The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is advancing public safety efforts across its targeted redevelopment areas, including the Historic Northwest, Pleasant City, Northwood Village, and the Broadway Corridor, through several initiatives designed to deter crime, support local businesses, and improve the quality of life for residents. The comprehensive approach includes adding more on-the-ground private security officers in the Historic Northwest and launching a new Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Grant Program for eligible commercial and non-residential properties.
“Ensuring the safety of our residents is my number one priority,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “These initiatives reflect my commitment to protecting our neighborhoods while supporting the businesses and community spaces that make West Palm Beach thrive. By investing in proactive solutions and strong partnerships, we are building a community of opportunity for all where people feel safe, supported, and confident in their city.”
“Public safety is foundational to redevelopment,” said Chris Roog, Executive Director of the West Palm Beach CRA. “When people feel secure, neighborhoods thrive, businesses see more foot traffic, residents are more engaged, and investment follows. We are excited to launch these initiatives, which are in direct response to feedback we’ve received from residents and business owners.”
The Historic Northwest Public Safety Enhancement Pilot Program is a proactive, technology-driven safety program that combines expanded private security patrols, mobile surveillance infrastructure, and enhanced coordination with the West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD). Specifically, the pilot:
- Nearly doubles patrol hours from 80 to 152 hours weekly, including foot, vehicle, and optional patrols
- Coordinates patrol and monitoring strategies with the addition of four mobile CCTV trailers for high-risk zones, and body-worn cameras and GPS tracking for security personnel
- Supports community engagement through quarterly meetings, clear signage, and a 24/7 tipline
- Includes direct communication with WPBPD via encrypted radios and bi-weekly coordination briefings.
The pilot program patrol coverage will include Historic Northwest District areas such as Heart & Soul Park, Styx Promenade, Sunset Lounge, Mickens Park, North Sapodilla Avenue and commercial corridors like North Tamarind Avenue and North Rosemary Avenue. This comes after requests from the community provided at the quarterly Historic Northwest community meetings.
Complementing enhanced security staffing, the CRA has established the Community Safety Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Grant Program. It aims to deter crime and improve quality of life within the Historic Northwest, Pleasant City, Northwood Village, and the Broadway Corridor. Focusing only on public-facing areas, the program will amplify police efforts and expand access to immediate and recorded surveillance through the West Palm Beach Police Department’s real-time crime center, consistent with City policies. Commercial and non-residential property owners in the designated districts are encouraged to apply. Each eligible property or business may receive up to four professionally installed CCTV cameras, including mounting hardware and standard installation, at no cost to the applicant.
“This is what coordinated public safety looks like — bringing together technology, targeted patrols, and strong partnerships to prevent crime and respond effectively,” said West Palm Beach Chief of Police Tony Araujo. “These efforts not only enhance safety, but also build confidence for our residents and businesses. We remain committed to delivering proactive, professional service that supports the continued growth and vitality of our neighborhoods.”
The West Palm Beach City Commission approved $120,000 to fund new cameras for businesses in targeted neighborhoods. The CRA aims to finance at least 40 camera installations this fiscal year.
Grant applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to properties demonstrating public safety needs or located in areas experiencing higher incident activity. Additional program details, eligibility requirements, and application information are available at wpb.org/cra on the incentives page. The first round of grants will be approved in May of this year.
Together, these efforts are designed to increase visibility, responsiveness, and confidence in everyday public spaces. Residents can expect to see more visible patrols and clearly marked safety signage soon.
For more information about the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, visit wpb.org/cra, call (561) 822-1550, email CRA@wpb.org, or follow on social media @wpbcra on Facebook and Instagram.