In West Palm Beach, leadership takes on a different meaning. It’s not just about governing a city, it’s about transforming it into a living example of what opportunity, unity, and vision can achieve. At the heart of this transformation stands Mayor Keith James, the city’s first African-American “Strong Mayor” and one of the most inspiring figures shaping the future of WPB.
A Journey of Resilience and Purpose
Born in Wichita, Kansas, and raised by a single teenage mother, Mayor James grew up learning the true value of hard work, perseverance, and humility. His early experiences, from facing segregation to navigating spaces not built for him, became the foundation of his strength. They didn’t just build resilience, they shaped his vision for a community where everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive.
During a memorable day spent with Mayor James, from lunch to dinner, Malek Semar, our President, discovered more than a story of personal success. He witnessed a vision in action.
“Spending twelve hours with Mayor James was both an honor and a privilege,” says Semar. “His story reflects how leadership rooted in empathy and experience can turn a city into a community of opportunity for all.”
A Vision Crystal Clear: Water, Education, and Equality
Under Mayor James’ leadership, West Palm Beach has become a model for sustainable urban growth. His vision “A Community of Opportunity for All” is not just a slogan. It’s reflected in how the city addresses its most fundamental challenges, including one that connects all life: water.
As Mayor James declared back in 2021, “Water is essential to everyone.” Those words have guided WPB’s strategic water plan, a project he personally helped shape. From infrastructure to innovation, his leadership has turned water from a vulnerability into a source of strength—proof that sustainability and social progress can go hand in hand.
“Water is life,” Semar reminds us. “And in WPB, that truth flows through every initiative.”
The Alchemy of Public, Private, and Community Partnerships
What makes West Palm Beach unique is not only its ambition but its alchemy, the seamless collaboration between public institutions, private actors, and the community. That synergy, visible at every corner of the city, is transforming WPB into what Mayor James calls “The Next Great City.”
This alchemy set the stage for another key encounter: a meeting with Stephen M. Ross, CEO & Chairman of Related Ross, Founder of Related Companies, and owner of the Miami Dolphins. A man whose story also began with a promise to his mother—and who turned a $10,000 loan in 1972 into a multi-billion-dollar empire built on vision, sport, and philanthropy.
A Shared Vision for the Future
When Ross and Mayor James meet, the dialogue naturally extends beyond business. It’s about legacy, impact, water and how cities can thrive through collaboration between private leadership and public vision.
“Water is life. No Water No Us is my drop toward a better world,” says Semar.
Epilogue: The Legacy of WPB
Both men—Keith James and Stephen M. Ross—embody what it means to lead with purpose. One from the public sphere, one from the private, both united by a belief that cities can be engines of opportunity, sustainability, and human connection.
The story of West Palm Beach is still being written, but one thing is clear:
The alchemy between leadership, community, and water is creating a legacy that will endure for generations.
