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West Palm Beach says it will exceed 1,400-unit affordable housing goal by 2027
Summary
Mayor Keith James told a sold-out State of the City breakfast the city has delivered or put into development 815 affordable and workforce housing units since 2019 and is on track to exceed a 1,400-unit goal by the end of his term in 2027, citing projects including The Spruce and two South Dixie developments.
Mayor Keith James said West Palm Beach has delivered or put into development 815 affordable and workforce housing units since 2019 and is on track to exceed a target of 1,400 units by the end of his mayoral tenure in 2027.
The mayor framed housing progress as central to economic opportunity. "Do we want to be a city where everyday people can't pay their rent Or will we continue finding innovative solutions and breaking ground on affordable housing units?" Mayor Keith James asked the audience during his State of the City address on Jan. 30.
Why it matters: James said stable housing is a foundation for other goals — workforce development, public safety and economic inclusion. He reported that 263 units came under construction in the 2024 calendar year and 269 units entered predevelopment during that same year.
Details and projects: James highlighted several projects and tools supporting the goal. He described The Spruce, a development in Northwood Village that he called the single-largest private investment in that neighborhood and said it will add 117 affordable and workforce units. He also cited a project at 8111 South Dixie that he said will deliver 90 affordable and workforce units on a site vacant for more than a decade. The mayor credited private philanthropy, density bonuses, grant funding, tax increment financing and other incentives as tools the city has used to attract investment.
Funding and partners: James thanked donors and named the UNUM Foundation and the Related Philanthropic Foundation for contributions to the Mayor's Jumpstart Academy; he said philanthropic and private partners have been critical in advancing housing projects but did not provide a citywide financing breakdown at the event.
What was not specified: James gave totals for units completed or under development and singled out specific projects, but he did not provide a single aggregated dollar figure for the housing program nor a project-by-project funding table during the speech.
Looking ahead: The mayor said the city will continue using public-private tools to reach its targets and that the work reflects partnerships with developers and philanthropic organizations. No formal city action or vote on housing policy was recorded in the speech.
