J Magazine Fall 2017

THE FINAL WORD
Public and private
investments fueling
Downtown progress
LENNY
CURRY
PHONE
(904) 630-1776
EMAIL
MayorLennyCurry
@coj.net
here is great momentum in Jacksonville.
With strong economic
T
growth, a vibrant business environment
and thousands of new jobs across
a variety of sectors, these are exciting times
for the city we love.
This is especially true of Downtown Jacksonville.
Progress in our urban core includes increased public and
private investment, infrastructure improvements, major
commercial projects and attractive new opportunities for
living and playing Downtown.
Downtown is the heart of a community. An attractive,
stimulating and thriving city center communicates a city’s
unique character. That’s because a great downtown is a
center of activity for culture, entertainment commerce
and living. It showcases a city’s strengths and values.
That’s why I’m determined to transform Downtown Jacksonville
into a place that shows the world what a dynamic
city we are.
Over the last two years, approximately $30 million
in public investment has been devoted to improving
downtown. The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA),
a key partner with the City of Jacksonville on urban core
revitalization, uses public dollars generated through the
Downtown Development Trust Fund and Community
Redevelopment Area resources to create incentives
designed to spur economic growth in the central city. I
work closely with the DIA to ensure that projects achieve
the highest possible return on our investments of taxpayer
resources. These investments are guided by two main
principles: smart and responsible fiscal management,
and leveraging public dollars to attract private dollars.
Government can’t do it alone. Many have heard me
repeat an adage often used, stating that “you can’t be
a suburb of nowhere.” Downtown is important to our
city, requiring all of Jacksonville to share and support its
success. Success demands collaboration. Private sector
investment is the real key to achieving truly big, bold and
innovative things downtown. It is a City priority to create
a business climate that supports and engages private
investors, as well as other stakeholders.
Since my election more than two years ago, I have kept
Downtown development as a top priority and maintained
my commitment to getting things done. I’m happy to
report that the results validate our strategies, and I can
proudly say Downtown Jacksonville is beginning to thrive.
That $30 million public commitment has sparked private
capital investment resulting in more than $250 million of
Downtown development. Economic development projects
have added 950 jobs downtown. Major infrastructure
enhancements include street lighting and parking
improvements. A free Wi-Fi network is allowing citizens,
visitors and downtown workers to access the Internet on
their computers and mobile devices.
Several major residential projects currently under
construction will breathe more life and energy into our
downtown core. Investments in commercial, residential
and retail projects will result in more than 1,000 new
apartment units, a 131-room hotel, and 82,000 square feet
of renovated commercial, office and retail space.
Expanded entertainment offerings include the
growing Elbow entertainment district. The new state-ofthe-art
amphitheater at EverBank Field will attract more
visitors and premium events to the area. New restaurants
and shopping venues, the new Winston Family YMCA
and colorful displays of public art throughout downtown
add to a growing list of diverse attractions for all ages and
interests.
Want more proof that Jacksonville’s city center is becoming
a premier destination? National media are taking
notice of downtown’s evolution. We’ve ranked high in
several national lists in recent years including Huffington
Post’s “5 Secretly Cool Cities,” Forbes’ “Cities with the
Most Vibrant Employment Scene” and Global Trade’s
“Cities for Logistics Infrastructure.” Additionally, the
American Planning Association named Laura Street one
of the top five best thoroughfares in the U.S., highlighting
the street’s use as a hub for community activities, like the
monthly Art Walk.
Of course, there is much work to be done, but I am
excited about our progress so far and see great potential
for the future. From riverfront improvements, to the restoration
of the Laura Street Trio and the development of the
Shipyards, I look forward to many more big and bold projects
that reshape and reinvigorate the heart of our city.
Continuing Downtown Jacksonville’s transformation
into a showcase for residents and visitors alike, and an
attractive space for commercial growth and innovation,
remains a top priority of my administration. We will continue
to commit to projects and partnerships that involve
visionary ideas, attract private investment and encourage
economic growth. We are building a Downtown Jacksonville
that every citizen can enjoy with pride.
LENNY CURRY has been the 44th mayor of Jacksonville
since 2015. He and his wife Molly and their three children
live in San Marco.
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J MAGAZINE | FALL 2017