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Advocating for the safety, well-being, & quality of life of downtown WPB residents.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 
The DNA as part of the Neighborhood Partnership Network has been working with the City through sessions focused on drinking water, stormwater, wastewater, and mobility. We are reviewing the data, asking questions, and working to understand whether our infrastructure can support the growth, as well as what changes need to be proactively made to support the growth. Files related to our work can be reviewed here.
We also continue to question the traffic data. The City has shown that both downtown population growth and traffic growth have slowed compared with previous years, yet residents are clearly feeling more traffic. Construction and lane closures are certainly contributing, but we are digging deeper with the City to understand the disconnect.
We have now learned that the City's formal DMPU review process is moving forward while this work is still underway. The Downtown Action Committee will hold a public hearing on September 9, followed by the Planning Board on September 15. The City Commission is currently scheduled to consider the plan on October 26, with anticipated final adoption on January 18, 2027. See the full sequence below under Announcements.
We will continue to participate, provide residents' perspective, and keep you informed as this process moves forward. Don’t forget to share your thoughts if you haven’t already by taking the DNA-DMPU survey.
Sitima Fowler
President, Downtown Neighborhood Association
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BE IN THE KNOW. BE HEARD |
THE SCHMIDT REPORT
ISSUES WATCH
Do you have an issue that you can’t get a resolution to? Come to the next DNA board meeting and let's work together. DNA Board Meetings are open to the public and are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6pm at 107 S Olive Ave, #200. The DNA has partnered with the DDA, law enforcement and city leadership to amplify the voice of residents and get issues resolved.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) UPDATE
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Block Party
September 17 | 4:00 – 8:00 PM | Free
CityPlace, Rosemary Ave.
DNA members and friends are invited to join the Community Block Party at CityPlace. The evening will feature live music, free samples, face painting for kids, a pop-up with the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, and a special kickoff with students from Dreyfoos, who will open the night. Free parking is available for anyone who registers in advance.
| REGISTER TO ATTEND |
SAVE THE DATE: 2026 DNA Holiday Party
December 9 | 6PM – 9PM
Urban Roast West Palm Beach,
201 Datura St.
Get ready for the coolest holiday celebration in West Palm Beach! Ticket sales will start shortly. Be on the lookout for the invitation email so you don't miss out. We sell out early every year!
🗓️ Downtown Events Calendar Click Here
📍 City of WPB Events Click Here
🏙️ CityPlace Events Click Here
🗓️ Calendar of FREE events at the Mandel Library Click Here
Here are some sample Library programs we think you might enjoy.
Wednesday, September 16 | 6 – 7 p.m.
Technology & innovation center, 2nd floor
Get a free headshot photo taken at the library. Use your digital photo to enhance your professional online profile. First come, first served. Space is limited
Wednesday, September 9 | 7 – 8 p.m.
Prefunction Lobby
Learn the basic steps of two popular Latin dances. Salsa will be taught the first two Wednesdays of September, and bachata will be taught the September 16 & 30. No partner needed.
Yoga with Priyanka
Saturdays | 10 – 11 a.m.
Auditorium
Bring a mat and join yogi Priyanka every Saturday for a gentle vinyasa (flow) practice that emphasizes awareness, healing, compassion, and even humor. All skill levels are welcome. Optional donations are accepted by the instructor at the time of class.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES |
Volunteer With the DNA
We need your help! Marketing, social media, advocacy, events, and admin support needed. Email: [email protected]
Are You Interested in Serving on City Boards?
The list of all city boards can be found at this link and the application to apply is at the top of the page. You can choose specific boards or send a general application.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS |
Become a DNA member
For just $25 a year—less than the cost of a dinner out, you can help support a stronger, more connected downtown community. Members enjoy free and discounted resident-driven events, and important community updates. Your membership also strengthens our collective voice—because there is strength in numbers. The larger our membership, the more effectively we can advocate for the future of downtown WPB. Join now.
Participate in the City’s 2027 Budget Process
The City of West Palm Beach is gathering resident input through the FY27 Proposed Budget Community Survey, open until September 3, 2026. Residents can share feedback on service priorities and city spending. Take the survey.
Take the DNA-DMPU Resident Survey
The proposed Downtown Master Plan Update (DMPU) could affect traffic, parking, building height, infrastructure, public spaces, noise, and the overall character of downtown. Please take 2 minutes to complete the DNA DMPU Resident Survey and tell us what matters most to you. Your feedback will help guide the DNA's advocacy efforts as the City moves forward with its review process.
The Downtown Master Plan Update Sequence
- September 9, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. – Downtown Action Committee: Public hearing and advisory review of the proposed Downtown Master Plan Comprehensive Plan amendments. The DAC already approved the proposed changes to the zoning regulations during their May meeting. Staff will present the changes to the zoning regulations since the May hearing for the board comment, but no vote. The DAC will make a recommendation but does not provide final approval.
- September 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. – Planning Board: Public hearing on the proposed Comprehensive Plan and zoning amendments. The Planning Board will make a recommendation to the City Commission.
- October 26, 2026 – anticipated City Commission first reading: The Commission will review the proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning code for the DMP. If approved, the Comprehensive Plan amendments will be transmitted to the applicable state reviewing agencies. This is the first reading, not final adoption.
- November–December 2026 – state-agency review: The reviewing agencies will have an opportunity to evaluate the transmitted Comprehensive Plan amendments and provide comments. No separate City meeting is anticipated during this stage.
- January 18, 2027 – anticipated City Commission second reading/adoption hearing: After considering the agency comments and additional public input, the Commission will determine whether to adopt the DMPU.
The later dates remain anticipated and are subject to change until the DMPU is formally placed on the applicable agendas.
What has been shared with the Neighborhood Partnership Network
As the city presents various DMPU and infastructure related topics, we will keep adding them to the website. CLICK HERE
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DNA RECOGNIZES |
John Rothberg - Gold Founding Donor
I retired in 2008 and have been a resident of West Palm Beach for nearly four years. I currently serve on the boards of West Palm 100 and Friends of Palm Beach and am actively involved in the downtown West Palm Beach community. Since retiring, I have also traveled extensively as a volunteer with the PGA of America Golf Professionals, PGA Tour and Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Thank you for your support.
Check out all our Founding Donors. We appreciate their support of the DNA mission.
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COMINGS AND GOINGS |
Excerpts from CityPlaceAngels e-newsletter by Tom Carelli. Join his lunch club by emailing Tom at [email protected]
Howdy Neighbors!
Restaurant Week started in NYC in July 1992 when it hosted the DNC. Three-course lunches were offered at some of the finest restaurants for $19.92. It eventually expanded to a biannual event during the slow early winter & summer season.
This was the inspiration for many variations that exist today, including Flavor South Florida, formerly known as Flavor Palm Beach. Its new name represents its expansion north to include the Treasure Coast. This year a record 111 restaurants are participating.
Pistache & The Restaurant @ The Norton are returning favorites. Eataly is a newcomer for 2026. Each will have its own prix-fixe Lunch menu for $35, $35 and $26 respectively. For the complete restaurant list, go here FlavorSouthFlorida.com
Quick Bits:
Mystic Table closes on Clematis
The Real Real moves to CityPlace from PB
HAPPY HOUR GUIDE
Explore the latest downtown happy hours in the WPBDNA Guide. See something new or updated? Let us know at [email protected]
| READ GUIDE |
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
👮 WPB Police (Non-Emergency): 561-822-1900
🦺 Downtown Ambassadors 728-206-4545
☎️ City Hotline 561-822-2222
🚨 City Services (emergencies) 561-822-2210
Download Free App The WPBKey app provides a platform for residents to engage with the city to maintain a cleaner & safer neighborhood.
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VOICES DRIVE CHANGE |
Have an issue you care about in West Palm Beach? You can contact the Mayor and City Commissioners directly to share your perspective.
Important: Due to Florida’s Sunshine Laws, commissioners must be contacted individually on any issue that may come before them for a vote. Sending a group email could be interpreted as discussion outside of an official public meeting.
Mayor Keith James, (561) 822-1400 | [email protected]
City Commissioner Steve Sylvester, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]
City Commissioner Cathleen Ward, 561-822-1393 | [email protected]
City Commissioner Shalonda Warren, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]
City Commissioner Christy Fox, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]
City Commissioner Joseph Peduzzi, 561-822-1390 | [email protected]
Thank you for being part of the Downtown community.
- WPDNA team
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