Jacksonville does not yet have a formal mechanism for neighbourhood participation in local government but steps have been initiated which will examine the feasibility of this. Four neighbourhoods (out of 188 identified on the basis of census tracts) have been identified as priority neighbourhoods for economic development work. Three of the neighbourhoods are inner-city neighbourhoods, one is a beach community. The neighbourhoods were chosen for the pilot project on the basis of their ability to articulate their needs and willingness to take on projects as well as their socio-demographic characteristics. The initiative is called the Neighbourhood Economic Development Initiative and has been set up as a non-profit entity with an 'at arm's length relationship' to the City. To date no requirements exist for neighbourhood groups- "any group which can build consensus in the neighbourhood" on priorities will be recognized. The initiative came from the mayor. Jacksonville elects 14 councilors on a district (ward) basis and 5 at-large.
Scope of Activities
The goals of the Neighbourhood Economic Development Initiative are:
1) to encourage private investment in neighbourhoods, and 2) to reduce government and allow neighbourhoods to access civic services through one office. It is expected that neighbourhoods will set their own priorities for involvement once the initial development work is done. One objective is to establish a Council of Neighbourhood Associations as an umbrella organization to ensure that neighbourhood issues get on the table with the city in an effective way. The key issues now revolve around the economy/employment, and in beach communities, development pressures.
Resources
An office has been established with 2 professional staff- a Neighbourhood Coordinator and an Executive Director. To date, 20 grants of $1,000 each have been provided by the city to community groups to undertake neighbourhood development projects.
History and Comments
Jacksonville was included in the survey because it has a newly emerging neighbourhood participation initiative. The Neighbourhood Economic Development Initiative was established in July 1992 by the Mayor. The initiative weds two themes of concern to Jacksonville residents: jobs and the health of inner city neighbourhoods. Consequently Jacksonville has looked to cities like Pittsburgh for inspiration on how to develop closer ties with neighbourhoods while emphasizing economic development.
The economic issues facing Jacksonville are similar to those faced by Pittsburgh and other rust belt cities in the past 15 - 20 years: high unemployment among blue collar workers coupled with a move by the middle class to newly developing areas. The key issues for most neighbourhoods, aside from public safety, are related to economic development and diversity in order to provide jobs, and enticing home buyers back into the city.
Although the initiative is still in its early stages, one significant obstacle has already been encountered. Once problems have been identified and solutions agreed upon the challenge still remains to find sufficient resources to implement projects. Partnerships with local universities and financial institutions are being formed to address this weakness.
New Ways of Governing
The Citizen's Handbook / Charles Dobson / www.vcn.bc.ca/citizens-handbook
