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West Palm Beach approves incentive package for Project Flagship; city, state incentives support large tech relocation
Summary
The CRA approved up to $2 million in relocation and development assistance over six years to attract Project Flagship, a cloud computing firm proposing 856 net new West Palm Beach jobs and more than $50 million in capital investment; state incentives also underlie the deal.
The Community Redevelopment Agency on Sept. 2 approved Resolution No. 25-42, authorizing a relocation and development assistance grant for Project Flagship of up to $2 million payable over six years, contingent on job creation and clawback provisions. City staff and the Business Development Board presented the proposal during a confidential recruitment process where the company — described as a cloud computing firm proposing artificial-intelligence workflow automation — considered multiple locations before selecting site options in West Palm Beach.
Economic development staff said Project Flagship proposed more than $50 million in capital investment and a total economic impact estimated at approximately $290 million when wage expenditures are included. The company proposed creating 856 net new jobs in West Palm Beach over six years with an average annual wage presented by staff of about $170,000. Staff said the CRA’s commitment matches roughly 12% of state incentives the company was offered; state-level incentives referenced include high‑impact performance incentives, capital investment tax credits and training grants. Clawback provisions will apply if fewer than 400 West Palm Beach jobs are created.
Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, and other economic development partners praised the city’s responsiveness and the strength of local institutions and talent in attracting the company. Smallridge said Project Flagship has committed to prioritize hiring local graduates and that the BDB is coordinating with Palm Beach State College and local universities to align training and hiring pathways.
Commissioners asked about job types and local hiring strategies. Staff said initial postings included software engineers and account managers, and that roles would broaden as hiring ramps up. The board moved, seconded and approved the incentive unanimously. Council and staff said they will provide continued assistance — including a concierge service for executives relocating — and will monitor the company’s hiring and investment commitments under the grant agreement and clawback terms.
