Voices from the Community: Partnering for People-Focused Infrastructure in West Palm Beach

Voices from the Community is a series showcasing how I-SENSE research translates from the lab into the community to create real, local impact. From smart cities and public infrastructure to healthcare innovation and environmental monitoring, these stories highlight how collaborative partnerships bring sensing technologies to life in communities across South Florida and beyond. Building relationships with local governments, nonprofits, neighborhood groups, private organizations and more is the key to making our research meaningful, actionable and embedded in the communities it aims to serve.

 

What does it look like to build a city that works for everyone?

In West Palm Beach, it looks like digital twins (or virtual representations) that model public spaces, mobility sensors that track real-time foot traffic, and community-designed parks enhanced by data to help manage resources, improve services and promote sustainability. Behind all of this is a partnership between Florida Atlantic University’s Sensing Institute (I-SENSE) and the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) — a collaboration that’s setting a new standard for municipal innovation.

Under the leadership of Mayor Keith James, the City of West Palm Beach has made bold investments in improving infrastructure and enhancing quality of life across its neighborhoods. From his affordable housing initiatives, Education Grants Program, and direct service to his community, the Mayor’s vision has set a clear path for sustainable, people-centered growth. At the heart of executing that vision is the West Palm Beach CRA, led by executive director Chris Roog.

“This is the most productive and cooperative municipal partnership we’ve experienced,” said Jason Hallstrom, executive director of I-SENSE. “None of our work in West Palm Beach would be possible without the support of Mayor Keith James and the City’s leadership, and the dedication of Chris Roog and his team in bringing that vision to life. Together, we’ve been able to put real people at the center of the smart-city conversation."

That partnership has grown from a single mobility measurement pilot into a wide-ranging collaboration with the Center for Smart Streetscapes (CS3). Together, this team has launched projects including the WPB Mobility Intelligence Project, the WPB Digital Cousin Project, the Digital Trust for Places and Routines (in partnership with Helpful Places), and a Digital Twin collaboration for Currie Park. These efforts are informed by robust community input through focus groups, forums, intercept surveys and co-design processes.

Chris Roog, executive director of the CRA, has helped drive the collaboration from the start.

“The mission of a CRA is to foster and directly assist in the redevelopment of the Community Redevelopment Areas in order to eliminate blight, create a sustainable downtown, and encourage economic growth,” Roog said. “We do that by improving properties and reinvesting in infrastructure to build a solid tax base, making the whole city more attractive. Under the leadership of Mayor James, we’ve been fortunate to work with I-SENSE on projects that align with the City’s priorities. We’re happy to support their work in West Palm Beach, and in turn, they’ve helped us make smarter, more informed decisions that benefit residents and visitors alike.”

Roog said he was eager to bring data into city decision-making. Support from the Knight Foundation and the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties helped kick-start the pilot program with I-SENSE measuring how people were using public space on Clematis Street. From there, the collaboration took off.

“I wanted data on everything,” Roog said. “Knowing how many people are on the streets, how often cars are on the roads, even how people are using public seating, these are the details that help you understand how your city ticks. Once you know that, you can make improvements that make a difference in people’s lives.”

With that data, the CRA can make more informed decisions about where to invest in streets, parks and public spaces. In one upcoming project, a new community park will include integrated sensor systems that not only enhance safety and comfort but also provide insights to ensure long-term financial sustainability.

For Roog, the partnership with I-SENSE is about more than just technology. It's about using innovation to build a city that works for everyone.

“Thankfully, we’re experiencing a lot of growth, and we need to keep pace — not just with infrastructure, but with affordability, safety, and livability,” he said. “The support I-SENSE provides is helping us figure out how to put public dollars to work in the smartest way possible.”

Looking ahead, Roog said he sees the work in West Palm Beach as a blueprint for others. “Our goal is to create a model city — something that can inspire municipalities across the country.”