ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Jacksonville Office of Economic Development director
The primary issue facing economic development is continuing to recruit and create jobs and capital investment.
Jacksonville is not in a vacuum facing nationwide economic challenges expected in 2021, but Northeast Florida is positioned better than some U.S. regions as companies in pandemic-resilient sectors like logistics, distribution and e-commerce continue to invest in local commercial projects.
It certainly appears that the large landowners are forecasting positive future growth in that area as they go through the permitting cycle.
The city will incentivize what City Hall officials consider job-creating targeted industries like financial technology and medical device manufacturers and distribution, looking at specific industries that are expanding.
The expiration of Florida’s Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Program in June removed one of the city’s economic development tools. The Legislature might look at a similar program.
DISTILLING
St. Augustine Distillery co-founder and CFO
For brewers and spirit manufacturers, economic recovery will be linked to Florida’s state government making it easier for producers to sell directly to consumers.
Gov. Ron DeSantis relaxed statewide restrictions on to-go alcohol sales during the COVID-19 pandemic as he ordered capacity restrictions April through June.
He has stated he would consider making those new rules permanent. We will work closely with the Visitors and Convention Bureau and local, state and national representatives to try to maximize support for small business, and advocate for the direct-to-consumer privileges enjoyed by wineries.
The overall national economy will continue to lag in 2021 from a COVID hangover as bars and restaurants continue to struggle, while Northeast Florida demographics will continue to work in our favor.
LAW
Jacksonville Bar Association president
There is so much backlog in the courts and a pent-up demand for legal services that there is no question that 2021 will be a busy year for Jacksonville lawyers.
With respect to litigation, Jacksonville enjoys a collegial Bar, which will no doubt assist in the resolution of matters and ultimately in clearing the backlog.
In addition, with North Florida’s population increasing exponentially it follows that there will be more work in the areas of real estate, development and estate planning. Jacksonville lawyers should expect that 2021 will bring positive and sustainable growth and benefits.
TOURISM
Visit Jacksonville president and CEO
These are indeed the worst times in the history of tourism. While Jacksonville has fared better than most of our country, the forecast doesn’t show a vast improvement for the first half of 2021.
We don’t expect to see growth until group and business travel start to happen more consistently. We are optimistic for future years since so many of our canceled groups have rescheduled.
In 2021, Visit Jacksonville will focus on the drive market, promoting our spacious beaches and expansive parks that have appealed to those looking for a safe getaway.
Our sales team is diligently working on booking business for future years, focused on 2022 and beyond. We will continue to look for new opportunities to help us make strides in putting our full industry back to work.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Florida State College at Jacksonville president
I think the impact COVID had on small businesses will have taken its toll. I don’t think we will be at the low unemployment levels we saw in the early part of 2020, but I am also hopeful that will not be as bad as many think. My best prediction is around 6% or so.
Regardless of the ongoing impact from COVID, FSCJ is prepared for a slight unemployment increase by offering programs that lead to high wage jobs – IT, health careers, business and manufacturing.
These appear to be the employment fields that will survive the recession for the near future. Much will likely depend on what happens with the transition in the White House.
If there is another shutdown, I think the markets will drop, but not to the levels of the previous shutdown. The markets have always survived and rebounded after a period of time.
NONPROFITS
The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida CEO
There’s a tremendous amount of uncertainty. It’s hampering any organization’s ability to strategize for the new year.
There’s also an increased demand for services along with a decrease in resources. Some organizations switched to virtual, like mental health counseling, but many organizations have to deliver their services in person, like elder care and disabled services.
There will be long-term damage to arts and culture organizations. If your business is to bring a house full of people together for music or theater, you have the least ability to develop alternative income.
In the last recession, we saw organizations cannibalizing their assets. The pandemic happened so fast, and on the tail of the recession, so a lot of organizations don’t have assets.
It’s estimated that 11% to 32% of nonprofits will fail or have to merge or restructure. No matter how the economy plays out, nonprofits are behind the eight ball. There are challenges ahead.
