Mayor Alvin Brown today announced an agreement on retirement reform with the Jacksonville Association of Firefighters (JAFF), Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), and Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund (JPFPF).

The new agreement is projected to save taxpayers approximately $1.1 billion over 30 years, including almost $50 million in the next Fiscal Year alone (10/1/2013 to 9/30/2014). To put those numbers in perspective, the first year savings alone are the same amount of money needed to pay the compensation of approximately 800 city employees. The savings equal the combined budgets of the Jacksonville Public Libraries and the City Planning and Development Department.

“I greatly respect our brave public safety employees and the important work they do for our community,” said Mayor Brown. “This agreement is a product of partnership between the City and public safety professionals. Together, we have achieved retirement reform that will help ensure financial sustainability for both taxpayers and employees.”

Learn more at www.coj.net/RetirementReform.

Five City of Jacksonville Department of Public Works employees demonstrated excellence in equipment operation and winning skills at the Equipment Rodeo held on Wednesday, April 24, during the American Public Works Association (APWA) Florida Chapter conference held in Jacksonville.

The centerpiece of the day’s event was the Professional Skills Competition held in the parking lot of the Prime Osborn Convention Center. APWA-approved equipment dealers hosted eight challenging and innovative events aimed to test the skills, safety and time of competitors. Types of equipment featured at the event included a mini-excavator, a sewer cleaner, a backhoe loader and a remote-control mower. Competitions included obstacle courses and tasks emphasizing skill and agility.

Bank contributes $70,000 toward pilot project

Wells Fargo and Mayor Alvin Brown announced progress toward the opening of the Jacksonville Day Resource Center (JDRC) for homeless people with the company’s $70,000 contribution toward the pilot project.

Joined by the mayor, the center’s board and partners, Wells Fargo regional president Scott Coble announced the $70,000 contribution in seed funding to help move the project forward. The JDRC will lead a challenge grant campaign to encourage other businesses and community members to become involved as well through contributions.

The Jacksonville City Council is seeking nominations for the 2013 “Robert O. Johnson Good Government Award”.  The award was established by the Jacksonville City Council in 2003 in honor of former City Council Auditor Robert O. Johnson.  Each year, the award is bestowed upon an employee who has demonstrated a sustained and significant contribution to the increased efficiency and effectiveness of the City of Jacksonville or its Independent Agencies.

$11 million reinvestment fund moving forward

Mayor Alvin Brown’s $11 million reinvestment fund to promote Downtown revitalization and citywide job growth is now official.

The plan calls for $9 million to leverage private dollars for Downtown improvement, and an additional $2 million is slated for citywide economic expansion. The investments result from a successful round of debt refinancing at the direction of the Brown Administration. The savings provide an opportunity for Jacksonville to invest in its future without taking on additional debt, using reserves or impacting the city’s solid AA+ bond rating. The refinancing provides $11 million for the 2012-13 fiscal year with additional savings in future years.

Watch video from the bill signing

JaxHappenings Keeps Residents Connected with Activities across the First Coast

Mayor Alvin Brown and the Office of Special Events announced today a new, free mobile app from the City of Jacksonville. The app, JaxHapps, is available now for download on Android devices, iPhone and iPad.

“JaxHappenings.com and the JaxHapps app are great examples of the work our city is doing to embrace technology and create a more effective and efficient reach into the community,” said Mayor Brown. “More than just a day or a night out for residents, special events are a driver for economic development and we should be exploring every option to ensure they are enjoyed by as many people as possible.”

Mayor Alvin Brown focused on strengthening parents’ roles in their kids’ education at his two day education summit on Feb. 28 and March 1, 2013.

The summit, a collaborative effort between the Mayor’s Office and Duval County Public Schools, featured an appearance by famed comedian and education activist Dr. Bill Cosby. The initiative continued the positive momentum in public education engendered by a host of recent successes, including better graduation rates, better school grades and unprecedented community activism.

As part of Mayor Brown’s vision and actions to enhance educational opportunities for Jacksonville’s youth, the summit brought students, teachers, administrators, elected officials and community partners together in an effort to spur action supporting the summit’s theme, “Increasing Parental Involvement.” Learn more

Mayor’s education summit seeks to rally community leaders and inspire students

Mayor Alvin Brown will focus on strengthening parents’ roles in their kids’ education at his upcoming citywide education summit featuring actor and education activist Dr. Bill Cosby.