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Advocating for the safety, well-being, & quality of life of downtown WPB residents.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 
I'm pleased to share an update on the Downtown Master Plan Update (DMPU). Thanks to the advocacy of the DNA and the community at large, the Mayor invited the DNA to join the newly formed Neighborhood Partnership Network.
Most importantly, the City has agreed to postpone any DAC and City Commission vote on the DMPU until this group has had the opportunity to review the proposed changes, evaluate the supporting studies, and provide formal recommendations.
Over the past month, we've held four productive working sessions to understand the City's planning and development process and establish a transparent framework for collaboration. The DNA has also requested additional analyses on key issues including infrastructure capacity, traffic and mobility, parking, quality of life, noise impacts, public safety, parks and open space, fiscal impacts, and a cumulative buildout analysis to ensure future decisions are based on current data.
Thank you for your continued support and don’t forget to share your thoughts on the DMPU if you haven’t already by taking the DNA-DMPU survey. Your voices are making a difference, and the DNA will continue advocating to ensure future development is matched by the infrastructure, services, and planning needed to protect the quality of life that makes downtown WPB such a great place to live.
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. READ THE REPORT
DDA BOARD MEETING REPORT
Downtown residential property owners contribute 50% of the Downtown Development Authority’s budget (before the CRA match) through a special property tax levy. Check out the June 2026 DDA board meeting packet and financials. DDA Board Meetings are open to the public and are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. at 107 S Olive Ave, #200, WPB. READ THE REPORT
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Secrets of Mandel: Cocktails,
Curiosities and Hidden Treasures
August 21 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM | $15 pp
Mandel Library, 411 Clematis St.
An exclusive after-hours experience for DNA Members and Friends
Most people know the Mandel Library as a place to borrow books. Few know about the rare collections, artwork, archives, technology, and unique resources housed inside one of downtown's most important civic institutions.
Join fellow residents for a private evening exploring some of the library's most fascinating hidden treasures, followed by cocktails, wine, and appetizers overlooking downtown from the 4th floor.
Open to members and non-members. Limited to 40 attendees.
| RSVP TODAY |
🗓️ 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 a few FREE Library programs we think you might enjoy.
Saturdays, August 8 & 22 | 2 – 4 p.m. | Hibiscus Room, 3rd Floor
Learn how to play Mah Jongg with certified instructor Abby. Registration is required and begins at 9:30 a.m. one week before the program. All materials are provided.
Monday, August 10 | 7 – 8 p.m. | Florida Room, 4th Floor
Leslie Kemp Poole, a fourth‑generation Floridian, shares stories of Florida’s explorers from the colonial era to the twentieth century, offering fresh insight into the state’s natural and human history. Her talk will inspire you to embark on your own Florida journey.
Practical AI for Real Life with Ken Ducey
Wednesday, August 12 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Clematis Room, 3rd Floor
The class will cover what AI actually is, how AI agents can take action on your behalf, and demonstrate real-world uses like navigating complex information, restoring old photos, avoiding digital scams, and more.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES |
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.
Volunteer at Kravis Center For The Performing Arts
Become a volunteer usher for the 2026-2027 season. Apply here.
Become a Docent at the Historical Society of the Palm Beach County
Do you love local history? Enjoy meeting new people? Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a way to give back, contact Rhonda Gordon at [email protected].
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ANNOUNCEMENTS |
Welcome to the Board, Amina Hafez
(Correction)
Amina Hafez is a shareholder at Nason, Yeager, Gerson, Harris & Fumero, P.A. She is a corporate lawyer and advises clients on a wide range of complex business transactions and legal matters. She has significant experience representing clients in the financial services, private equity, healthcare, and technology sectors, as well as art galleries, startups, nonprofits, and high-net-worth individuals. She is admitted to practice in New York, California, Florida, Illinois, Tennessee, and Texas, and holds certifications in U.S. and European data privacy law. Before making West Palm Beach her home, she lived in New York City and London, and was born and raised in Quincy, Illinois.
Outside of the office, she is a certified yoga and barre instructor. She enjoys golf, tennis, sailing and Argentine tango dancing. Amina joined the DNA Board to help strengthen community connections and preserve the unique character of Downtown West Palm Beach. She is passionate about creating opportunities for residents to connect through wellness initiatives, community mixers, and social dance events—including country, tango, salsa, and swing—that bring people together and foster a vibrant, welcoming downtown.
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.
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DNA RECOGNIZES |
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Founding Donors of the DNA for their generosity and commitment to shaping the future of Downtown West Palm Beach — the place we call home. A tax deductible investment in the DNA enables our organization to plan and execute activities that enrich our cultural experience, foster camaraderie and advance our downtown’s unique character
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!
Urban Roast Opens Downtown
Urban Roast officially opened on July 25, bringing a fresh new concept to Downtown West Palm Beach. More than just a coffee shop, it's a "Coffee Lounge by Day, Cocktail Lounge by Night," with a bright, eclectic atmosphere, indoor and outdoor seating, breakfast and brunch served daily until 3 PM, and Happy Hour until 6 PM.
Also coming soon, Zooz, a Japanese sushi concept from the same hospitality group, will open just across the courtyard, creating an exciting new dining destination.
Urban Roast
📍 201 Datura St. at Narcissus
More Updates
- FOKU opens at CityPlace
- Grease closes on Clematis Street
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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