Annual Report 2021-2022
Momentum.
That’s the word that comes to mind when I think about the last year and the progress, changes, and growth that we’ve seen in Downtown West Palm Beach. While the past two years were about enduring and recovering from COVID, this past year was defined by unprecedented investment and activity in our city’s center.
With such rapid growth comes a few challenges, too. Like every other expanding urban center, West Palm Beach must deal with some growing pains – traffic, competition for space, noise, and the need for increased maintenance. As our downtown has evolved, the DDA team has made sure our programs and services have continued to evolve to address these challenges.
Most notably, we have focused more than ever on public realm maintenance programs and enhanced services. This includes expanding beautification programs, increasing the frequency of cleaning and improving our monitoring of the condition of public spaces.
We have also added a new, free mobility service – Circuit – to help residents and visitors move around the downtown area more conveniently, without the need for their private vehicles. The program is a partnership with Brightline Trains and has exceeded our expectations, with an over 1000% increase in usage in the first year. Simply put, this electric vehicle shuttle service makes getting around downtown a snap.
However, residential quality of life is at the core of the DDA’s mission. As the population of downtown continues to grow, with thousands of residential units either under construction or planned in the next couple of years, the board and staff of the DDA are laser focused on issues that impact the neighborhood that is downtown. This includes working hand in hand with the City of West Palm Beach, private sector partners, and advocates to address challenges in our city.
I hope that you take time to read this report, summarizing the DDA’s work over the past fiscal year.
Sincerely,
Raphael ClementeAbout the Downtown Development Authority
The West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Working in close coordination with the City of West Palm Beach and West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to deliver the most impactful and value-based outcomes possible to our stakeholders.
Mission: To promote and enhance a vibrant Downtown West Palm Beach.
In the following pages, you will learn how the DDA supports four strategic goals:
.75 Square Miles +/- 10,000 Residential Population 26,439 Employment Population $77,000 Media Household Income 67% White 10% Black 2% Asian and Pacific Islander 1% Other 20% Hispanic or Latino Business Development Public Realm Marketing and Public Relations Neighborhood Services
Race/Ethnicity Breakdown
29% 8% 6% 20% 19% 18% < 18 Years 18-24 25-34 35-49 50-64 65+ Downtown Age Diversity Source: American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2015-2019)
Public Realm Maintenance
Maintenance of the public realm is directly connected to quality of life, economic development, and community pride. We are committed to the cleanliness of our streets and sidewalks, the condition of undeveloped parcels of land, and the maintenance of landscaping as they shape the perceptions of a place.
Downtown Clean Team
Contracted by the DDA, Image Companies cleans and conducts litter removal throughout the district seven days a week.
2,313 Tons of Trash Collected
Total Bags of Trash Collected
23.13 Miles of Street Cleaning
2,703
Physical Environment
Cleaning and Maintenance
The dedicated landscape team is responsible for debris removal and maintenance of plant beds and baskets throughout the district; excluding the Waterfront along Clematis Street, as well as the Seaboard Train Station. Clematis Street, City Hall and Tri-Rail are maintained 5 days a week. Parking garages and outer beds are serviced twice a week.
177
Maintained Landscaping Beds (each week)
Trimmed Trees
174
423 Maintained Hanging Baskets (replaced when needed)
Graffiti
In coordination with the West Palm Beach Police Department, graffiti removal is accomplished throughout the district. This year our team addressed 473 cases of graffiti to keep DowntownWPB beautiful.
Pressure Washing
To accommodate the increase in foot traffic, Green Earth Power Washing worked with our staff to adjust the cleaning schedule; allowing our downtown to be cleaned more this year than in the past.
5,765,845
Sq. Ft. Cleaned
Blocks of Sidewalks
126.26
1,331 Acres
Neighborhood Services
The DDA’s strategic plan focuses heavily on improving the quality of life for residents, workers, and visitors. This can be seen in the expansion of funds invested in this area of the DDA’s budget due to the increase of people moving into downtown. The quality of programming improves the experience of living in the heart of the city.
Downtown Security Ambassador Program
A full-time private public safety unit contracted with Professional Security Consultants. Ambassadors work closely with West Palm Beach Police Department to improve safety throughout the Downtown District. The dedicated team provides assistance to businesses, residents and visitors with information seven days a week.
714 2,573 3305 724 612 45 110
Outreach
Street outreach engages people experiencing homelessness who would not typically seek out services to address their health and housing needs. Through collaborative efforts with the City of West Palm Beach a team of nine full-time city staff members executes effective outreach to meet housing and healthcare needs.
Public Assist
Business Check-In Assist / Calls for Services Residential Check-In Patrols Homeless Interactions Violations Addressed (fishing, parking,and skateboarding) Maintenance and Graffiti Reporting Connected to housing/shelter 143 Reconnected to a loved one or family member 58 Connected to mental health and substance abuse resources 136 Assistance requests addressed through the City’s online Homeless Activity Reporter (HAR) 120
offers free rides throughout downtown and the Town of Palm Beach. A reduction of more than 60 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and the creation of 37 jobs for local residents have been established.
98,513 Passengers
(Trolley)
FY 17/18 FY 18/19 FY 19/20 FY 19/20 FY 21/22 $1,800,000 $1,600,000 $1,400,000 $1,200,000 $1,000,000 $800,000 $600,000 $400,000 $200,000 $0 Neighborhood
Neighborhood Services FY 2022 Public Space Programs 7% Homeless Outreach 7% Residential Programming 2% Community Engagement 4% Transportation 42% Security and Policing 38%
Services FY 2018 - FY 2022 Communications/Newsletter Meetings Residential Programming Community Engagement Homeless Outreach Public Space Programs Security and Policing Transportation
Community Engagement and Placemaking Activations
¡Vamos
a Bailar! – Let’s Dance! (October 8, 2021)
Collaborative event with the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, the City of West Palm Beach, and Downtown Neighborhood Association to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Live music and entertainment, dance performances by Dance Hub Palm Beach, delights from Salento Coffee, and music by Michú Michú.
Piano Concerto (December 10, 2021)
The pop-up piano concerto was a community-focused program that was interactive, diverse, fun, and served as an open invitation for people to enjoy local talent and connect with each other. It also provided a venue for the youth to be showcased in a highly visible space on our main street. This one-day community engagement pop-up was free to the public and allowed the DDA to provide musical entertainment on Clematis during the holidays in a very interactive way.
Black Art Matters (February 2022)
Throughout Black History Month, the 2nd annual “Black Art Matters,” or “B.A.M.” a virtual program series that highlighted the talents of eight young black artists in the local community every Friday of the month on Facebook LIVE. Emerging artists captivated audiences as they painted, sang and played instruments at iconic locations in the district and allowed viewers near and far to “be here.”
Fall in Love Photo Stations (February 14, 2022)
A value-added experience for residents and visitors to the district on Valentine’s Day with 3 picturesque stations located in an alleyway, Great Lawn, and CityZen Garden. Over 400 participants took advantage of this pop-up downtown love experience.
Big Optimism Mural (August 2022)
Created by local resident and artist Sam “Big Sam” Weinberger and located in the high-profile intersection at 335 Clematis Street, the DDA sponsored this mural which focuses on creating unity towards a positive, inspirational future.
The Revolution of the Groove Mural (August 2022)
This colorful mural, located on the façade of Camelot Yacht Club at 114 South Narcissus Avenue, portrays six revolutionary African American artists who used their music to challenge the entrenched ways of thinking at the time about social injustice and racism. Featured artists are Miles Davis, Nina Simone, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Billie Holiday. This mural was created in 2022 as a collaboration between local Street Art Revolution Artists Anthony Hernandez and Caron Bowman.
Downtown Summit (August 24, 2022)
This annual event is hosted to communicate the DDA’s mission and focus through specific projects and programs with a primary focus on homeless outreach and affordable housing.
Recurring Programming
Motivational Mondays
Programming in collaboration with locals to provide a better quality of life for residents and visitors alike while promoting a health and wellness outdoor pop-up program in private and/or public spaces once a month at various locations.
Community Cafecito
Community engagement hour hosted by the DDA to provide an afternoon pick-me-up and informal conversations with the community. Local bakeries were highlighted at each event for attendees to become familiar with our merchants.
Sunset Silent Disco
Community engagement program in collaboration with Be You Disco to improve downtown’s quality of life by bringing people together and connecting them through dance and live music by local songwriters through the activation of public space.
Bike Valet
Public space programming in collaboration with Florida Bicycle Operation to encourage residents and visitors to go greener and live healthier by supporting bicycle trips during visits to the West Palm Beach GreenMarket and the Antique and Flea Market each Saturday.
Business Development Business Assistance
The DDA’s economic development efforts are in harmony with the City’s vision of West Palm Beach as a vibrant, world-class city with a diverse and thriving economy. The DDA supports our businesses with programs designed to assist their needs with grants, permitting guidance, and resource assistance.
$254,221 $22,506 Façade Grants Awarded to 3 Recipients Grand Opening
Awarded to 5 Recipients
$2,000 Awarded to 2 Recipients
New Businesses West Palm Beach Development & Investment Forum
In partnership with Urban Land Institute (ULI) Southeast Florida/Caribbean, the DDA hosted an impressive lineup of development leaders to discuss the City’s real estate investment trends and opportunities in the local market; in addition to what’s in the development pipeline. This event had more than 300 people in attendance.
Marketing and Public Relations
We strive to strengthen Downtown’s appeal as a tourism and entertainment destination.
Marketing Statistics
270,440 Website Pageviews
142,657 Website Users
7,021 Email Subscribers
Branding
A refreshed brand was introduced to all stakeholders capturing the energy, versatility, and authenticity of downtown. With Downtown West Palm Beach being the county’s waterfront hub for people to experience a unique fusion of city living, business opportunities, multicultural dining, arts and entertainment; it was solidified as the “Center of Paradise” making Downtown West Palm Beach the heart and home for all of life’s moments.
Website
A full redesign was attained to meet the representation of our agency and place once rebranding was completed. The new user-friendly, responsive, and resourceful site provides the digital face of Downtown West Palm Beach.
Social Media
Stats of all channels from October 1, 2021 - September 30, 2022
97,439 Total Followers 7.78% increase
7,034 Followers Gained
30,628 Facebook
22,316 Twitter
44,495 Instagram
4,772 Total Followers 34.31% increase
1,462 Facebook
Advertising
1,219 Followers Gained 724 Twitter
2,586 LinkedIn
Stats of all channels from October 1, 2021 - September 30, 2022
Television EffecTV 9,349,808
Print Palm Beach Post 1,639,309 IMPRESSIONS INVEST 10,050 READERSHIP Palm Beach Guide (Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches) 45,000 READERSHIP Radio iHeart Radio 2,427 TOTAL COMMERCIALS 984,649 DIGITAL IMPRESSIONS Outdoor BrightBike 19 locations Guide to the Palm Beaches (Discover the Palm Beaches) 15,000 READERSHIP BDB Profile Magazine 18,000 READERSHIP BDB Quarterly Magazine 7,500 READERSHIP Circuit 7 shuttles
IMPRESSIONS
Awards
Florida Festivals & Events SUNsational Awards
1st Place
Promotional Mailer - Bike Valet
Photo Opp/Selfie Area - Fall In Love
Installations/Wraps - Downtown West Palm Beach
Twitter – Downtown West Palm Beach
2nd Place
Facebook - Downtown West Palm Beach
Promotional Mailer - Motivational Mondays
Twitter - West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District
3rd Place
Promotional Mailer - Community Cafecito
Instagram - West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment District
IFEA
Gold
Virtual Festival/Event – Black Art Matters
Single Digital /Social Ad – Catch the Gingerbread Man
Twitter Site – DowntownWPB
Digital/Social Ad Series – DowntownWPB General
Single Newspaper Display Ad – Healing Circle
TV Promotion – Pairings
Silver Community Outreach Program – Community Cafecito
Single Digital/Digital Ad – Dance Photography Contest
Facebook Site – DowntownWPB
Bronze
Printed Materials (Multiple Pages) – annual report
Radio Promotion – Black Art Matters
Digital/Social Ad Series – Fall In Love
Printed Materials (Single Page) – Vamos Bailar (Tied placement)
Financial Overview
The DDA receives its funding from multiple sources as reflected in the chart below. As property values have grown, so has the DDA’s revenue.
Revenues FY 2017-2022
The DDA’s 2022 budget is allocated to the following targeted areas:
• The DDA’s tax base is comprised of 52% commercial/industrial and 48% residential properties.
• From fiscal year 2021 -2022, the taxable value of property in the DDA increased by 7.7%. The DDA represents 17.7% of the City’s taxable value.
• The value per acre within the DDA is $5,389,232.
• The DDA’s taxable value is 1.22% of the County’s.
• Residential properties have increased in value by 31.5% over the last four years while commercial properties have increased by 13%.
2021/2022 2020/2021 2019/2020 2018/2019 2017/2018 2016/2017 -$4,000,000 -$2,000,000 $0 $2,000,000 $4,000,000 $6,000,000 $8,000,000 $10,000,000 TIF Payment Tax revenues (@ 1 mil) net DDA/CRA Interlocal Agreement CRA Project Funding CityPLace Shuttle* Fees/Grants/Services/Interest Carryforward (All Funds) 2016/2017 -$1,460,523 $181,986 $3,103,032 $580,000 $123,205 $100 $1,316,153 2017/2018 -$1,660,331 $181,985 $3,502,647 $580,000 $123,205 $20,100 $1,743,302 2018/2019 -$1,806,897 $181,986 $3,795,780 $413,938 $33,842 $100 $2,156,160 2019/2020 -$2,045,520 $181,985 $4,273,025 $409,500 $75,000 $100 $1,261,942 2020/2021 -$2,103,786 $181,985 $4,366,157 $385,000 $0 $100 $3,377,754 2021/2022 -$2,278,400 $181,985 $4,813,385 $0 $0 $100 $3,804,622 Neighborhood Services 24% Marketing/Public Relations 18% Business Development 11% Professional Services 3% Reserves 7% Operations 15% Public Realm Maintenance 22%
Future Plans/Looking Ahead
The DDA’s strategic plan focuses heavily on improving the quality of life for residents, workers, and visitors. This can be seen in the expansion of funds invested in this area of the DDA’s budget due to the increase of people moving into downtown. The quality of programming improves the experience of living in the heart of the city.
The Next Big Thing
A community-wide project called Trojan Rocking Horses was chosen from a search that generated more than 20 international submissions aimed at engaging the West Palm Beach community, downtown residents, and visitors. The eight life-sized rocking horses will be custom-designed by local children then fabricated locally, under the guidance of world-renowned Finnish artist and architect Marco Casagrande. They will journey through various communities in West Palm Beach collecting messages from West Palm Beach citizens on ideas and visions for the future of Downtown West Palm Beach.
Let’s Vibe DowntownWPB
Connecting with residents in community engagement programming that not only helps them meet their neighbors but also informs them of who we are, what we do, and how we can make our community better. Participation includes creating a TinyDoorWPB to be placed around DowntownWPB, a sidewalk audit, and “Cafecito” on wheels. Our vision is to foster more local connections between residents, merchants, and the DDA.
S.P.E.A.K.
Facilitating an open call for the community to participate in an open mic activation. The recurring placemaking program strives to provide a space to celebrate multicultural experiences through a song, poem, or just a story that is told by word of mouth.
Que Bacano
Activating the City Hall Courtyard at the corner of Clematis and Dixie with a cultural program based on Salsa dance classes and a domino tournament. In Colombia, “Qué Bacano!” means “How Cool!” The five-month Domino Tournament is slated for one team to win a grand prize.
Fern Street Chess Park
Enhancing Fern Street Park by adding chess tables. This will create a fun, active, and special use. It will also add opportunities for sociability by creating a welcoming, neighborly, and friendly environment for all. Chess parks promote safe and clean spaces that are attractive and help connect neighbors to one another.
Gehl App and Residential Volunteer Program
Partnering with Gehl Group for a data collection project to help evaluate our projects and programs. With the assistance of volunteers Downtown West Palm Beach's public spaces will be measured electronically by counting pedestrians and bikes, as well as analyze how spaces are used by residents and visitors. Participating volunteers will receive community hours for their service.
Future Plans/Looking Ahead
DDA Board:
Rick Reikenis, DDA Chairman
Bill Jacobson, DDA Vice-Chairman
The DDA’s strategic plan focuses heavily on improving the quality of life for residents, workers, and visitors. This can be seen in the expansion of funds invested in this area of the DDA’s budget due to the increase of people moving into downtown. The quality of programming improves the experience of living in the heart of the city.
Samantha Bratter (starting September 2022)
Varissa Lall Dass
Daryl Houston (starting March 2022)
The Next Big Thing
Mary Hurley Lane (thru June 2022)
Cynthia Nalley
Robert Sanders
Upendo Shabazz (thru December 2021)
DDA Staff:
A community-wide project called Trojan Rocking Horses was chosen from a search that generated more than 20 international submissions aimed at engaging the West Palm Beach community, downtown residents, and visitors. The eight life-sized rocking horses will be custom-designed by local children then fabricated locally, under the guidance of world-renowned Finnish artist and architect Marco Casagrande. They will journey through various communities in West Palm Beach collecting messages from West Palm Beach citizens on ideas and visions for the future of Downtown West Palm Beach.
Raphael Clemente, Executive Director
Let’s Vibe DowntownWPB
Teneka James-Feaman, Associate Executive Director
Shelly Williams, Director of Administration (thru December 2021)
Vivian Ryland, Director of Administration (starting December 2021)
Samantha Moore, Office Manager (thru November 2021)
Connecting with residents in community engagement programming that not only helps them meet their neighbors but also informs them of who we are, what we do, and how we can make our community better. Participation includes creating a TinyDoorWPB to be placed around DowntownWPB, a sidewalk audit, and “Cafecito” on wheels. Our vision is to foster more local connections between residents, merchants, and the DDA.
Jaqueline Smith, Office Manager (starting December 2021)
Catherine Ast, District Services Manager
S.P.E.A.K.
Sherryl Muriente, Public Realm Director
Tiffany Faublas, Marketing Director
Facilitating an open call for the community to participate in an open mic activation. The recurring placemaking program strives to provide a space to celebrate multicultural experiences through a song, poem, or just a story that is told by word of mouth.
Sabrina Lolo, Marketing Coordinator
Que Bacano
Activating the City Hall Courtyard at the corner of Clematis and Dixie with a cultural program based on Salsa dance classes and a domino tournament. In Colombia, “Qué Bacano!” means “How Cool!” The five-month Domino Tournament is slated for one team to win a grand prize.
Downtown Development Authority Contract Partners:
Public Relations
Security Ambassador Program
Fern Street Chess Park
Downtown Trolley System Operator
Landscape Maintenance
Pressure Washing
Enhancing Fern Street Park by adding chess tables. This will create a fun, active, and special use. It will also add opportunities for sociability by creating a welcoming, neighborly, and friendly environment for all. Chess parks promote safe and clean spaces that are attractive and help connect neighbors to one another.
Janitorial and Public Space Maintenance
Holiday Lighting and Decorations
Gehl App and Residential Volunteer Program
Legal Services
Annual Independent Audit
Partnering with Gehl Group for a data collection project to help evaluate our projects and programs. With the assistance of volunteers Downtown West Palm Beach's public spaces will be measured electronically by counting pedestrians and bikes, as well as analyze how spaces are used by residents and visitors. Participating volunteers will receive community hours for their service.
