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Leadership Changes in Jacksonville’s Planning Commission and JEA

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Skyline of Jacksonville representing urban planning

News Summary

Julius E. Harden has resigned from the Jacksonville Planning Commission amid tensions over the city’s planning processes. R. Brett James, the head of Jacksonville’s Planning and Development Department, also stepped down seeking a new direction in leadership. Meanwhile, changes at the Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) include the resignation of board member A. Zachary Faison Jr. and the appointment of Ricky Erixton as interim COO. These transitions highlight ongoing challenges within urban planning and governance in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville – Leadership Changes in City Planning and JEA

Julius E. Harden, a member of the Jacksonville Planning Commission, has resigned effective July 11, 2023, in an email addressed to Mayor Donna Deegan. His departure comes amid increasing tensions surrounding the city’s planning processes and leadership transitions within the area.

Harden’s resignation was prompted by professional and personal commitments that prevented him from adequately fulfilling his duties on the commission. He was appointed to the planning commission by Mayor Deegan in September 2022 and confirmed by the Jacksonville City Council the following month. Harden took over the position previously held by Alexander G. Moldovan and was serving a first full term expected to end on September 30, 2026.

Following Harden’s resignation, Phil Perry, the city’s chief communications officer, indicated that the Deegan administration intends to review potential candidates to fill the vacancy left by Harden, with plans to appoint a successor once selection is complete.

Changes in City Leadership

In conjunction with Harden’s resignation, R. Brett James, who led Jacksonville’s Planning and Development Department, also resigned upon request from the Deegan administration. His departure came amid a desire for a different direction within the department. James’s resignation became effective April 25, following a period of administrative leave that began on April 12. He had been appointed to the position in February 2024 and oversaw divisions including Community Planning and Transportation Planning. James expressed disappointment over his exit, indicating he believed he was well-suited to his role.

The resignation of James highlights ongoing challenges within the Planning Commission as tensions have escalated regarding development processes and the establishment of a Northeast Jacksonville Development Review Board. Although City Council member Mike Gay introduced legislation aimed at this new board to address residents’ concerns regarding planning, the proposal ultimately did not advance. Additionally, another legislative proposal by Council member Rory Diamond concerning duplex and triplex developments faced delays and criticisms from other council members. A new initiative titled Project Plan R.I.T.E. was introduced by Council member Rahman Johnson to bolster community representation within the commission.

Scrutiny of the Planning Commission

The Jacksonville Planning Commission is currently under increased scrutiny, with discussions about a potential comprehensive overhaul of its operations gaining momentum. With Harden and James’s departures, the commission now faces renewed calls for change in how it approaches urban planning and resident engagement.

Changes at JEA

In addition to Faison’s departure, the JEA has appointed Ricky Erixton as the new interim chief operating officer. This change comes on the heels of former COO Raynetta Curry Marshall being notified that her last day would coincide with Faison’s resignation. These leadership transitions at JEA signal an effort to stabilize the board and promote effective governance.

Conclusion

As Jacksonville navigates these leadership changes within both the Planning Commission and JEA, the upcoming appointments and potential restructuring efforts will be critical in shaping the future of urban planning and utility services in the city.

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