Charles Garrison, the chair of the Jacksonville Planning Commission, resigned his position effective Dec. 17.
In an email to Mayor Donna Deegan, his colleagues on the Planning Commission and members of the Planning Department, Garrison said he was taking a professional opportunity in New York City.
“Serving on the Planning Commission, and most recently as Chair, has been one of the most meaningful honors of my public service,” Garrison wrote.
“I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me to help lead a commission that carries real responsibility to the people we serve, our neighborhoods, and the development community.”
In a text message, Garrison said his new job was director of permitting with Bohler, a multidisciplinary engineering consultant firm with offices in New Jersey, New York and other states.
Garrison said he will lead a team working with developers as they navigate the entitlements and permitting process within the five New York burroughs.
“I was laid off from my role at Century Communities in October of this year and unfortunately there weren’t any viable openings in Jacksonville, so that’s when I started looking elsewhere,” he said. “I started the interview process with Bohler in early November.”
Garrison has served on the commission since 2023, serving twice as chair. He served his first term as chair in 2023-24, then was vice chair during the next cycle. He took over the chair position again in October 2025.
Phil Perry, the city's chief communications officer, said in a statement that the city was grateful for Garrison's service and wished him well.
"We also look forward to continuing to work with current Vice Chair and incoming Chair Moné Holder," Perry said.
Garrison recently was appointed to serve as the commission’s representative to the Jacksonville Housing and Development Commission, and he was confirmed by City Council for that role on Dec. 9. According to Council’s legislative website, that resolution is awaiting Deegan’s signature.
In his final meeting with the commission, Garrison announced plans to create commission committees that would focus on community engagement and examine Jacksonville’s long-term development.
“As Chair for this current cycle, I have also been proud of our progress working alongside staff to improve operational efficiency, increase coordination with the Citizen Planning Advisory Committees, and meet our neighbors where they are,” he wrote.
“The creation of the Infrastructure Committee and the Plan Coordination Committee reflects that commitment to being more proactive, better aligned, and more engaged.”
According to Garrison’s letter of resignation, Holder, who had served as the commission’s vice chair, will take over as chair.
Holder, who has served on the commission since 2023, works as the senior director of advocacy and programs for Rising Florida, a voting advocacy organization that works to expand political power and advance economic and racial justice in “Black and brown communities.”
"It has been an honor to serve under Charles’ leadership in his capacity as Chairman of the Jacksonville Planning Commission," Holder said in an email. "His vision has truly uplifted the needs of our community, and for that, I am grateful to have served as his Vice-Chair."
"I was appointed to the Planning Commission by Mayor Donna Deegan, the first female Mayor in our City’s history, so it is not lost on me, the historical significance of being a Black woman serving as Chairwoman of the Planning Commission," she said. "I am humbled by the vote of confidence that our Mayor and outgoing Chairman has placed in me. I look forward to building upon his legacy and vision, while continuing to lead with intention and purpose alongside my fellow Commissioners."
Garrison’s resignation leaves one spot open on the nine-seat commission. He represented District 1.
This story was updated with comments from Phil Perry, city chief communications officer, and Moné Holder.