Mayor Alvin Brown defends his government-reform decision to include the City’s Planning and Development Department within a newly proposed Economic Development Commission, which has raised questions from critics.
“They should ask questions,” Brown told Daily Record reporters Wednesday, “but it should be in there.”
Under Brown’s reform proposal, planning and development would join the Office of Economic Development, Jacksonville Downtown Development, a Public Private Partnerships office and the Sports and Entertainment Commission to report to a yet-to-be-named economic development commissioner.
Brown said its inclusion is important to having a cohesive government working toward economic development. He said planning “on the front end” makes sense when trying to develop the economy, especially in targeted industries.
As part of economic development, Brown said planning and development still would adhere to codes and regulations.
“It is the ability to foster an environment of being open for business,” he said.
Council Vice President Bill Bishop was among those who have questioned the move.
In a Council reform workshop Tuesday, Bishop said having the department within economic development could leave the impression that the City “is in the hands of developers” and sends the wrong message.
A separate study reform group consisting primarily of members with experience in past administrations also discussed the move a week ago.
Group member Wyman Duggan, a shareholder with the Rogers Tower law firm, said he considered it a way to streamline regulations, but member Sam Mousa said he didn’t see the tie between the department and economic development.
Many of the economic development leadership roles have yet to be filled. Brown said last week he doesn’t discuss personnel decisions but said his appointee process follows that of his priorities: the budget, government reform and then City pension issues.
“They can come from all over, wherever the talent is,” Brown said when asked if appointees would be local or from national searches. “The key is getting the best for the job.”
Brown said pension reform “will be done next year” and would happen “sooner rather than later.” After that, economic development activities will be accelerated, he said.
Another discussion topic has been the requirements and effectiveness of the Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund program, which provides tax refunds from local and state sources to companies to encourage job growth.
“You can always take a fresh look,” Brown said when asked if program changes were needed.
“Here’s the thing about policy: if there are any regulations that are an impediment for growing our business in the marketplace, we need to remove them.”
He also referred to the program’s beginnings. “Sometimes we pass laws and institute different policies and it may have been appropriate for that time,” he said.
Among Brown’s other comments:
• Brown said he was still confident that Council will pass his proposed reform plan by Dec. 13. “I am very optimistic,” he said. When asked how a delay could affect the plan, Brown repeated his optimism. “I don’t even think that way,” he said of reform being delayed.
• A pending bill within the Legislature that would allow construction of destination casinos in Florida led to MGM Resorts International sending a development team to Jacksonville to look at potential sites, but Brown did not talk with the group.
“I can’t think of that right now,” Brown said. “I’m thinking of what’s in front of me and getting reform and pension. When that comes up and if it ever makes it here, that’s a discussion.”
• Parks also will be a large focus in the coming year, he said. “I am probably going to be the most active mayor when it comes to parks,” he said. That includes holding staff meetings at parks and featuring kayaking days with citizens.
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