A former Jacksonville City Council member who joined Mayor Donna Deegan’s administration as a Council liaison has taken a new role with the Downtown Investment Authority.
Scott Wilson is serving as DIA capital project manager as of March 3, city chief communications officer Phil Perry said. In that role, Wilson will help coordinate efforts between the DIA and other city departments, such as Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Community Services, on Downtown improvements.
In related news, Deegan’s administration announced that Deegan’s other Council liaison, Bill Delaney, would be working with Brittany Norris, director of intergovernmental affairs, in interfacing with Council members. Joe Inderhees, Deegan’s deputy chief of staff, also will take on Council liaison duties, Perry said.
Wilson served as a Council member representing District 4 from 2015 to 2020. He served as Council president during 2019 and 2020. Before winning the seat, he had worked as an executive Council assistant in District 4 for eight years.
“Scott’s wide array of experience and deep institutional knowledge of city government will be vital to completing complicated projects that further develop Jacksonville’s downtown, a top priority of Mayor Deegan. He will also serve as a bridge to the next DIA CEO,” Perry said in an email.
Deegan has prioritized Downtown revitalization, including progress on public projects, since becoming mayor in the summer of 2023. She instituted a series of “chop-chop” meetings with leaders of the DIA and other city departments to improve coordination on design and construction and design of city projects such as the Riverfront Plaza park, the rerouting of McCoys Creek along the One Riverside project at the site of the former Florida Times-Union building, the since-completed Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing park in LaVilla and design of Shipyards West and Metropolitan parks.
The DIA has begun considering finding a successor for CEO Lori Boyer, who in May 2024 received a one-year contract extension with a one-year renewal option. Minus the renewal, her contract will expire in June 2025.
A DIA board workshop is scheduled for 4 p.m. March 4 to discuss the organization’s priorities and “the experience and skill sets required for the next CEO,” according to the agenda. The workshop will be in the Don Davis Room at City Hall, 117 W. Duval St.
Perry said Wilson’s salary would not change with his new role. In an August 2023 report to the Council Finance Committee, his compensation was listed at $112,750.
“The Mayor’s Office and City Council have accomplished a lot working together over the past 20 months. This restructuring will enhance that relationship as we continue delivering significant progress for Jacksonville,” Perry said in the email.