Page 4 of 6
example of an industry that makes sense for Jacksonville because of the viability of local medical institutions and continued job growth in this area. We must consider how we best leverage success in this industry and other winning areas. With respect for the last eight years, the world has changed rapidly over the last eight years and it is a much different place today than it was during the Delaney years. The economic outlook has changed, the debt model is different, state reforms have rolled back revenues, and we are living in a depression – not a recession. With limited dollars, it is important that communities focus on the important priorities. Jerry: It is important that our leaders be engaged and that they have clear ideas about where we want to go as a community. Lad: Change will come from the private sector; government should step aside and let the market determine winners and losers. Q. Should home foreclosures be a part of our discussion regarding economic recovery since Jacksonville is one of the community’s that has been so drastically affected? Lad: They are important and are the end result of the larger problem of lost and reduced income combined with variable mortgage rates and lost home equity. It is worse here because unemployment is so high. Q. How much capital investment is needed in Jacksonville? Ron: The community must prioritize its objectives and then build a capital plan. One perspective is not enough. If we choose dredging the port for example we would need a 15-20 year development plan with cost considerations. We might also look at quality of life issues that affect economic development like septic tanks in the urban core on the river. It takes $350 Million to mitigate the subsequent pollution problems, but it would take $500 Million to fix the overall problem. What we spend money on determines the kind of community we want. What kind of legacy do we want to leave? Q. Do we have a negative self-image here in Jacksonville? Ron: No. There was a period when that was the case. Today, the problem is we do not have a focus or a channeled path. Jerry: Our positivity probably peaked in 2005 during the Super Bowl. It has been very difficult to move forward because of limited investment due to the economic downturn. As a community we are depressed just like the economy. Q. Out-of-state recruiters are advertising jobs to local workers, which depletes our talented workforce. What can be done? Jerry: We need more job opportunities for the talented workers that live in the community. Ron: Whether its capital, residents, or development - our ability to attract these elements depends on the ability to compete with other communities. In terms of quality of life, companies have to consider whether or not their workers are going to be happy if a business relocates or expands. Q. How do we get public and private entities to focus on the same goals? Ron: Elected officials need the private sector to help them understand what is important this requires more caring, and more give and take. When prospects visit a community they want to meet with the Mayor to find out about the community’s priorities. Lad: The Amelia Island Conference, which led to the creation of JCCI, is an example of business, civic, and political leaders coming together to decide community priorities and a means of addressing those 2434 Atlantic Boulevard
Jacksonville, Florida 32207 904-396-3052 Fax: 904-398-1469
www.jcci.org