The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) commissioned CHW Professional Consultants, Acuity Design Group and Lewis, Longman & Walker, PA in September of 2019 to abandon the Downtown Regional Impact (DRI), develop methodology to preserve vested development rights and remove antiquated regulatory processes from Downtown. A little over one year and a lot of hard work later, Jacksonville City Council approved legislation that officially abandons the DRI, paving the way for a more streamlined approach to Downtown development.
With the abandonment of the DRI, the limitations instituted in the 1980s on the type and amount of development within Downtown no longer apply. Further, over the years, impacts relating to development that previously justified the DRI – such as transportation and infrastructure – have been incorporated into the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinances, leaving the DRI, at least with respect to Downtown, an unnecessary layer of review. Removing this layer of review allows development and redevelopment within Downtown to move at a pace that can better respond to market demand and enhances economic growth in Downtown Jacksonville.
“I commend the hard work put into abandoning the DRI – it was no small feat, but it was surely needed,” expressed Ron Moody, DIA Board Chair. “Initiatives that help streamline Downtown development benefit not only our urban core, but our city at large. The easier we make it for interested parties to invest Downtown, the more opportunities we create to elevate our community. I look forward to continuing our efforts in making Downtown a great place to live, work, play and invest.”
The DIA will maintain regulatory authority and development control in Downtown Jacksonville, continuing to allocate development rights by resolution and distributing Mobility Fee Credits at its discretion for Downtown projects. At present, the DIA holds +/- $32,800,000 in Mobility Fee Credits ready to disburse for qualified developments.
About the Downtown Investment Authority: The Downtown Investment Authority was established by the City of Jacksonville to revitalize Jacksonville’s urban core by utilizing Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) resources and is guided by a nine-member board of directors. The DIA seeks to attract investment, facilitate job creation and increase residential density through capital investments, planning, marketing and public-private partnerships including the provision of incentives for the general community and Downtown stakeholders. For more information, visit https://dia.coj.net/ and https://investdtjax.com/.