Letter from DOWNTOWN VISION’S CHAIR & CEO
OUR WORK SUPPORTING DOWNTOWN AND SERVING OUR STAKEHOLDERS CONTINUES FOR A 25TH YEAR
As Jacksonville’s only Business Improvement District, we at Downtown Vision are proud of the work we do to create and support a vibrant Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. This Annual Report summarizes our areas of focus and showcases the value we provide to our stakeholders: from property and business owners to residents and visitors, to interested investors, to City leaders and civic organizations.
With billions of dollars in the development pipeline for Downtown —guided by public-private partnerships between the development community and the City of Jacksonville’s Downtown Investment Authority (DIA,) Downtown is becoming a model of smart growth, resilience and vitality. The surge in population into North Florida over the past five years is generating new opportunities for businesses and amenities to thrive as they meet the needs of our growing and diverse community. We recognize that there is still progress to be made and challenges presented that will require sustained strategic investment and collaboration in order to build the Downtown that Jacksonville deserves.
The contributions that Downtown Vision has made to this progress would not be possible without the dedication of our partners and stakeholders, including property and business owners, our Board of Directors, Mayor Donna Deegan, the Jacksonville City Council, the DIA, community leaders, and our funders and sponsors. We also extend our gratitude to our hardworking staff, whose efforts
drive Downtown Vision’s mission to create and support a thriving Downtown—promoting it as an exciting place to live, work, visit and invest.
In FY2024, Downtown Vision achieved significant milestones, including the launch of the Riverwalk To Go Cups Program in collaboration with the DIA and the City of Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department—creating more recreational opportunities in this key Downtown public space. We also expanded the footprint of the monthly Third Thursday Sip & Stroll Presented by PNC Bank along the Southbank Riverwalk, bolstering another contribution to Jacksonville’s event scene. We still focus on activation through events like the First Wednesday Art Walk, which attracts thousands of visitors each month to support Downtown’s street-level restaurants, retailers and cultural amenities, and through placemaking. Our PlacemakingJax initiative is supporting a growing cultural community that seeks to help transform underused spaces in and around Downtown into vibrant public places, while expanding the community’s capacity for high-level activation. We invite you to explore our work at Downtown Vision in the following pages, connect with us on social media (@DTJax), sign up for our newsletters, and attend our meetings and events. Thank you for your ongoing support—here’s to another year of working hard to create and support a dynamic Downtown Jacksonville.
Jacob A. Gordon, Esq., CEO Downtown Vision, Inc.
Paul Davison, Board Chair Assurance Office Managing Principal, BDO USA (retired)
DOWNTOWN JACKSONVILLE About
875 SQUARE MILES
The consolidated city of Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the contiguous U.S.
3.9 SQUARE MILES
Composed of eight distinct districts, Downtown sits on the St. Johns River centered in the heart of Jacksonville, Florida.
1.3 SQUARE MILES
The Business Improvement District provides valuable services to property owners, residents, employees and visitors.
DOWNTOWN VISION
DOWNTOWN JACKSONVILLE’S BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)
Founded in 2000, Downtown Vision is the Business Improvement District (BID) for Downtown Jacksonville, a not-for-profit organization funded mainly by Downtown’s property owners through a self-assessment. We’re governed by a large board of directors representing diverse Downtown stakeholders. Our corporate structure includes both a 501(c)6 non-profit business association and a 501(c)3 charitable organization, providing our members and supporters with a wide range of support and benefits.
STRATEGIC AREAS OF FOCUS
OUR MISSION
Create and support a vibrant Downtown and promote Downtown as an exciting place to live, work, visit and invest.
OUR VISION
A dynamic, 24-hour, pedestrian-friendly Downtown Jacksonville that serves as the premier center for the arts, dining, retail, entertainment, business and urban living in Northeast Florida.
A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP FOR DOWNTOWN
Downtown Vision is tightly aligned to the vision, mission and priorities of the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA), the Community Redevelopment Agency and economic development arm of the City of Jacksonville for Downtown. This enables private sector integration in the execution of the Business Investment and Development Plan and benefits the property owners in the BID, the businesses that operate here and their employees and customers.
JAX Chamber
Urban Land Institute
Florida Downtowns
International Downtown Association
Nine PrinciplesTHAT WE CARE ABOUT
In our role as the Business Improvement District (BID) for Downtown Jacksonville, we live our mission of helping make DTJax a better place to live, work, visit and invest. In FY2023, we formulated nine guiding principles to improve Downtown, drawing from our day-to-day work in Downtown; our partnerships with the City of Jacksonville, the Downtown Investment Authority and civic collaborators; insights gained from consultant-led focus groups involving community leaders and developers; subject matter experts on Mayor Deegan’s Downtown subcommittee, as well as surveys targeting residents, employees and visitors.
In no particular order, these principles are designed to help Downtown’s public and private partners stay true to what will be most beneficial, as we continue to work together for the betterment of the heart of our city.
IMPLEMENTATION OF (AND AMPLE FUNDING FOR) THE CITY’S DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN (INCLUDING THE DOWNTOWN INVESTMENT AUTHORITY AND ITS CRA PLAN AND BID PLAN)
Public investment is a transformative force in creating the Downtown we all want. Supporting the implementation of the City’s Downtown Master Plan, which includes the DIA’s CRA Plan and BID Plan requires adequate funding, streamlined processes, strategic advocacy, and strengthened capacities within the DIA.
A STRONG SENSE OF PLACE THROUGH PUBLIC INVESTMENT AND METICULOUS MAINTENANCE
Public investment and meticulous maintenance are essential to creating a strong sense of place. “Curb appeal” is an essential factor in economic development and requires strong pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, ample and well maintained public realm assets—including lighting and signage—and landscaping, and vibrant and active parks. Enhancing the visual appeal, functionality, and overall atmosphere of Downtown attracts residents, businesses and visitors alike.
A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT WHERE ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE FEELS SAFE
Ensuring a welcoming and safe environment for everyone is a priority. Coordinated efforts, targeted homelessness outreach, enhanced security measures, and investments in infrastructure and lighting work together to create a downtown that feels inviting and inclusive.
MORE THINGS TO DO! (EX. RESTAURANTS, RETAIL, CULTURE, EVENTS & TOURISM AMENITIES)
Diverse cultural, entertainment and recreational offerings and activated public places fosters a distinctive identity and a sense of place that resonates with both residents and visitors. Strategic investments, regulatory and permitting adjustments, and community engagement are proposed to achieve this and make Downtown an exciting destination.
AN ACCESSIBLE AND CONNECTED DOWNTOWN FOCUSED ON PEOPLE NOT CARS
A shift from car-centric urban design to a people-centric approach is crucial. Prioritizing pedestrians, bicycles and public transportation creates an accessible, safe, wellconnected and environmentally sustainable Downtown that enhances well-being and quality of life.
A RESILIENT AND HISTORICALLY PRESERVED DOWNTOWN
Balancing historical preservation with forward-looking resiliency strategies is key. Preserving historic buildings contributes to the character of downtown, and being prepared for climate change impacts ensures a vibrant and connected environment for the future.
EASED BARRIERS TO DEVELOPMENT
(EX. STREAMLINED PERMITTING & INCENTIVE SUPPORT)
Addressing barriers in development requires streamlined permitting, robust funding incentive support, requirement flexibility, and coordination between City departments to stimulate economic growth, accommodate diverse projects, and transform the urban landscape.
A MORE LIVEABLE DOWNTOWN WITH ALL THE THINGS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO OVERALL WELL-BEING
Downtown is Different. Rules, plans and standards should reflect Downtown’s unique character, dense environment, walkability and public transit options. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
A plentiful and diverse residential base supports the Downtown ecosystem and is critical to Downtown’s success. A liveable Downtown requires well-maintained infrastructure, thoughtful urban planning, affordable housing, quality jobs, educational resources, and medical services, and great third places. A thriving community with a strong sense of belonging, safety, connectivity, and overall well-being, will cultivate a prosperous Downtown.
DOWNTOWN IS DIFFERENT
Downtown Vision IN RECENT
YEARS
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2024 2023
• Launched Social Service Outreach Division
• Started Place Management of The Corkscrew Outdoor Gyms
• Hit 100,000 Followers on Social Media
• Launched Place Management Ambassador Division
• Launched Florida Downtowns - an affiliation of urban place management organizations throughout Florida.
• Jacksonville City Council Renews Downtown Vision BID for Seven Years
• Launched New DTJax.com
• Launched DTJax e-Gift Card
• Launched DTJax Online Shop
• Celebrated 20 Years of Downtown Vision
• Received First Coast Relief Fund Grant to Enhance Clean & Safe Services During COVID-19
• Northbank Riverwalk Ramp Mural Complete
• Started Quarterly Downtown Community Cleanups
• Established Social Service Outreach Center + Doubled Team
• Launched Jax River Jams Presented by VyStar Credit Union
• District Expansion
• Launched Sip & Stroll Presented by PNC
• Launched Furyk & Friends Partnership
• Hosted ULI Florida Summit After Party
• Launched PlacemakingJax
• Northbank Riverwalk Cow Mural Complete
• Opened HQ & Community Meeting Space
• Launched Quarterly Data Dashboards
• Celebrated 20 Years of First Wednesday Art Walk
• Rebranded The Elbow Nightlife District
• Launched, Designed and Implemented the Riverwalk To Go Cup Program with the City of Jacksonville and Downtown Investment Authority
• Expanded Sip & Stroll Footprint to Include the Renovated Friendship Fountain
District Services KEEPING DOWNTOWN CLEAN & SAFE
THE CORNERSTONE OF A GREAT DOWNTOWN IS A CLEAN, SAFE AND HOSPITABLE ENVIRONMENT, WHICH IS WHY WE FOCUS ON IT SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
Key in supporting our mission, the Downtown Ambassadors work across four divisions to provide extra eyes and ears on the street, to clean the public realm, reach out to those in need and help to activate public spaces, improving the overall Downtown experience.
AMBASSADOR DIVISIONS:
• SAFETY & HOSPITALITY DIVISION
• CLEAN DIVISION
• SOCIAL SERVICES OUTREACH DIVISION
• PLACE MANAGEMENT DIVISION
In FY2024, the program further dedicated 40 hours per week staffing the Skyway monorail system in partnership with the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) and supported 37 special events, driving visitors to Downtown restaurants, retailers and cultural attractions. Additionally,
the Ambassadors removed nearly 100 tons of litter and debris, provided 149 safety and umbrella escorts and conducted more than 4,300 check-ins with local businesses.
Downtown Vision continued its collaboration with City Rescue Mission (CRM) to operate the Next Step Ambassador Program. Through this program, individuals experiencing homelessness are provided with full-time employment working hand-in-hand with the Downtown Ambassadors on cleaning, safety and hospitality initiatives. They are provided with job training, experience and a living wage along with the shelter, transportation and life-skills guidance they receive from CRM, helping them to obtain stable housing and long-term employment.
Additionally, we continued operating the Social Services Outreach Division of the Downtown Ambassador Program. This division works daily to build relationships with the unhoused community in Downtown, assess their needs, provide gap case management services — such as transportation, documentation, and resource application assistance — and connect them with service providers offering long-term support. During the reporting period, the division provided outreach and support to more than 1,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in Downtown.
CORE AMBASSADOR SERVICES:
15,000+ HOSPITALITY ASSISTS
97+ TONS OF LITTER REMOVED
3,000+ GRAFFITI TAGS REMOVED
4,300+ BUSINESS CHECK-INS
SOCIAL SERVICES OUTREACH:
1,046 CLIENTS SERVED
1,033 DOCUMENTATION ASSISTS 212 TRANSPORTATION FACILITATIONS
ENGAGING & CONNECTING STAKEHOLDERS TO SOLUTIONS Stakeholder Support
As the primary support organization for Downtown’s private property owners, we stay attuned to the needs of the Downtown community, advocate on behalf of our stakeholders and keep them informed on issues affecting the Downtown experience.
Our Quarterly Stakeholder Meetings serve as a platform for information sharing and idea exchange for the Downtown community. In FY2024, discussions covered updates on the Emerald Trail, the impact of City Year school programs, MOCA’s 100th Anniversary programming, advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, efforts to create complete and healthy communities and research programs focused on improving pedestrian safety. Our monthly security meetings with Downtown property managers, security personnel and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office help maintain open lines of communication to address safety, security and quality-of-life issues in Downtown.
We also work directly with stakeholders to address everyday concerns, such as nuisance and blight reporting, as well as events and street closures. In partnership with the Downtown Investment Authority, Downtown Dwellers, Build Up Downtown, St. Johns Riverkeeper, NextUp Jax and 904 Happy Hour, we host quarterly community cleanups to engage residents and stakeholders across various Downtown districts. This year, our cleanups resulted in an average of more than 250 bags of trash removed from LaVilla, Cathedral Hill, Brooklyn, and the Emerald Trail.
SHOWCASING THE HEART OF OUR CITY Marketing
At the core of our marketing efforts, we position Downtown as a thriving epicenter for business, history, culture, education and entertainment in the North Florida region. For over two decades, our website DTJax.com has served as the instrumental online resource for locals and visitors alike, supplying up-to-date maps, event calendars, parking details and other critical information on Downtown.
We further engage with the Downtown community across a variety of social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Threads and X) to share real time updates on Downtown happenings, partner with local businesses on promotions and giveaways, and collaborate with influencers to promote Downtown’s amenities. Our weekly #DTJax e-newsletters highlight news, events and development updates for our 13,000+ subscribers and we send information and safety updates as needed to provide crucial updates on Downtown security and logistics issues.
In collaboration with the Downtown Investment Authority, in 2024 we maintain two additional websites: InvestDTJax.com and LiveDTJax.com. InvestDTJax.com is geared toward attracting investors, featuring details on available incentives and a comprehensive real estate map showcasing private and City-owned properties. LiveDTJax.com focuses on welcoming new residents by offering a resource guide to help them settle into Downtown living.
1.1 MILLION+ Page Views on DowntownJacksonville.com
190,000+ Social Media Followers
6 MILLION Cross-channel Impressions
13,000+ e-Newsletter Subscribers
Research TELLING THE STORY OF DOWNTOWN THROUGH DATA
As the primary aggregator of information for Downtown, we track and analyze trends that reflect its performance across key indicators of of urban revitalization including development and investment, residential demand, office market, transportation and infrastructure enhancements, tourism health and daily foot traffic. Through annual and customized reports, we narrate the story of Downtown’s ongoing transformation.
Leveraging insights from a multitude of data sources, we produce the annual State of Downtown Report, offering an 18-month snapshot of significant trends related to Downtown’s progress. This cornerstone publication highlights an array of private and public development projects, residential expansion, riverfront revitalization, preservation of historic properties and the creation of inclusive public amenities. We analyze foot traffic, visitor behavior and trade area data with geofencing technology, providing tailored insights to developers, investors and partners. Additionally, we conduct annual surveys with Downtown residents, workers and visitors to capture their experiences and perceptions of the Downtown area. This feedback aids in identifying needs and tracking shifts in opinions and behaviors over time.
1.
/ bike-ability
1. Panhandling / loitering 2. Lack of sense of place /
Events BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER DOWNTOWN
We showcase the diverse business community, cultural amenities and public spaces of Downtown through our signature events. These events serve as economic drivers for local restaurants and retailers, engage the regional artistic community and create inviting settings for individuals to explore Downtown.
SIP & STROLL PRESENTED BY PNC BANK
Launched in November 2021, this free, monthly event welcomed more than 11,000 people to the Downtown riverfront in FY2024 and hosted hundreds of local artists throughout the year. We continued to activate an expanded footprint including the newly upgraded Friendship Fountain. In the Fall months, the team partnered with local cultural groups – Rio Latino, Jax Caribbe and Jax Filipinos – for a series of “Cultural Takeovers” of the event to celebrate Jacksonville’s diversity.
DTJAX.COM/SIPANDSTROLL
FIRST WEDNESDAY ART WALK
Our hallmark event continues to bring thousands of friends and families to Downtown each month to explore Jacksonville’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Partnering with local businesses and Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park, Art Walk welcomed over 64,000 attendees in FY2024.
DTJAX.COM/ARTWALK
APRIL 4: RODNEY ATKINS with Levon, Jackie Stranger and Rambler Kane
APRIL 11: BISHOP BRIGGS with Future Joy, Kenzie’s Place with Kale That Raps and Coyboi
APRIL 18: EARTHGANG with L.O.V.E. Culture ft. Ebonique, Wahid & Mr. Al Pete, Jeff Skigh ft. Baybro, Figga Da Kid, King Ca$hes & Twicee and Full Plate Fam
APRIL 25: ANDY GRAMMER with Let’s Ride Brass Band, The Apostle Floyd Encounter and Madison Hughes
JAX RIVER JAMS PRESENTED BY VYSTAR CREDIT UNION
In its fourth year, the free concert series— hosted in collaboration between DVI, the City of Jacksonville and the Florida Theatre—took place every Thursday in April at Ford on Bay, right in the heart of the Elbow Nightlife District. Spanning four weeks, it showcased a diverse range of music genres that reflected Jacksonville’s rich cultural tapestry. By pairing local openers with national acts, we proudly highlighted the city’s vibrant music scene. In FY2024, nearly 17,000 music lovers attended.
Annual Fundraising Events
DOWNTOWN VISION’S
SIGNATURE ANNUAL EVENTS
At the 10th annual DTJax Awards, Downtown supporters and community leaders gathered to celebrate projects, organizations and individuals who have made a significant impact on Downtown’s progress.
2024 #DTJAX AWARD WINNERS
DOWNTOWN AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR: BRANDY HICKS
Award to honor a Downtown Ambassador who continually goes above and beyond in their service of Downtown’s stakeholders, residents, employees and visitors
RETAIL PROJECT OF THE YEAR: HARDWICK’S BAR
A new retail project that has created an amenity for Downtown residents, employees and visitors through remarkable design and unique offerings
DOWNTOWNER OF THE YEAR: TIM COST, JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW
An individual who in 2024 has demonstrated inspirational leadership and has made strides to create and support a vibrant Downtown
DOWNTOWN PROJECT OF THE YEAR: FRIENDSHIP FOUNTAIN
A project that has significantly enhanced the economic revitalization of Downtown through the activation of underutilized buildings, job creation or leading design practices
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: CHAMBLIN’S UPTOWN
A street-level retailer who has enhanced the Downtown experience for everyone living, working and visiting DTJax
DOWNTOWN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: JOHN SILVEIRA, RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET
Award that recognizes an individual or organization for a significant body of work that reinforces Downtown as the premier center for arts, dining, retail, entertainment, business and/or urban living in Northeast Florida.
LOOKING BACK AT THE 9TH ANNUAL DTJAX GALA:
Our 9th annual DTJax Gala: Duval Rouge – the must-attend party of the year –welcomed more than 380 guests to experience the opulence of the Belle Èpoque in #DTJax. Downtown Vision’s Events team transported attendees to the glittering world of 19th-century Paris as we raised funds for PlacemakingJax initiatives.
Placemaking
CREATING PLACES BY AND FOR PEOPLE
Public space beautification, activation and management play fundamental roles in creating exceptional experiences for a lively downtown. At Downtown Vision, we focus on enhancing the public realm in collaboration with community partners, giving people reasons to linger longer, explore and create lasting memories that bring them back to Downtown Jacksonville.
Introduced in 2022, PlacemakingJax provides technical support and program funding to engage the community, remove barriers and transform underused public spaces into celebrated community places.
PLACEMAKINGJAX AIMS TO ADDRESS THE SHORTAGE OF ACTIVITIES IN DOWNTOWN BY OPERATING WITH TWO GOALS IN MIND:
1. Enhancing Community Liveliness by Activating Underutilized Spaces in Downtown
2. Cultivating Local Producers Through Educational, Networking and Practical Opportunities
Each year, PlacemakingJax holds an open call for project ideas and convenes a task force of specialists—drawing on their industry knowledge, years of lived experiences and strong community ties—to evaluate and guide the work. Through this competitive process, local creatives are selected by the task force to develop and implement at least eight activations in Downtown’s underutilized spaces. Once chosen, selected projects receive funding, technical expertise and support from Downtown Vision’s PlacemakingJax to bring their creative visions to life. In FY2024, PlacemakingJax received 106 project submissions through the open call.
Additionally in FY2024, PlacemakingJax launched its inaugural Placemaking School, offering a four-session curriculum for local producers. This program introduced best practices for activating underutilized spaces, provided exposure to local and national creative-placemaking leaders and included hands-on experiences. Classes and
workshops addressed topics such as permitting, fundraising, placemaking 101, project management, activation marketing and national placemaking best practices—equipping Jacksonville’s emerging producers with the practical skills needed to bring their ideas to life.
Annually, PlacemakingJax hosts Community Office Hours to foster networking, collaboration and community integration—key components for successful placemaking. By partnering with Downtown businesses, these sessions create synergy among participants, strengthen ties with local businesses and enhance connections within Jacksonville’s creative community. DTJAX.COM/PLACEMAKINGJAX
DOWNTOWN VISION’S PLACEMAKING PRINCIPLES:
• Advocate For Walkability, Bikeability and Vibrancy
• Activate the Public Realm and Streetscape with Resident-Led Programming
• Enhance Public Space via Principles of Urban Planning and Tactical Urbanism
• Engage the Community to Make Public Spaces More Public
ALL EDUCATIONAL AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED THROUGH PLACEMAKINGJAX ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND FREE OF CHARGE.
Placemaking
YEAR IN REVIEW
In FY2024, PlacemakingJax 2.0 enhanced Downtown's liveliness with an inclusive programming portfolio that reflected the community's diversity. Below are half of the projects facilitated by PlacemakingJax in 2024.
FASHION FOUNTAIN FEATURING PNEUMA
Number of Attendees: 248
Creatives Involved: 72
Planning Hours: 420
Public Spaces Activated: 1
Team Leads:
Hootie Shepherd and Keegan Jervis
L.O.V.E. FEST: YEAR TWO
Number of Attendees: 900
Creatives Involved: 98
Planning Hours: 1,100
Public Spaces Activated: 5
Team Leads:
L.O.V.E. Culture & In the Midst: Che, Rob Mari, Easyin2D, Flash the Samurai, Spirit, DJ Larry Love, Torrence "Pops" Jones, Ashelynn Atlintas and Tori Sammy, Rochelle Underdue and Shirlz
JAX PHOTO FEST
Number of Attendees: 478
Creatives Involved: 40
Planning Hours: 815
Public Spaces Activated: 3
Team Leads:
Malcolm Jackson and Pamela Bruning
SKYWAY SOCIAL PRESENTED BY DAILY’S
Number of Attendees: 751
Creatives Involved: 32
Planning Hours: 451
Public Spaces Activated: 1
Team Leads:
Niko Costas, Josué A. Cruz, Harmony Strohm, Chris Anderson, Trevor Hall, Drew Lynch
PLACEMAKING 2.0 SNAPSHOT
Public Spaces Activated: Artist Walk Skate Park, Brooklyn Riverwalk, the Cathedral District, the Elbow Nightlife District, Friendship Fountain, the JTA Skyway, and Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park
Number of Activations or Pop-ups: 28
Number of Attendees: 9,300
Hours Invested: 5,579
Creatives Involved: 448
WINE DOWN FEST
Number of Attendees: 400
Creatives Involved: 78
Planning Hours: 1,200
Public Spaces Activated: 7
Team Leads:
Dominique Tull, Khalliah Bryant, Robert Young-Drake, Larry Wakefield, Will Morgan, Karissa Hall
FY2024 BOARD & STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul Davison, Chair BDO USA, LLP
Kerri Stewart, Vice Chair Miller Electric
Allan Iosue, Secretary Haskell
Will Landreth, Treasurer Truist
Numa Saisselin
Immediate Past Chair
Florida Theatre
Councilmember Raul Arias
Jacksonville City Council
Zach Ashourian Ash Properties
Oliver Barakat
CBRE Group, Inc.
Kaci Barnes PNC
Lori Boyer
Downtown Investment Authority
Caryn Carreiro
Inlight Real Estate Partners
Austin Collins
First Baptist Church
Stephen Crosby
Retired – CSX / InvestJax
Teresa Durand-Stuebben
Downtown Resident
Laura Phillips Edgecombe
Jessie Ball duPont Fund
Katie Ensign
Baptist Health
Sondra Fetner
Jessie Ball duPont Fund
Nathaniel P. Ford Sr.
Jacksonville Transportation Authority
Soo Gilvarry
Lotus Commercial USA
Paul Grainger Iconic Real Estate
Jan Hanak Regency Centers
Elias Hionides
PETRA
Vince McCormack Perdue, Inc.
Chad Meadows
VyStar Credit Union
Robert Maldonado
Downtown Resident
Bryan Moll
Gateway Jax
William (Bill) R. Prescott
Heritage Capital Group
Roger Rassman
Community First Credit Union
John Ream
The Connect Agency
Assistant Chief Jimmy Ricks
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
Lindsay Rossman
Jacksonville Jaguars
Ryan Rogers
DANIS
Steve Sprecher
Pinnacle Financial Partners
Laura Marshall Schepis
JEA
Alex Sifakis
JWB Real Estate
Cyndy Trimmer
Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow, PLLC
Aundra Wallace
JAXUSA Partnership
STAFF
Jacob A. Gordon, Esq., Chief Executive Officer
Katherine Hardwick, Vice President of Marketing & Research
Eric Miller, Esq., Vice President of District Services & General Counsel
Kady Yellow, Senior Director of Placemaking
Noah Moran, Director of Administration
Eduardo Santos, Director of Stakeholder Support
Haley Tinkle, Director of Events
Laken Gudzak, Director of Communications
Savanne Giroire, Communications Coordinator
Phoebe Mullis, Events Manager
PHOTOGRAPHY BY:
Rique Bentley
Wesly Michael Rakim Edwards
Savanne Giroire
D’Avril Grant
Kevin Nguyen
Amanda Rosenblatt
Toni Smailagic J. West
DOWNTOWN AMBASSADORS FY2024
Jason Hatley Operations Manager
Mike Ryan Operations Supervisor
Carol “Skittles” Vlahos Social Services Outreach Program Lead
Azain Aldor
Emmett Banks
Jennifer Bell
Kerry Byrd
Mike Carpenter
Jason Clark
Bob Cofer
Tymaine Coteat
Kenny Day
Ranee Felder
Lee Fields
Walter Foster
Wendy Foster
Nancy Norman Green
Troy Harris
Brandy Hicks
Russell Hill
Xavier James
Mark Jenkins
Denise Johnson
Potrena Jones
Ron Jones
Chad King
Alton Knox
Michael McNeil
Kirston Morrison
Randolph Myers
Ali Nelson
Kelvin Ragin
Lionel Roberts
Warren Robinson
Will Shannon
Leon Sinclair
Justin Sweat
Evelyn Thomas
Duan Thompson
Angel Tirado
NEXT STEP AMBASSADORS
John Lindor
Chris McHenry
Dulani Mitchell
FY2024 BUDGET
INVESTING IN DOWNTOWN
Downtown Vision is funded mainly through a non-ad valorem special assessment of Downtown property owners collected by the Duval County Tax Collector, and through additional contributions from exempt property owners including the City of Jacksonville. These assessments and contributions fund the organizational budget for the 501(c)(6) Business Improvement District, which is approved by the Downtown Vision Board of Directors, the Downtown Investment Authority, the Mayor’s Office and the Jacksonville City Council. Downtown Vision also utilizes a separate 501(c)3 nonprofit, Downtown Vision Alliance, for private fundraising efforts. The breakdown of our combined budget is below. For more detailed financial information, like a copy of our consolidated audit, please reach out to us.
Revenues Expenses
Many
Thanks
TO OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS:
$25,001 & UP
First Baptist Church
Jacksonville Transportation
Authority
JEA
Truist
The Vestcor Companies
$10,001-$25,000
Auld & White Constructors
Block by Block
Gateway Jax
Jacksonville Sheriffs Office
JAX Chamber
Miller Electric Company
THE PLAYERS
Visit Jacksonville
$5,001-$10,000
Steve & Betsy Crosby
ELM | Ervin Lovett Miller
The Haskell Company
JWB Real Estate Capital
Live Oak Contracting
Seacoast Bank
Tom Bush Family of Dealerships
$5,000 & BELOW
Allied Universal
Avant Construction Group
BDO USA
Cecil W. Powell & Company
$5,000 & BELOW CONT.
Chase Properties
Community First Credit Union
Connect Agency
Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS
DANIS
Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow, PLLC
England-Thims and Miller, Inc. (ETM)
Florida Theatre
Gate Petroleum
Gresham Smith
Intuition Ale Works
Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund
kasper architects + associates
Lee & Cates Glass
Lotus Commercial USA, LLC
Manifest Distilling Perdue Office Interiors
Prime Realty Regency Centers
St. John's Parish
TECO Energy
The Glass Factory
Whiting-Turner Contracting
IN-KIND PARTNERS
904 Happy Hour
Black Mural Map
Colliers International (The Urban Division)
IN-KIND PARTNERS CONT.
Congress for New Urbanism - Jacksonville Chapter
Cre8Jax
Dennis + Ives
Do Right by the Streets
DuBlase Foundation
Folio
Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park
Hidden Jacksonville
iHeartMedia
Jacksonville Business Journal
Jacksonville Daily Record
Jacksonville Public Library
Jax Wall Project
Kollect Jax
LOLJax Film
MOCA Jacksonville
Money Pages
MPN Network
PHX JAX
PlacemakingUS
Project for Public Spaces
Ritz Theatre & Museum
Riverside Avondale Preservation
RTeam
Social Beans
Sunbelt Rentals
TeamMoneyProductionz
The Block Skate Supply Skate Shop
The Winston Family YMCA
WJCT
