Councilwoman Glorious Johnson takes the socio-economic issues facing under served communities of Jacksonville to Washington D.C. the week of September 14th. The economic distress of under served communities is one of the most pressing issues facing Jacksonville. The lack of businesses and jobs fuels not only a crushing cycle of increasing poverty but also crippling social problems, increasing high school drop-out rates, drug abuse and crime in our minority communities. The establishment of a sustainable economic base together with employment opportunities, wealth creation, role models, and improved local infrastructure is critical to the future well-being of all communities in Jacksonville. Poverty and loss of hope and faith is on the rise among the minority and underserved communities, businesses and families in Jacksonville. Councilwoman Glorious Johnson takes these issues front and center to Washington D.C. to ensure that the voices of those without a voice are heard by leaders of the Obama Administration and Congressional leaders.

States Councilwoman Johnson “The current economic downturn forces all of Jacksonville to confront its ability to compete in the global economy. It is critical for Jacksonville to ensure that progressive job creation models are imported to our most distressed communities that will produce a more productive and ready workforce for the 21st century. I have heard the voices in our communities echo this point loud and clear. I intend to take the message of these voices to Washington D.C. to ensure they are heard and in hope that we can engage leaders in the issues that face Jacksonville”

Distressed and underserved communities in Jacksonville have some of the highest poverty and unemployment rates in Florida, including unemployment of over 50% with one census tract. This affects all of Jacksonville and its ability to compete in the global economy. To reverse this alarming trend, we must leverage Jacksonville's key assets-innovation, infrastructure, human capital and access to capital. Councilwoman Johnson will meet with leaders such as White House Urban Affairs Policy Director Alejandro Carrion, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, Congressman Alan Grayson, Civil Rights Division (Justice Department) Assistant Attorney General Loretta King, Sheila Bair, Chairman of FDIC, and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Barbara Lee to echo these issues facing Jacksonville.