City seeks public input on downtown master plan and waterfront activation

The City of West Palm Beach is revising its downtown master plan and conducting a separate waterfront engagement titled “Waterfront Your Way,” city officials said, and both efforts include public outreach and upcoming hearings where residents can provide input.

“Right now we’re going through the downtown master plan, revision. So we've had a consultant that has come out and has been working with citizens, with other stakeholders like developers,” Armando Fauna, Assistant City Administrator, said on the City Center podcast. He said the revision could affect uses, setbacks and building height downtown.

Fauna said public input has included in-person meetings and online surveys; he noted additional public hearings are scheduled, including a presentation at an August mayor‑commission workshop and a downtown action committee review. “One great way to have input is through your representative,” he said, pointing listeners to the city website for commission district information.

On the waterfront, Fauna said responses varied: some residents want more activation while others prefer more green space and shade. The project team will present recommendations and allow additional public comment before any code changes are finalized.

These are planning efforts rather than final approvals; Fauna said citizen involvement is most effective during code or zoning revision stages because developments that meet the code are allowed by right.