Having served on the board since January 2014, Gibbs has contributed to the urban core’s myriad development projects including the Laura Street Trio, the reawakening of Hemming Plaza into Hemming Park, and the residential Lofts of Monroe, LaVilla and Jefferson Station.

Gibbs expressed his commitment to shepherding new projects through the DIA board process.

“Projects like the disposition of the former Duval County Courthouse/City Hall waterfront properties, the development of the Shipyard and Lot J, and the rejuvenation of the Jacksonville Landing site are crucial to revitalizing the city’s center,” said Gibbs. “I hope to use my many years of experience to support Mayor Curry’s continuing effort to promote a healthy and vibrant downtown.”

Gibbs was a two-term member of the former Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC) where he helped facilitate the addition of 1,700 new jobs generating $89 million in new annual payroll. He also served on the Jacksonville Super Bowl XXXIX Host Committee, which succeeded in bringing the first Super Bowl game to the city. A committed community advocate, he currently serves or has served on the boards of the Clara White Mission, the AME Housing Agency of Florida, the Jewish Family and Community Service’s Citizen’s Advisory Board, the Jax Children’s Commission and GlobalJax.

About the Downtown Investment Authority: Great cities have great downtowns. The Downtown Investment Authority was established by the City of Jacksonville to revitalize Jacksonville’s urban core by utilizing Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) resources and is guided by a nine-member board of directors. The DIA seeks to attract investment, facilitate job creation and increase residential density through capital investments, planning, advocacy, marketing and the establishment of policy. For more information, visit www.dia.coj.net.