There was a great turnout for the recent ULI program, “Turning the Corner: Rethinking and Remaking Downtown” with Downtown Vision’s executive director Terry Lorince and board member John Welch leading the discussion.

Here is an overview of a few main items discussed at the program:

• We need to improve and activate our streets downtown
• The last few years the focus of downtown improvement has been too spread out over too broad of an area
• Scattered development hasn’t been very successful
• Jacksonville is one of the largest downtowns in the country
• The focus now will be more defined as the “core” area of downtown
• Fifty percent of our core area is dead space with parking lots, parking garages and vacant buildings
• By focusing on the core area, we will focus on a more walkable area where venues are connected – people need connectivity in a city
• We need to take a holistic approach to revitalization that includes maintenance, police presence and addressing panhandlers
• Develop a compelling downtown experience – get rid of the notion that there is nothing to do downtown
• We need to create a unique vibe and sense of place
• Attract artists and grow the night life
• Engage retailers and store fronts
• Downtown revitalization is going to take focused and ambitious leadership with a significant and dedicated revenue stream
• Increase employment in the core – attract more businesses downtown
• Increase more downtown residents
• Improve the management of public and private parking resources

Why should residents of Jacksonville care about revitalizing downtown?

• People judge a city by its downtown
• We have fallen behind most of our peer cities

Now, what can residents of Jacksonville do to help revitalize downtown?

• Support these efforts
• Advocate for change
• In the next elections, vote for candidates that have a care and concern for downtown
• Raise the bar for downtown Jacksonville…take pride in your city!

Let us know your thoughts on revitalizing downtown below in our comments section!