I have lived in West Palm Beach for 38 years. I have served this city as a commissioner, and now as mayor, because I believe deeply in what we can become — not just for today, but for generations to come.
On Feb. 17, we will take another significant step towards establishing West Palm Beach as America’s defense technology hub. On that date, the city will host the inaugural Defense Tech Leadership Summit with Amazon Web Services, Vanderbilt University and Related Ross. This summit will serve as a critical convening point where the Department of War and its partners converge to collaborate and accelerate defense innovation.
Keith A. James is the mayor of West Palm Beach. (courtesy, Keith A. James, photography by Lauren Lieberman / LILA PHOTO)
Throughout my public service career, I have learned that achieving a truly sustainable community involves more than just erecting buildings and expecting growth to follow. A sustainable community must be inclusive, created through partnerships and collaboration. In this summit, each organization brings something essential to the table: Amazon Web Services provides secure technology infrastructure that enables rapid development of defense innovations; Vanderbilt University’s $520 million graduate campus will train the next generation of professionals in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and defense technology right here in West Palm Beach; and Related Ross is creating the “City of Ideas,” where defense contractors, technology startups and researchers can work side by side.
As mayor of this great city, I believe the most important fact about this summit is that it represents the creation of new pathways to possibility for our residents. As the city becomes a defense technology hub, I envision a future where local welders are fabricating components for autonomous systems, where local electricians are installing secure communications infrastructure, where local engineers are designing next-generation defense technologies, and where software developers are building artificial intelligence systems. West Palm Beach will attract high-paying careers in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing, which will enable local families to build real wealth without leaving our community.
Our geographical location is ideal for this bright future. West Palm Beach is within reach of more than 20 military installations and three major combatant commands — SOUTHCOM, headquartered in Doral, and CENTCOM and SOCOM in Tampa. Florida’s $95 billion defense and aerospace sector provides the mature workforce and supply chains that companies need. The benefits of this geographic concentration are immeasurable.
This summit will elevate West Palm Beach’s contributions to our nation’s security in profound ways. West Palm Beach becomes essential to mission success by bringing together defense leaders to share ideas and clear a path for new innovative approaches. By accelerating the development of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence for defense applications, we are strengthening America’s AI leadership and U.S. competitiveness. The innovations designed here — from autonomous aircraft to advanced cybersecurity systems — will protect our service members and strengthen our national defense for decades to come. West Palm Beach will not just be participating in this mission — it will be essential to the mission.
For 38 years, I have watched this city grow and change. As mayor, I sincerely believe West Palm Beach can continue to grow into something even more special — a place where opportunity is not reserved for the few, but is available to all. We can become the place where defense innovation happens; where the technologies that will define 21st-century defense are prototyped and tested; where young people can build careers in cutting-edge industries without leaving home; where skilled workers can support their families with dignity and pride; and where the city of West Palm Beach can be honored by its contributions to the national security of our nation.
That is the West Palm Beach we are building together, and I am proud to be building it with you.
Keith A. James is the mayor of West Palm Beach.
