DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA):
561-833-8873
301 Clematis Street,
Suite 200, Galleria International Building
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
info@westpalmbeachdda.com
DDA SECURITY
(NON EMERGENCY ITEMS):
561-847-6747
CITY SERVICES (EMERGENCIES): 561-822-2210
CITY HOTLINE: 561-822-2222
POLICE EMERGENCIES: 911 |
City Center info &
video please click here.
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DDA Staff
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Melissa Wohlust, Executive Director
Melissa Wohlust, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority brings over thirteen years of experience in contributing to the vibrant renewal of the Downtown District through social, economic and cultural growth.
Her belief and commitment to the Downtown community is evident in her work. Since she began her career at the DDA 9 years ago, Ms. Wohlust has worked on hundreds of issues affecting the area, serving in numerous roles that involved the City of West Palm Beach, Downtown business and property owners, as well as the area's key stakeholders. She is an advocate for the community on relevant policy issues concerning Downtown as well as quality of life, safety and security issues.
As Executive Director of the DDA since 2006, Ms. Wohlust established a comprehensive strategic plan for the area to reduce retail vacancies, improve the Downtown image, reach out to consumers, address the growing residential community needs, and to enhance the physical environment through capital improvements. The results of these plans are evident. There is a growing vibrancy in the Downtown with a 15% reduction in the vacancy rate over the past three years as well as a 40% reduction in crime Downtown through the implementation of comprehensive DDA Safety Guides and an EDU (Entertainment District Unit) police team. In addition, more people are flocking to the area as the Downtown continues to witness an increase in trolley ridership with 60,000 riders each month. The Downtown also welcomes over 1,000,000 visitors each year specifically for downtown events and has an active residential community and Downtown Neighborhood Association.
Prior to joining the DDA, Ms. Wohlust volunteered her time to develop programs and events designed to showcase the arts and culture in the area. She continues to be active in the community, serving as a member of the Downtown Security Task Force and City of West Palm Beach Cultural Council. She has served on the board of directors for Palm Beach Dramaworks, the Exposure Planning Committee, the Fourth on Flagler Planning Committee, Moonfest Planning Committee and as the chairperson for the Downtown Cultural Entertainment Committee. She also assisted in the development of the Homeward Bound Program and First Presbyterian’s Homeless Outreach Program.
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Roxanne King, Director of Administration
rking@westpalmbeachdda.com
A veteran employee of the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, Roxanne King currently serves as Director of Administration. She began her tenure with the DDA in 1991 as secretary/receptionist. Having spent more than fifteen years helping to grow and promote the organization and its efforts, she plays a vital role in the Agency’s operations.
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Raphael Clemente, Associate Director
rclemente@westpalmbeachdda.com
Raphael Clemente joined the DDA in January of 2006 as Urban Planning and Services Director, bringing with him a multi-disciplinary background and local knowledge. With experience in land use and transportation planning, human scale design, and project management, Mr. Clemente has used his skills to find solutions to community problems in ways that have carried downtown West Palm Beach toward its desired long-term goals. Prior to his arrival at the DDA, Mr. Clemente’s experience included work in both the public and private sector. He has been involved in many different levels of community planning ranging from project management for real estate development, to overseeing the Palm Beach County Greenways and Trails Master Plan in his role as Senior Planner with the Palm Beach Metropolitan Planning Organization. Mr. Clemente holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions, where he was a recipient of the program’s prestigious Environmental Growth Management Fellowship. Mr. Clemente is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), the American Planning Association's professional institute, which provides certification standards for professional planners in ethics, professional development, planning education, and the standards of planning practice.
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Elizabeth Hoffman-Wright, Marketing Director
ewright@westpalmbeachdda.com
Elizabeth Wright joined the DDA team in October 2005. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Michigan State University and has a solid background in Public Relations, Marketing and Journalism. Ms. Wright works to promote the Clematis District through fresh, upbeat marketing campaigns and promotions as well as cutting edge ventures with Downtown business owners. She also works closely with the City Community Events Department and business owners to develop and enhance large scale events that benefit the District.
Ms. Wright is charged with keeping the community informed through weekly and quarterly newsletters, annual reports, as well as the launch and development of Downtown related websites, such as the popular artistic outlet, www.clematiscoffeehouse.com. In addition, she has spearheaded an Education Partnership to produce “action learning” projects that help improve the strategy and results for the DDA, while at the same time, benefiting local universities. Elizabeth is a member of the Palm Beach Community College Career Counseling Network; Fourth on Flagler Committee; International Council of Shopping Centers; West Palm 100; International Downtown Association; International Festivals and Events Association; and the Florida Festivals and Events Association.
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 Debra Miller, Community Coordinator
debbie@westpalmbeachdda.com
Debbie Miller began her career at the DDA in August 2004 and quickly became recognized as a key problem solver, thus rising to the role of Community Coordinator. Ms. Miller works closely with the Downtown businesses as well as residents to address community challenges and improve quality of life issues such as maintenance, landscaping and image. Ms. Miller also heads the Façade Grant program available to Downtown businesses and is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Palm Beach. Prior to her arrival at the DDA, Ms. Miller was employed by the School District of Palm Beach County for more than 10 years.
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Teneka James-Phillips , Business Coordinator
tphillips@westpalmbeachdda.com
Teneka James-Phillips joined the DDA Team in November of 2007 as the Business Coordinator. Teneka earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Florida and has since developed an impressive career including working for the Florida Citrus Sports, Palm Beach County Sports Commission and the American Cancer Society fine tuning her skills in marketing and branding strategies, business development and event planning.
Since joining the DDA team, Teneka has worked extensively on cultivating business relations, retail recruitment, and developing and implementing business incentive programs. She also works closely with Downtown businesses to address their needs and concerns, as well as develop tailored promotions and events. If you are interested in opening a business in the desired Downtown District, Teneka is your contact!
 Belen Arocho, Office Assistant
barocho@westpalmbeachdda.com
The Downtown Development Authority is excited to welcome Belen Arocho to the DDA team as of July, 2009 as the new Office Assistant.
Belen earned her Bachelor's degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University and completed a six month internship with the DDA prior to being hired in July, making her already familiar with the Downtown area, businesses and DDA goals. Throughout her internship, Belen assisted in planning and executing events by working under the guidance of the Business Coordinator and Marketing Director. The Downtown has already been privileged to experience some of her many talents as she worked on the Fashion Rocks Fashion Show, Student Showcase of Films and many other projects including reaching out to business owners, researching sponsorship opportunities, and much more.
Currently, as the new Office Assistant at the DDA, Belen is the first smiling face you see when you enter the DDA. Belen will also be the first person you hear when you call the DDA and will be working on a number of other exciting downtown projects.
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