis’ Gardening, crews have removed dead palms and prepped irrigation and landscaping. Oak planting is beginning, with three oaks scheduled for installation at Dixie Highway and Fern Street to add shade, improve walkability, and strengthen the streetscape. 

Residential Partner Meetings 

If you are interested in discussing district needs and DDA programs. Property managers who would like to connect can reach me at [email protected]. 

Meet Sophie DeWaal, owner of Arya Tea Bar, a new tea-based café opening this month. Before moving to South Florida, DeWaal spent a decade on Wall Street as an investment banker with Bank of America, including five years specializing in the restaurant sector. Her work helped support major transactions, including Roark Capital’s $11 billion acquisition of Dunkin’ Brands, and earned her a spot on Forbes “30 Under 30” list for finance in 2022. Nevertheless, in 2024 DeWaal made a bold pivot, leaving Bank of America to pursue her dream of opening a new tea-based café. Arya Tea Bar now joins Downtown West Palm Beach’s growing collection of unique and welcoming neighborhood establishments.

How and why did you end up in Downtown West Palm Beach?

I was familiar with Downtown West Palm Beach from having spent time here during several winters when I was competing in equestrian show jumping. And then after COVID, I just fell in love with the entire area and the way it intersects city life with beach life and with country life. I’m not surprised that, when it comes to investment, Downtown West Palm Beach is now being called the Wall Street of the South.

What do you do for fun in Downtown West Palm Beach?

I’m a runner so I love going for runs around Downtown West Palm Beach — including with Celis Run Cub. I love all the health and wellness pop-ups that the city supports — like the DDA’s Sunset Sweat. And my absolute favorite spot to spend time on the weekends is at the West Palm Beach GreenMarket. I get my groceries there every weekend during season and love bumping into friends who are doing the same thing.

What do you like most about being in Downtown West Palm Beach?

I love the strength of the community in Downtown West Palm Beach. I mean, it’s such a perfectly sized city. And not only is the entrepreneurial spirit here alive and well, but we also have so many resources to support businesses of all sizes and in all sectors.

How has Downtown West Palm Beach evolved since you’ve been here? 

I’ve seen Downtown West Palm Beach continue to attract some of the most motivated and fitness-oriented young people in the country. I think this is an incredible moment — one that will propel the Downtown District for decades to come. That’s why I couldn’t imagine starting Arya Tea Bar anywhere else. It had to be in Downtown West Palm Beach. If you’re thinking of moving here, I say do it immediately because you’ll love it!

New York’s Ketchy Shuby Club and Restaurant Takes 13K SF in West Palm Beach