Mayor Keith James: Inclusive growth, public safety and housing top priorities as West Palm Beach attracts developers

Mayor Keith James said West Palm Beach has made measurable progress on violent crime, set a goal to create 1,400 affordable housing units by 2027 and is pursuing “inclusive growth” through public-private partnerships that have helped attract institutions such as Vanderbilt and health-care providers.

James, the mayor of the City of West Palm Beach, made the remarks in an interview on the City Center podcast. He said public safety and housing remain central priorities as the city adapts to rapid growth driven by new development and corporate relocation.

“Public safety is job number 1,” James said, summarizing what he called a fundamental accomplishment of his administration and a continuing priority. He told the host that violent crime has come down since the late 2010s, when the city recorded three consecutive years with 18 murders each year.

James described the…