COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
President, Historic Eastside Community Development Corp.
Gentrification is the major issue in the Eastside, as it threatens to displace local residents and undermine the cultural fabric of the community by prioritizing development over the preservation of historic communities and spaces.
Historic Eastside CDC is actively addressing the challenges posed by gentrification through a multifaceted approach aimed at preserving the cultural heritage and supporting local residents.
By focusing on community engagement, the organization facilitates workshops and forums to empower residents and amplify their voices in the development process.
They are also working to secure funding for affordable housing initiatives that protect long-term residents from displacement.
Additionally, Historic Eastside CDC is promoting local businesses and artists, ensuring that the unique character of the neighborhood is celebrated and preserved.
Through partnerships with local stakeholders and advocacy for equitable policies, the CDC is committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive community that honors its rich history while adapting to future changes.
ENTREPRENEURS
CEO, PS27 Ventures
The primary economic issue facing entrepreneurs is access to capital.
At PS27 Ventures, we are taking on the challenge of empowering entrepreneurs with the capital, connections and community they need to be successful.
This year, we launched the $25 million Titan Fund, which will continue to invest in early-stage companies in Florida and across the U.S.
We also aim to connect our local founders with venture capital partners across the state.
On March 7, we are proud to host the 10th anniversary of our Female Founders Forum, the Largest Celebration of International Women’s Day in Florida.
Additionally, we are expanding our impact with three other programs for entrepreneurs hosted by the PS27 Foundation.
By fostering resilience and innovation, we’ve created 1,700 jobs in our community and are building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jacksonville and beyond.
NONPROFITS
CEO, Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida
The primary economic issue facing the nonprofit industry is the capacity to pay competitive wages to recruit and retain the professional staff necessary to deliver high-impact services.
The nonprofit workforce shortage is dramatically impacting the capacity of the sector to deliver high quality services.
Organizational size, geographic location, roles and responsibilities and funding and budget all play a role in the capacity of the organization to recruit and retain the talent needed.
The sector is addressing this urgent issue by increasing strategic partnerships, sharing back-office services, evaluating mergers and acquisitions and most importantly, ensuring that the true cost of services is being annually evaluated to avoid the scarcity trap.
By understanding the full cost to deliver professional services, the sector can negotiate better grant and contract terms that permit the ability to fully compensate staff.
The constant rotation of underpaid staff has left the sector unable to consistently to meet the community demands.
The public, private and philanthropic sectors must work together to address this issue.
Without these essential personnel, the community will not be prepared to adequately respond to the next crisis on top of the daily demands that are already overburdening the field.
PORT AND LOGISTICS
CEO, Jacksonville Port Authority
The primary economic issue facing the port/logistics industry is geopolitical tensions impacting global trade.
Ongoing wars in the Mideast and Ukraine, terrorist attacks in the Red Sea, proposed trade policy changes and labor unrest all create uncertainty for companies engaged in global trade.
At the same time, the world’s largest container shipping lines are realigning into new alliances that will change how and where these carriers service global ports.
Meanwhile, JaxPort is faring well partly due to the diversity we have built among our business lines and trade lanes.
Because we are not completely leveraged in handling only one cargo type or doing business in only one part of the world, we have spread our risk widely and can better absorb a localized disruption in one trade lane. We see strength in our diversity.
NORTHEAST FLORIDA ECONOMY
Interim Dean, University of North Florida Coggin College of Business
The primary economic issue facing the Northeast Florida economy is managing growth sustainably amidst challenges like labor shortages, rising costs of living, infrastructure demands, and heightened household and business debt exacerbated by high interest rates and inflationary pressures.
Northeast Florida is tackling growth challenges by leveraging its appeal to attract workforce and businesses, strengthening the local economy.
Jacksonville’s role as a logistics hub is expanding through port upgrades, airport expansion, nearshoring opportunities, and investments in intermodal facilities.
Real estate projects are tackling housing affordability.
To address labor shortages, partnerships with educational institutions like UNF are rolling out programs in fintech, AI and advanced manufacturing to build a skilled workforce.
Flexible work options and vocational training initiatives are also helping retain talent, while infrastructure upgrades in transportation and utilities support the region’s expansion.
It’s all about balancing growth with innovation and future-proofing the economy.
What 26 Northeast Florida leaders are saying about the issues and challenges in the year ahead.
Jan. 2: Daniel Cronrath, Debbie Buckland, Aundra Wallace, Michael Corrigan, Lakita Spann and Nichole Mobley. Story here
Jan. 3: Nick Allard, Christian Oldenburg, Eric Heninger, Dennis Whittle and William Bishop. Story here
Jan. 6: Dan Croft, Sharon Y. Cobb, Jenny Urcan, Bryan Moll and Irvin PeDro Cohen. Story here
Jan. 7: Patrick L. Green, Bill Sorenson, Dawn Gilman, Rebecca Gonzalez and Harrison Conyers. Story here
Jan. 8: Suzanne Pickett, Jim Stallings, Dawn Lockhart, Eric Green and Albert Loh. Story here