News Summary
Jacksonville is set to interview three finalists for the CEO position at the Downtown Investment Authority. The selection process comes amid legislative changes affecting governance. The finalists have diverse backgrounds in economic development, and the new CEO will replace Lori Boyer, who is retiring. Discussions around the city’s vision and development goals are integral to this search, particularly as the City Council proposed but then withdrew a controversial bill regarding CEO appointments. The DIA continues to focus on local business incentives and urban development.
Jacksonville is set to welcome three finalists for the highly anticipated CEO position at the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) on June 9. This selection process comes as the city navigates discussions around legislative changes which may impact the authority’s future operations and governance.
The finalists include Danny Chavez, the former chief economic development officer for Waco, Texas; Lara Fritts, division director for the Frederick County Department of Economic Opportunity in Maryland; and Colin Tarbert, president and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corporation in Maryland. The appointment of a new CEO is crucial as they will replace Lori Boyer, who retires following a successful six-year tenure with the DIA.
During their interview day, the finalists will engage with several key officials, including Mayor Donna Deegan, Chief of Staff Mike Weinstein, incoming City Council President Kevin Carrico, and members of the DIA board. This is an essential step in ensuring that the next leader is well-aligned with the city’s vision and objectives.
Complicating the situation, the City Council had initially proposed legislation that would have allowed them to fire the next CEO, a move that raised concerns among stakeholders about potential overreach and its impacts on the recruitment process. In response to these apprehensions, the Council ultimately decided to withdraw the proposal. The legislation would have required City Council confirmation for the board’s chosen CEO, an action that some members, including Ken Amaro, felt could lead to unwanted interference in executive appointments across the city’s authorities.
The DIA is seeking a candidate with a strong understanding of Jacksonville’s distinct downtown layout and development patterns. They are looking for someone with a proven record of success, experience in government affairs, and the agility to navigate a landscape of changing market conditions. The recruitment process, overseen by Jorgenson Pace, is anticipated to conclude within three months.
In addition to the CEO search, the DIA recently approved a $200,000 incentive for an Irish pub adjacent to the new Decca Live venue. This incentive is part of the DIA’s Retail Enhancement Program and does not necessitate City Council’s approval, highlighting the authority’s priority in bolstering local businesses and attractions.
City Council member Joe Carlucci has also proposed a significant $45 million development fund aimed at revitalizing selected areas within downtown Jacksonville. This fund is intended to tackle the issue of vacant lots along Bay Street and foster enhanced residential development. The funding is set to be drawn from a surplus in the city’s Self Insurance Fund, reflecting a proactive approach to urban development.
Past efforts to develop the site of the old county courthouse have encountered challenges, primarily due to escalating costs and financial constraints. However, the DIA has previously incentivized new ventures in areas such as the Elbow district, emphasizing the importance of nightlife and activity at street level, which are vital for the city’s economic growth and appeal.
As Jacksonville prepares for the interviews and potential leadership transition at the Downtown Investment Authority, these developments signify a pivotal moment for the city’s downtown area, as stakeholders and officials look to foster a more vibrant and economically sustainable urban landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville’s Downtown Investment Authority has three CEO finalists
- Search begins for Downtown Investment Authority CEO
- DIA board approves $200,000 incentive for Irish pub
- Wikipedia: Economic development
- Google Search: Downtown Investment Authority Jacksonville
