Mayor Keith James of West Palm Beach warned that anticipated federal budget cuts could reduce funding for city services, including the fire department, Mandel Public Library, Parks and Recreation and Housing and Community Development programs.

The mayor said those cuts could affect programs that residents use daily, such as community paramedics, affordable housing, one-on-one tutoring, after-school care and firefighter staffing, and he described steps city staff will take to limit harm.

"Anticipated federal budget cuts will impact critical funding for services our residents depend on each and every day," Mayor Keith James said. "That means programs like community paramedics, affordable housing, 1 on 1 tutoring, after school care, and even firefighter staffing are all at risk." He told attendees he had "directed our teams to work alongside our community partners to assess these impacts, minimize harm, and find solutions." The mayor used the words "We are planning. We are advocating. And we are acting." to describe the city's approach.

City officials did not provide dollar amounts, a timeline for cuts or specific program reductions during the remarks. The comments were presented as a mayoral statement and direction to staff rather than a formal policy vote or ordinance.

The administration identified the affected program areas by name but did not specify which federal programs or grant lines would be reduced. The mayor framed the city's next steps as assessment and partnership: staff will review impacts, coordinate with community partners and pursue strategies to minimize service disruptions.

Mayor James said the city's commitment to services and opportunity will remain, adding, "These cuts will not define us. West Palm Beach has always been a city that leads with resilience, compassion, and vision." He closed by reiterating the city's pledge to protect services and continue moving West Palm Beach forward.

No follow-up dates, budget figures or formal motions were specified in the remarks; officials or departments responsible for implementing the assessment were not named in the transcript.