An IBM Smarter Cities Challenge report valued at $400,000 released Thursday said Downtown revitalization is dependent on creating a “draw.”
“It became clear that, while individual initiatives have been implemented, the City lacks an integrated, cohesive and time-ordered road map for coordinating activities and working toward common goals,” the report states.
The final report about Downtown revitalization resulted from a three-week visit in August by a team from IBM. Mayor Alvin Brown’s office released the report Thursday.
The project was part of IBM’s Smarter Cities Challenge grant program, a global initiative by the technology services company to provide $50 million in services by 2013 to what it considers the 100 most progressive cities.
When it was announced in March that Jacksonville had been chosen for the project among 33 international candidates, Brown said the results would not be “another white paper.”
Steve Swaim, IBM senior location executive, said the final report would be a “blueprint for Downtown development.”
Recommendations from the study include:
• Adopt a “balanced scorecard” methodology to translate vision to strategy, measure progress and enforce accountability.
• Adopt an optimization-based, road-mapping approach to facilitate multicriterion decision-making.
• Establish a Roadmap Management Office to manage development and progression of the roadmap.
• Create an “epicenter for growth” to funnel its investment funds in a cohesive and integrated manner to a specific area within the Downtown Improvement District.
• Implement near-term projects to create “attractiveness” to draw people Downtown, including regular special events programming, short-term beautification initiatives, code enforcement, and the development of a dedicated brand identity and communications campaign.
• A synchronization of transportation businesses with increased wayfarer signage.
• Develop Downtown residential units to accommodate at least 15,000 residents by 2015.
• Build and expand urban parks.
The report concludes that:
• Jacksonville has the potential to transform itself through the revitalization of Downtown by leveraging its natural resources, property assets and the passion of its citizens.
• The City needs to share its vision and engage stakeholders willing to contribute to economic growth through urban renewal.
• Through informed decision-making and process management, the City can “consistently measure and track growth and capture additional opportunities in the future as it moves forward on its journey toward revitalization.”
The report also features a quote from Brown:
“Let’s take Jacksonville to the next level by turning potential into reality through a laser focus on job creation, Downtown revitalization, education and public safety.”
According to the 45-page report, nearly 80 sources representing the City, academia, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic organizations, clergy, Downtown residents, law enforcement officials and local developers were interviewed for the study.
The data was analyzed based on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to identify common themes and challenges.
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