A team of IBM experts began a three-week project Tuesday to determine realistic solutions to revitalize Downtown, using a grant valued at $400,000 from the technology services company to accomplish its goal.
The project is part of IBM’s Smarter Cities Challenge grant program, a worldwide initiative to provide $50 million of services and technical assistance to the most progressive 100 cities around the world through 2013.
Jacksonville was selected in March as one of the cities, competing among eight cities nationally and 33 globally.
The consultant team of six will work from City Hall and meet with stakeholders, defined for the project as Downtown business and restaurant owners, developers, residents, nonprofits, City services departments City Council members, environmentalists, clergy, transportation specialists and library, museum and education officials, according to Aleizha Batson, City deputy director of communications.
A target time and date of 10 a.m. Aug. 24 has been set to announce an initial Downtown report and closeout review.
“Jacksonville is a city that is rich with promise and accomplishment, and it is a distinct honor for our team to become honorary citizens, at least for three weeks,” said Emily Santos, IBM corporate affairs manager.
“As members of our IBM Smarter Cities Challenge team settle in to begin their project, they look forward to meeting stakeholders who have so much to be proud of and so much to look forward to.”
Other issues addressed within the Smart Cities Challenge grant project include health, transportation, economic development, education, finance, sustainability, public safety and “e-government.
“This isn’t just an opportunity for our city. It’s a game-changer,” said Mayor Alvin Brown, who cited the project as an example of a successful public-private partnership.
In the March news conference announcing the grant, Brown said the company’s result “is not another white paper” and Steve Swaim, IBM senior location executive, described it as a “blueprint for Downtown development.”