Philanthropy unveils Coleman Park action plan to address century of disinvestment

Rafael Clemente, executive director of Palm Beach Venture Philanthropy (a division of the Quantum Foundation), presented an updated Coleman Park action plan to the West Palm Beach City Commission on March 10, describing the initiative as a philanthropicpublic partnership to accelerate neighborhood investment.

Clemente framed the plan around historical land-use decisions that, he said, intentionally constrained growth in historically Black neighborhoods by using railroad lines and other infrastructure to limit access and public investment. "If you are born in Coleman Park today, your life expectancy is 14 years shorter than the average of Palm Beach County," Clemente told the commission, citing CDC data as the basis for that life-expectancy gap.

Palm Beach Venture Philanthropy said the updated plan builds on prior planning efforts and three priorities: economic vitality, housing and wellness, with education and safety described as cross-cutting elements. The plan identifies short-term steps already under waypublic maintenance initiatives that collected more than two tons of trash in an early action, a near-complete market study, and a mobile library funded with partner support. Mid- and long-term proposals include streetscape and tactical urbanism pilots on Tamarind Avenue, an expansion of the Lincoln Road model block, business incubation and potential formation of a community development finance institution (CDFI), facade and housing upgrades, and a community land bank to address property condition and ownership.

Clemente said Coleman Park contains four census tracts that meet a definition of persistent poverty and that the venture philanthropy effort aims to limit displacement while accelerating reinvestment. He said homeownership in the neighborhood is about 30 percent and that the strategy will emphasize stabilizing existing residents and increasing pathways to ownership.

The presentation highlighted partners already engaged, including Purpose Built Communities, the Taylor Moxie Foundation and the Knight Foundation. Clemente said Quantum—s board has committed "millions of dollars" to support the work, and that the venture philanthropy team will continue to coordinate with city staff on project sequencing and potential requests for city participation.

Commissioners and staff welcomed the plan. Several commissioners noted the role of public safety and micro-mobilityfor example, Rose Trolley service and the downtown bike unitin improving perceived and actual safety as a complement to physical improvements. Commissioner comments emphasized the need for city participation on capital priorities and for coordination during the budget cycle to accelerate public projects that would make private investments more viable.

Clemente said the plan is intentionally anti-displacement: the aim is to bring resources into Coleman Park now, before rising market pressures put long-term residents at risk. He said the team will return to the commission with more detailed requests for staff time, technical support and, in some cases, capital commitments.

No formal vote or budget appropriation occurred; the presentation was received and staff and philanthropic partners agreed to continue coordination and return with implementation details.