The City of West Palm Beach is considering selling a 1.16-acre plot of land at 2410 N. Australian Avenue to address the shortage of affordable housing in Palm Beach County. The site, located just a few miles west of The Breakers in Palm Beach, could be developed into a housing campus for The Breakers’ employees. The West Palm Beach City Commission recently declared the land surplus, and on February 18, 2025, the Commission approved a resolution allowing the sale of the City-owned land to create the county’s first employer-backed housing project.
The Breakers, one of Palm Beach’s largest employers, has been exploring workforce housing options for years, as many of its employees struggle to find affordable places to live. With average rents in Palm Beach exceeding $11,000 per month and West Palm Beach rents hovering around $2,400, the resort’s workers often face long commutes or share apartments to make ends meet. The proposed site would provide a more affordable and convenient living option, just 15-20 minutes from the resort.
Palm Beach County is also trying to tackle the issue with a $200 million housing bond and low-interest financing for developers. If successful, this project could set a precedent for other employers in the area, easing housing pressures and allowing workers to live closer to their jobs.
