Mayor applauds City Council for backing legislation to reduce wait time

Mayor Alvin Brown’s plan to overhaul economic development policy is now official. The mayor signed legislation (2012-213) Wednesday creating a more efficient process for companies to collaborate with City Hall for development, relocation or expansion in Jacksonville. The bill-signing followed a unanimous vote by City Council to approve the measure Tuesday night.

“This is about investing in our future and making Jacksonville the most competitive city it can be at time that cities all over America are fighting for jobs,” said the mayor. “Our streamlined policy empowers the City of Jacksonville to work more effectively with the private sector for jobs and opportunity. I commend City Council for its hard work and dedication to economic development.”

City Rescue Mission to host pilot project

City Rescue Mission is partnering with the City of Jacksonville to administer a one-year pilot project that will host a daytime resource center intended to transform the lives of Jacksonville’s homeless.

Watch video from the announcement

Mayor Alvin Brown applauded the City Rescue Mission and its CEO, David Bugher, during Thursday’s announcement, saying it marked a significant step toward developing solutions for those who are trying to rebuild themselves amid personal and economic challenges.

Position is critical component of mayor’s vision for jobs and opportunity

Mayor Alvin Brown has chosen Theodore N. Carter, an executive with more than 20 years of public and private sector experience, to head the new Office of Economic Development.

As the Economic Development Officer, he will manage the city’s day-to-day economic development functions with an aim to attract good-paying jobs and quality business opportunities to make Jacksonville more competitive. His appointment is a critical component of the mayor’s vision to transition away from the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission and create an Office of Economic Development with executive management capacity.

March Madness Will Return To Jacksonville

The City of Jacksonville will welcome the NCAA men's basketball championship to the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena in 2015 with the second and third rounds being awarded on Monday.

This is the third time that Jacksonville has been picked to be a host. Past events generated an estimated economic of $12 million in 2006, and a similar impact was projected in 2010.

"March Madness will draw investment and attention on our great city,” said Mayor Brown. “Hosting the NCAA tournament continues the momentum we have experienced in making our city a great destination for sports and entertainment. I want to thank all of our partners for working with us to successfully bid for the tournament.”

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The USS Bataan will serve as the platform for the 2012 Navy-Marine Corps Classic men’s college basketball game presented by Florida Blue. The ship is part of the representational amphibious ready group ships that U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced will be homeported in the Jacksonville area.

Mayor Alvin Brown promised earlier this year that he would unveil a retirement reform initiative no later than the end of 2012. Mayor Brown delivered on that promise when the City of Jacksonville negotiating team unveiled his reform proposal for police employees in a collective bargaining meeting with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5-30 on Oct. 29. The plan is estimated to save $1.5 billion over 30 years.

One day after he unveiled his retirement reform proposal for police employees in the Police and Fire Pension Plan, Mayor Brown unveiled his reform proposal for certain COJ employees in the General Employees Retirement Plan in a collective bargaining meeting with the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees.

“Our city employees deserve a retirement system that is sustainable,” said Mayor Brown. “The current system is broken. We have to fix it to respect and protect employees and taxpayers.”

Residents, visitors urged to be prepared

The City of Jacksonville is continuing to monitor Hurricane Sandy off the coast and is urging residents and visitors participating in outdoor events this weekend as part of the Georgia vs. Florida College Football Classic to take precautions.

Sports fans attending the game or nearby festivities are urged to closely track weather reports.

While the storm is still expected to stay well offshore, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Northeast Florida and Coastal Southeast Georgia. The NWS expects gusty winds through Sunday morning. Read more.