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Meet Nicholas Bixler, an associate attorney with the Downtown West Palm Beach firm Lewis, Longman & Walker, specializing in government, land use, and real estate law. Born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, Bixler, who is married to Pilates studio owner Lisa Gordon, came to South Florida to attend undergraduate university and law school. The couple have a King Charles Cavalier named Ruby who travels almost everywhere with them (“Downtown is very dog-friendly!” he notes). Bixler is also involved with local nonprofits Connect West Palm Beach and New City Players and has served on the city’s Affordable Housing Committee and Bike Master Plan Steering Committee.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BEING IN DOWNTOWN WEST PALM BEACH?
I appreciate the connectivity, walkability, and livability. More specifically, we like the food and cultural offerings that Downtown West Palm Beach uniquely provides. It is a great city that balances living, working, and playing. Also, easy proximity to everything you need, from dining and entertainment to travel and shopping. I can get around Downtown car-free (chances are you have seen me on my electric scooter).

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN IN DOWNTOWN WEST PALM BEACH?
Working out of 360 Rosemary, I spend a lot of time within CityPlace, frequenting Adrienne’s and Harry’s. There are so many other great places to eat and drink, it is hard to name them all, but we love local establishments like Avocado Grill, Blind Monk, Sour Seed Bagels, and Juicy Cocktail Bar. We also go to West Palm Beach GreenMarket on Saturdays, during the season. And perhaps the spot we most often take out-of-town guests is the rooftop at The Ben Hotel.

HOW HAS DOWNTOWN WEST PALM BEACH EVOLVED SINCE YOU’VE BEEN HERE?
In the 2010s, it was a much more seasonal population, and there were not a lot of people around Downtown after work hours in the offseason. Now, it seems like there is a much better mix of residents and office workers, which adds to the vibrancy. The “Wall Street of the South” movement has certainly added to the mix of professionals that are Downtown, making it a more dynamic place to be. Downtown is an engaging place, and with so many people and businesses moving here, my network has expanded tremendously.

I also have certainly enjoyed the influx of new restaurants that have come with our city’s growth. Downtown West Palm Beach offers a tremendous blend of the charm and character of smaller or mid-sized city, but with the amenities of a cosmopolitan international city.

Looking to the future, I see West Palm Beach continuing to grow tastefully. Downtown and its waterfront will continue to be a destination that draws people from across the county, state, and the entire U.S. I envision more people wanting to live and work here, and Downtown is perfectly positioned to accommodate that growth.

THE DOWNTOWNERS next profile will be in The Palm Beach Post Accent on OCT. 30.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Downtown West Palm Beach and the West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District, visit DowntownWPB.com.

Executive Director’s Update: September at a Glance

As we close September and our fiscal year, here’s a quick look at what your Downtown Development Authority team advanced for Downtown West Palm Beach.

Residential Partner Meetings

We met with Griffis (formerly Anya), 610 Clematis, and Colonnade Properties to align on district priorities, share DDA programs, and gather input on safety, maintenance, and activation needs. If you manage a residential property in the DDA District and would like to meet with us, please contact me at [email protected].

Board Meeting — September 19, 2025

• Public Safety: The West Palm Beach Police Department presented an update on the Downtown Detail (noise-control enforcement, including citations, and arrests tied to recent graffiti activity), plus continued operations focused on late-night activity and outreach to unhoused individuals. (Click Here to see presentation)
• Lighting Study: Kimley-Horn presented Phase 1 findings of a districtwide lighting assessment focused on improving safety and visibility in areas that are too dark; especially alleyways, pedestrian corridors, and storefront edges. DDA staff is now preparing a plan and budget to add and upgrade fixtures, fill dark gaps, and standardize illumination levels. (Click Here to see presentation)
• Market Research: Radius Global Market Research, a leading independent research firm, outlined how its data continues to inform our decision making on public safety, parking, and programming. The 2025–26 Market & Visitor Survey will field November 2025 through January 2026. (Click Here to see presentation)

Final Budget Hearing — September 17, 2025

The DDA Board adopted the FY26 budget at a 0.97 millage rate, with no increase.