West Palm Beach is undergoing a dramatic transformation, emerging as a vibrant hub for technology and finance—an evolution driven by a unique public-private-educational partnership. At the heart of this movement are Mayor Keith James, Palm Beach State College President Ava L. Parker, and Related Ross Vice Chair Eric Silagy, working alongside visionary developer Stephen Ross. Together, they participated in a panel discussion at the RiseUp with ServiceNow event to discuss how they are working together to reshape the city’s future and broadening opportunities, especially in technology, for all its residents.

Mayor Keith James has long championed the idea of West Palm Beach as a “community of opportunity for all.” His vision found a powerful ally in Stephen Ross, founder of Related Companies, who has shifted his focus exclusively to South Florida through his new venture, Related Ross. Rather than simply constructing buildings, Ross is investing in the fabric of the community—emphasizing sustainable growth that includes employment, housing, and educational opportunities.

“Stephen is putting his money where his heart is,” James said, highlighting Ross’s commitment to building not just infrastructure, but a thriving, inclusive community. This approach is manifesting in major investments, such as the $10 billion Related Ross plans to deploy in West Palm Beach, encompassing office space, residential developments, retail, and hospitality.

Central to this collaborative effort is the partnership with Palm Beach State College (PBSC). President Ava L. Parker, J.D. has made it her mission to ensure that local students—over 75% of whom wish to remain in the community—have pathways to meaningful careers. “It takes a public entity with a vision that is met with a private partner with the resources and a vision to make this all happen,” Parker noted.

A landmark initiative is the Stephen M. Ross Emerging Scholars Program, funded by an $8 million gift from Ross through the Related Together foundation. This program guarantees full scholarships to Palm Beach State College for every graduate of Palm Beach Lakes and Forest Hill High Schools, while also supporting college readiness programs and early college academies focused on STEM fields. “Together, we are investing in our young people with early college programs and expanding a qualified workforce for businesses to thrive right here in Palm Beach County,” Parker said.

PBSC is also raising the “IT IQ” of its students, launching advanced technology hubs and an artificial intelligence lab to ensure graduates are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. The college’s agility in responding to industry needs—such as retraining workers displaced by automation—has been praised by business leaders like Silagy, who described PBSC as “refreshing and unusual” in its willingness to adapt its curriculum the needs of local employers.

Ross’s vision is clear: West Palm Beach is poised to become the “next Silicon Valley.” The city’s tech sector is booming, with over 2,100 tech companies contributing $26.4 billion to the local economy as of 2024, and more than 15,000 tech jobs created between 2018 and 2022.  And PBSC is ensuring its students are equipped to meet those workforce needs with new degree and certificate programs in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

This partnership exemplifies how aligning public leadership, private investment, and educational innovation can create a self-sustaining ecosystem of opportunity. “It’s about knowing that you have to engage and be part of the community and you have to listen to what the community needs and be part of solving those problems,” said Silagy.

As West Palm Beach continues its ascent, the city stands as a model for how intentional collaboration can drive economic mobility, close opportunity gaps, and inspire the next generation to envision—and achieve—a future in tech, finance, and beyond.