Building on major new investments by Jacksonville University, Mayor Alvin Brown was joined today by City Council members and Jacksonville University President Tim Cost to announce that the City’s Renew Jax initiative will expand to the Arlington area.  Launched by Mayor Brown in November 2014, Renew Jax is designed to empower and revitalize key Jacksonville neighborhoods and corridors through public-private partnerships.

View the Renew Arlington Fact Sheet

“Arlington is a community that’s ready for a turnaround,” said Mayor Brown.  “It’s a neighborhood with a great past and I believe it can look forward to a great future.  By leveraging public and private investments, we will create new business and job opportunities along with a safer, more vibrant environment for everyone in Arlington.”

Next Step for Renew Jax & Youth Initiatives Focuses on Keeping Young People Out of Trouble

Building on his Renew Jax and Youth initiatives launched last year, Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown today announced a comprehensive series of crime prevention and intervention strategies that involve faith leaders, nonprofit organizations, businesses, parks, youth sports, law enforcement and the juvenile justice system working together to help keep Jacksonville’s young people out of trouble. 

Crime Prevention & Intervention Initiatives Fact Sheet | Watch video from Mayor Brown's speech

“Effective law enforcement is necessary to stop crime,” said Mayor Brown. “But we also know that our community is safest when we prevent crime from happening in the first place. The best way to do that is by all of us working together to provide our children and young people with the positive opportunities and support they need to thrive and follow the right path in life.”

Public Technology Institute Recognizes Jacksonville for High Standards in Citizen Participation, Service Delivery

The Public Technology Institute (PTI) has designated Jacksonville as a “Citizen-Engaged Community”, one of 18 city or county governments nationwide to be recognized for its best practices in engaging citizens through customer service centers, such as the one Jacksonville operates through 630-CITY.
           
Communities’ applications were reviewed for excellence in several areas for their contact centers, including citizen participation processes, integrated communication channels, integrated technology, and performance reporting.

Due to unfortunate events involving law enforcement officers and firefighters throughout our City these past few days and weeks, Council Member Matt Schellenberg called for a press conference where nine other members joined him to show appreciation to the thousands of first responders serving the City of Jacksonville by honoring their charge to protect and serve.

Report Finds Regional Companies That Export Grow Dramatically Faster

Today, the Jacksonville/Northeast Florida Metropolitan Region released an export market assessment, a critical step in the development of a regional export strategy. This strategy is part of JAX/Northeast Florida’s participation in the Global Cities Initiative, a joint project of the Brookings Institution and JPMorgan Chase. Mayor Alvin Brown formed the Metro Jacksonville Global Cities team in 2013 after Jacksonville was selected as one of eight metro areas to join the new export exchange network.  The market assessment evaluates the region’s current export economy and its potential for growth.

In accordance with Ordinance 2005-361-E, the second Committee week and City Council meeting in the month of December are suspended due to the Holiday Season.  The Jacksonville City Council meeting cycle will resume with Standing Committee meetings on Monday, January 5, 2015.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has reopened A1A and the St. Johns River Ferry is now operating.  Thank you for your patience - and for riding the ferry!.

Due to an automobile accident, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has closed AIA (in both directions) between Wonderwood Expressway and the Mayport ferry landing.  As a result, the start of St. Johns River Ferry service today has been temporarily delayed.  A subsequent alert will be issued as soon as AIA is reopened and ferry service resumes.

Study represents first formal review of government structure since Consolidation 46 years ago

The Task Force on Consolidated Government presented its final report and recommendations to Council President Clay Yarborough today in City Council Chambers. The task force, formed by former City Council President Bill Gulliford and chaired by City Councilwoman Lori Boyer, undertook an in-depth review of the history, formation and operation of the consolidated government of Jacksonville including a full examination of all departments, divisions, boards, commissions and independent authorities. Additionally, the group studied the relationship between the Beaches and Baldwin and the Consolidated City of Jacksonville.

The Task Force on Consolidated Government will present its final report and recommendations on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 10 a.m. in City Council Chambers.