Palm Beach County drives growth, housing with public-private deals
Writer: Pablo Marquez
September 2025 — A 25-story mixed-use student housing tower is set to rise in downtown West Palm Beach, the product of a $240 million partnership between developer Gilbane and Palm Beach Atlantic University. The project, approved by the county commission, is designed to ease the school’s housing crunch while adding new appeal to the surrounding urban space.
“This project will provide more housing options for students and help ease pressure on the local housing market. We are committed to delivering state-of-the-art facilities that support student life and contribute to the broader vitality of downtown West Palm Beach,” Jeffrey Resetco, senior development director at Gilbane Development, told Profile Miami.
The deal is one of several public-private partnerships, known as PPPs or P3s, supporting Palm Beach County’s growth that combine public oversight with private funding and expertise. Across Florida and the U.S., the model has gained traction and helped local governments stretch taxpayer dollars and deliver projects faster than traditional methods.
Palm Beach County’s Strategic Economic Development Plan leans on partnerships to attract investment, foster collaboration, and strengthen its tax base. The plan focuses on strengthening the tax base, promoting smart growth, enhancing quality of life, and building a resilient, entrepreneurial economy. Key priorities include sustainable land use, affordable housing, transportation, arts and culture, education, and disaster preparedness. The strategy is organized around five core themes: prosperity, sustainability, quality of place, equity and education, and competitive positioning.
“Palm Beach County is fortunate to be a AAA bond-rated county. This allows us to borrow money at a very economical price,” Verdenia Baker, county administrator of Palm Beach County, told Invest:.
“Nevertheless, we do partner with the private sector on some projects. We work closely with non-profit and for-profit organizations as it relates to our housing challenges. The Board of County Commissioners was instrumental in increasing density and intensity to provide incentives for additional workforce housing units. There is a place for partnerships, but we look at opportunities to make sure we are maximizing the public investments.”
Last year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 781, which expanded private sector participation in public projects by allowing them to solicit proposals or accept unsolicited ones from private parties for projects involving building, upgrading, operating, owning, or financing public facilities, as long as certain requirements are met.
Another prime example of private-public partnerships and their impact in Palm Beach County is being carried out by the Business Development Board (BDB) of Palm Beach County. The BDB has facilitated nearly 100,000 square feet of expansion for two innovation-driven companies, Ideal Nutrition and G.O.A.T. Foods. These public-private partnerships will create 300 high-quality jobs and demonstrate the county’s ongoing commitment to building a dynamic, innovation-focused economy.
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