Downtown Action Committee | May 13, 2026

The Downtown Action Committee meeting held on May 13, 2026, focused primarily on city-initiated rezoning and code revision cases related to the downtown master plan update in West Palm Beach. Key procurement-related discussions included the proposed rezoning of properties at 901 and 807 North Flagler Drive to the Loftton District 5 zoning, and amendments to the downtown master plan urban regulations to guide future development density, height, and incentives. The committee reviewed detailed presentations from city staff and consultants on zoning incentives, development capacity, transportation and mobility improvements funded by new mobility fees, and design standards to protect downtown character. Public comments raised concerns about high-rise development impacts, traffic congestion, and transparency of the planning process. The committee voted to recommend approval of the rezoning and code revisions with conditions, including no 25% parking reduction, incorporation of flexibility language for height variances, study of reduced building heights along Flagler Waterfront, increased landscaping impact fees, traffic impact analysis, and obtaining an independent legal opinion on height restrictions related to a local referendum. The committee also discussed ongoing capital improvement projects such as Howard Park upgrades. Overall, the meeting advanced key regulatory and planning steps to support downtown redevelopment while addressing community and legal concerns.