West Palm Beach January 2026

Florida’s Future Is Now: WHAT THE 2026 M. CAST REPORT MEANS FOR PALM BEACH NORTH - By Noel Martinez, Chair, Florida Association of Chamber Professionals; President & CEO, Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce - - Photo courtesy of Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce - 4 W E S T PA L M B E A C H | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 A t the Florida Chamber Annual Meeting held this past October, statewide business leaders convened to examine Florida’s long- term competitiveness and the trends shaping our economic future. One of the most compelling discussions focused on the upcoming 2026 M. Cast Report , which forecasts how Florida’s workforce, business climate, growth, and infrastructure will need to evolve. Entering a new year, its guidance couldn’t be more relevant: growth is here, and our success depends on how well we prepare for it. GROWTH WE CANNOT IGNORE AND SHOULD NOT RESIST Florida continues to attract new residents at one of the fastest rates in the country. This momentum brings opportunity for business expansion, innovation, and talent development. It also demands thoughtful planning in areas like infrastructure, housing affordability, and education alignment. According to the report, the regions that embrace growth with strategy rather than reaction will become Florida’s most competitive communities. That approach is second nature in Palm Beach North, where collaboration has long been our operating model. Our Prosperity Coast ® strategy is built on aligning leaders across business, government, education, and community organizations to shape the region we want with purposeful planning and partnership. THE FUTURE BELONGS TO PREPARED COMMUNITIES As the 2026 M. Cast Report indicates, Florida’s long-term success will hinge on communities that: • Develop and retain a skilled workforce • Advance innovative and high-wage industry sectors • Support attainable housing options • Invest in multimodal transportation and infrastructure • Advocate for smart and business-friendly policy These are not abstract statewide goals. They guide our daily initiatives, our advocacy efforts, and the direction of our upcoming Strategic Plan. WHY IT MATTERS FOR THE PROSPERITY COAST ® The trends highlighted in the M. Cast Report affirm our regional strategy. Smart growth must be paired with strong partnerships. Economic resilience is possible only when collaboration supports every step of our growth. Our Benchmark Trip to Tampa showed how aligned leadership accelerates regional progress, and we see that same collective vision here in Palm Beach North. Together with the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, CareerSource Palm Beach County, and our statewide Chamber partners, we are building a regional economy grounded in collaboration, innovation, and shared prosperity. Our alliances through the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals and the Florida Chamber of Commerce further strengthen this work by connecting us with statewide peers to share insights, replicate success, and advocate for policies that drive prosperity across Florida. LOOKING AHEAD The 2026 M. Cast Report is not just a projection. It is a blueprint for communities ready to lead. Palm Beach North is prepared, aligned, and committed to ensuring prosperity is both created and shared. As we look ahead, our focus remains clear. We will build a region where businesses thrive, talent chooses to stay, and strategic growth benefits everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of the Prosperity Coast with intention through purposeful planning that prepares us for tomorrow’s opportunities. To learn more about our work to advance regional prosperity and how you can join us in shaping Palm Beach North’s future, visit pbnchamber.com . BUSINESS PROFILE