MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

As we soak in the festive spirit of December, I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates! The DNA Holiday Party is sold-out—thank you for your incredible response! Your enthusiasm and engagement, along with the generous support from our sponsors, make our community stronger.

I'm looking forward to having a fantastic time together at the Holiday Party—let's make it a night to remember! Looking ahead to January, the DNA Board Election at the DNA General Meeting is where we will finalize the 2024 board members.  Also, our commitment to advocacy, especially regarding our waterfront, remains steadfast. See below on the current activites. As we wrap up the year, let's celebrate our achievements and anticipate an even more vibrant 2024. Keep an eye out for an upcoming DNA Envisioning Meeting to contribute your ideas!

I wish you an excellent December and look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you.

Sitima Fowler, WPB DNA President

UPCOMING EVENTS

December 14th, 6:30-9 PM, DNA Holiday Party - Get ready to mix, mingle, and make memories at our Holiday Extravaganza at the brand-new Watermark. The event is SOLD OUT but you can still join the fun by taking part in the auction! Take a look at the fabulous auction and raffle prizes and have a ticket-holding friend bid on your behalf!

A huge THANK YOU to our generous sponsors:

• Diamond Sponsor - Downtown Development Authority (DDA)
• Venue, Food & Beverage Sponsor - The Watermark at West Palm Beach 
• Cocktain Napkin Sponsor - JL Design Associates (Architectural Interiors)
• Check-in Table Sponsor - Brain and Spine Center of South Florida

Thank you to our auction and raffle prize donors - The Breakers, Kravis Center, MD Beauty Labs, The Ben, Pistache, City Cellar, Hakuna Matata, Field of Greens, Lynora's, West Palm Beach Food Tours, Historical Society of Palm Beach County, Elisabetta's, Wellington Equistrian and more.

January 11th,  6:00-8 PM, 1st Quarter General Meeting and Community Chat RSVP HERE - Join us for an exclusive opportunity at our Members-Only 1Q 2024 General Meeting sponsored by Seacoast Bank! This is your chance to influence the future of our neighborhood with a dynamic agenda, including updates from our DNA President, WPB Police, Planning Division, and the City. Not a member yet? Seize the chance to become one and be a part of the conversation that shapes our community's path. 

Calendar of Downtown Events Click Here

City of WPB Events Click Here

BECOME A MEMBER

Not a DNA Member? Join Now for only $25/year and get involved!

As a DNA member, you are helping to enhance the quality of lives of downtown residents.  We do this by strengthening the collaboration between downtown residents, government and businesses through Social Interaction, Information Sharing and Advocacy.  #StrengthInNumbers

ADVOCACY

Our waterfront - Following the city's unsuccessful initiative this summer to approve a marina on the public space along the downtown waterfront without public input, the administration is now exploring ways to enhance waterfront activation beyond current levels.The City will be introducing “Your Waterfront. Your Way.,” a community engagement initiative to solicit feedback from residents, businesses, and visitors on their vision for the City’s downtown waterfront (bridge to bridge) in the first quarter of the 2024. City staff is currently meeting internally and working with consultants to formulate a detailed strategy for the engagement, which will include public workshops, surveys, and other outreach methods. This effort will be marketed to have input from all members of the public who utilize the waterfront. Please be on the lookout for notifications regarding this initiative because we want downtown residents to participate as much as possible to ensure that the City understands the importance of this valuable amenity for the downtown neighborhood. Once the final strategy has been determined, it will be presented to the City Commission for input and buy-in before launching the engagement process to the general public.

INFORMATION SHARING

Jose Marti Park is becoming an outdoor fitness zone. The project has to go through the procurement process before an exact timeline is known. 

E-Minibus Demonstration - Schedule your test ride. The City of West Palm Beach will be testing a new vehicle to be considered for local transit use. Please join us for a ride along the potential future route from Northwood Village to Belvedere Road.  Email Jessica Keller at [email protected] to reserve your space for an 11am ride or noon ride, departing from City Hall. If you cannot participate in the test ride, people may casually stop by, explore the vehicle, and ask representatives questions in front of City Hall between 1 and 3pm.

BE IN THE KNOW.  LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

Downtown residents pay additional tax to fund the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).  The DDA budget is $8,833,459.  Check out the November 2023 DDA board meeting packet. Click here.

The October minutes show that the board approved the allocation of $100,000 to fund shade tree plantings in downtown. This was initiated by the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) back in August 2021.

Attend the next DDA board meeting on December 20, 8:30 AM. Come to the DDA office at 107 S Olive Ave, St 200  or use Zoom to join. For questions or to submit public comments, please email [email protected]

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Our volunteers are the lifeblood of this organization.  Tell us what you are passionate about and we will work to find a spot for you! CLICK HERE to find out more.

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH THE DNA? 

• Make a positive impact on downtown and improve our quality of life
• Build up your resume: Social media ninja, marketing guru, bookkeeping, event planning, etc
• Network with government leaders, business professionals and build relationships
• Make new friends and have fun!

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

• WPB Police (Non-Emergency): 561-822-1900
  
• Security Ambassadors: 561-446-2036 
• City Hotline: 561-822-2222
• City Services: 561-822-2210 (emergencies)
• Download Free App - The WPBKey app provides a platform for residents to engage with the city to maintain a cleaner & safer neighborhood.