West Palm Beach Mayor and City Commission approve key decisions and ordinances impacting infrastructure housing public safety and community development on September 29 2025

West Palm Beach, Florida – The City Commission of West Palm Beach convened on Monday, September 29, 2025, to address a range of approvals, ordinances, and resolutions impacting municipal operations, community development, public safety, and city infrastructure. The meeting, led by Mayor [Name], reflected a combination of forward-looking planning and immediate action across several departments, reinforcing the city’s ongoing commitment to growth, safety, and quality of life for its residents.

In the Mayor’s Office, the Commission approved a resolution calling for a General City Election on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, for the purpose of electing three City Commissioners. In the event no candidate secures a majority, a General City Run-off Election will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Additionally, the Commission approved a resolution requesting the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections conduct both elections and delegating duties of the City of West Palm Beach Canvassing Board to the appropriate officials. The Mayor’s Office also moved forward with a resolution, following a public hearing, approving an Interlocal Agreement with Palm Beach County to impose and collect transportation capacity impact fees, a measure aimed at supporting the city’s growing infrastructure needs.

Development Services saw significant activity during the meeting. Two ordinances, after second public hearings, were approved to adjust land use and zoning for approximately 2.46 acres along North Australian Avenue, shifting the designation from Community Service and Commercial to Multifamily (MF) for future development, and reclassifying zoning from Recreation and Open Space and Neighborhood Commercial to Multifamily High Density Residential (MF32). These changes were requested by Tyler Woolsey of Urban Design Studio, in conjunction with Spina O’Rourke & Partners, on behalf of VDG Land Co. LLC and the City of West Palm Beach.

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Additionally, the Commission approved an ordinance after its first public hearing and discussed a companion resolution regarding rezoning 3.011 acres at 5400 North Flagler Drive from Multifamily High Density Residential to Residential Planned Development (RPD). The related resolution established development regulations and granted waivers of zoning and land development regulations. Tyler Woolsey of Urban Design Studio and Brian Seymour of Gunster Law represented 5400 North Flagler Limited Partnership in the request for the creation of the Residential Planned Development.

Palm Beach Atlantic University also received approval for a major amendment to its Community Service Planned Development. The amendment reduces the number of parking levels in a previously approved parking garage on South Dixie Highway and modifies building façade treatments to better align with surrounding structures. The amendment, requested by Joni Brinkman of Urban Design Studio, reflects a commitment to creating a more contextually appropriate campus environment while balancing parking needs.

Engineering and Parks and Recreation jointly approved a resolution authorizing a License Agreement between the City and Palm Tree Crew Events, LLC, for the Palm Tree Music Festival, scheduled for February 14, 2026, at the Waterfront. The agreement allows for proper planning and coordination of the annual festival, which draws visitors from across the region and contributes to the city’s cultural and recreational offerings.

In the realm of public safety and health, the Fire Department received approval for a new cooperation agreement with St. Mary’s Medical Center to facilitate clinical learning experiences for personnel. The Commission also authorized the City’s participation in the Medicaid Managed Care Organization Supplemental Payment Program, approving an agreement with the Agency for Health Care Administration for Public Emergency Medical Transport for FY2025 in the amount of $255,621.02.

The Housing and Community Development Department received approval for an ordinance allowing the sale of city-owned property at 2410 North Australian Avenue for $660,000 to support the development of an employee-based workforce housing project. This initiative highlights the city’s ongoing efforts to address housing affordability and workforce support in the West Palm Beach area.

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Human Resources presented a resolution establishing the City’s Salary Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, ensuring compensation structures remain competitive and consistent with municipal budget priorities. The Mandel Public Library also received a green light to submit an application for the State Aid to Libraries Grant through the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, securing funding to support vital library services in the coming fiscal year.

The Police Department gained approval for several resolutions and ordinances focused on safety, enforcement, and funding. A grant of $27,983.61 from the University of North Florida Training and Services Institute will reimburse overtime costs for public education and enforcement of bicycle and pedestrian safety. Insurance proceeds of $245,768 were also allocated for police vehicle replacements. Moreover, the Commission approved an ordinance establishing a school zone speeding enforcement program consistent with Florida House Bill 657 and designated staff to act as Clerk to the local hearing officer for enforcement-related hearings.

Public Utilities received approval for a pair of companion resolutions regarding the Florida Department of Transportation State Road No. 91 Florida Turnpike Widening Project. One resolution approved a Utility Work by Highway Contractor Agreement, while the companion resolution appropriated $4,000,000 from the Public Utilities Water and Sewer Renewal and Replacement Fund Reserve to cover the costs of utility relocation associated with the widening project, which spans from north of Okeechobee Boulevard to south of Beeline Highway.

Overall, the September 29 meeting reflects West Palm Beach’s multifaceted approach to governance, balancing infrastructure growth, public safety, community development, and cultural initiatives. The City Commission demonstrated a commitment to long-term planning while addressing immediate needs, ranging from zoning adjustments to festival planning, public safety, and workforce housing. Each approval and ordinance carries the potential to shape the city’s development trajectory in the coming years.

Mayor [Name] emphasized that the collaborative efforts of the Commission, city staff, and community partners are crucial for the city’s progress. “Every decision we make, from land use and public safety to housing and cultural events, is about building a stronger, safer, and more inclusive West Palm Beach,” the Mayor stated.

The meeting’s decisions ensure that West Palm Beach continues to adapt to population growth, infrastructure demands, and public safety challenges while enhancing the city’s quality of life. Residents can expect continued investment in transportation, housing, and community-focused programs that align with the city’s strategic priorities.

For those seeking a detailed overview of all approvals and decisions made during the September 29, 2025, City Commission meeting, a full pass/fail agenda is available for download in PDF format from the City of West Palm Beach official website.