Former U.S. President Bill Clinton voiced support Friday in Jacksonville for Mayor Alvin Brown’s efforts for Downtown revitalization and advocated for public-private partnerships or “networks of cooperation.”
Clinton, who served two terms from 1993-2001, was the keynote speaker at an economic development summit at the Terry Theater in the Times-Union Center.
“The problems we face are complicated and they often don’t have the perfect solution,” Clinton said. “The only thing that’s really working in the world everywhere today is when you have business and government and the citizens’ sector, the non-governmental sector, working together creating a network of cooperation and worth. And yet we seem hardwired for conflict.”
Clinton, the 42nd president, spoke to more than 600 attendees at the invitation-only event about the William J. Clinton Foundation, which he created to improve global health, strengthen worldwide economies, promote healthier childhoods and protect the environment through partnerships.
He said such partnerships can assist in redeveloping Downtown, which would include “shared prosperity and shared responsibility” for all stakeholders in Jacksonville. Downtown redevelopment is one of Brown’s priorities.
“I agree with the mayor, you should focus on rebuilding Downtown first and really as soon as possible,” Clinton said.
Regarding unemployment, Clinton suggested that educators focus on preparing workers for high-demand jobs.
Clinton said he was “very proud” of Brown and his leadership.
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